logo
Leena Chandavarkar's tale of love and loss; Twice widowed by 37

Leena Chandavarkar's tale of love and loss; Twice widowed by 37

Time of India06-08-2025
Leena Chandavarkar
, once a luminous star of 1970s Bollywood, led a life far removed from the glamour she portrayed on screen. Hailing from a military family in Karnataka, she made a stellar debut in 'Maa Ka Meet' (1968) opposite Vinod Khanna, quickly establishing herself as a leading lady.
From silver screen to sudden sorrow
Her charm and talent saw her paired with the biggest names of the era, including Rajesh Khanna and Dilip Kumar. But behind the applause and camera flashes, fate had drafted a far more tragic script for her personal life.
A bride for 11 days, a widow for years
At the peak of her fame, Leena fell in love with Siddharth Bandodkar, son of Goa's first Chief Minister. They married when she was just 24. But only 11 days into her new life, Siddharth died in a gun accident.
Leena returned to her family home, grappling not just with grief, but with whispers that branded her 'unlucky.' The tragedy derailed her career. Her attempted comeback with Bairaag didn't click at the box office. But destiny had more in store.
She soon crossed paths with legendary singer
Kishore Kumar
. Despite their age difference and his three prior marriages, love bloomed. Against societal norms and family resistance, the two married.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
These things are considered normal in Iceland - View listing (1)
Novelodge
Undo
A second blow and a lifetime of grace
Leena's second innings with Kishore Kumar brought love and a son into her life. But after just seven years of marriage, in 1987, she lost Kishore to a heart attack, becoming a widow once again — this time at just 37. The heartbreak was immense, yet she did not retreat from life. Instead, she devoted herself to motherhood and healing.
Now 74, Leena Chandavarkar lives quietly with her son and an adopted child she cares for like her own.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Hrithik Roshan credits his War 2 co-star Jr NTR for making his ‘tantrums' feel justified: ‘Ek banda to mila...'
Hrithik Roshan credits his War 2 co-star Jr NTR for making his ‘tantrums' feel justified: ‘Ek banda to mila...'

Time of India

time16 minutes ago

  • Time of India

Hrithik Roshan credits his War 2 co-star Jr NTR for making his ‘tantrums' feel justified: ‘Ek banda to mila...'

Bollywood star Hrithik Roshan recently opened up about his bond with War 2 co-star Jr. NTR, describing it as the beginning of a wonderful friendship. The song Janaab-e-Aali has been a highlight of their camaraderie, with both stars leaving fans amazed by their electrifying dance moves. The makers of the song have now released a behind-the-scenes video, giving audiences a glimpse of the film's production. Hrithik Roshan on dancing with Jr NTR in Janaab-e-Aali In the BTS video, Hrithik expressed his admiration for Jr. NTR and revealed how he felt validated working alongside him. He said, 'I always thought that I was being looked at as the guy who had too many tantrums about the flooring, about the shoes, and about how sticky the floor should be. And for the first time I had another performer in front of me (Jr. NTR), who was asking about the same things and checking the same things. He was checking the floor, the shoes, and putting gum on the shoe. It validated my 25 years of throwing that tantrum.' Hrithik is also seen approaching Jr. NTR in the video, jokingly telling him, 'Ek banda to mila mujhe jo sochta hai the same way. Nobody else! (Finally, I found one person who thinks the same way as me. Nobody else does!)' He added, 'I thought I was the only mad one.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Hrithik Roshan praises Jr. NTR Speaking about his collaboration with Jr. NTR, Hrithik shared, 'I was expecting a giant, of course, because I have seen his work, and he is absolutely incredible. But working with him has been sheer joy. It's been inspiring. I have learned a lot from him. It's a lethal combination of gentleness, grace, and strength. I sometimes wanted to step into his shoes and give the shot like him because he was all in — 200 percent for every single shot he gave. ' He added that he hopes this marks the start of a strong friendship. About War 2 Directed by Ayan Mukerji, the spy action thriller stars Hrithik Roshan, Jr. NTR, Kiara Advani , Ashutosh Rana, Anil Kapoor, Varun Badola, Arista Mehta, among others. The film marks Jr. NTR's much-awaited Bollywood debut as elite agent Vikram, who is tasked with taking down Kabir (Hrithik). What follows is an international cat-and-mouse chase spanning multiple countries, packed with high-octane stunts, intense confrontations, and emotional depth. War 2 released in theatres on August 14, 2025. "Get the latest updates on Times of India, including reviews of the movie Coolie and War 2 ."

Hundreds attend exhibition in Dibrugarh on World Photography Day
Hundreds attend exhibition in Dibrugarh on World Photography Day

Time of India

time20 minutes ago

  • Time of India

Hundreds attend exhibition in Dibrugarh on World Photography Day

1 2 Dibrugarh: Photography Society of Dibrugarh marked World Photography Day on Tuesday with a spectacular photo exhibition at the Laxminath Bezbaruah Bhavan, drawing hundreds of photography enthusiasts to witness a diverse collection of photographic artistry. The exhibition, which will continue until Wednesday, features over 200 photographs captured by various photographers from across the region. The event's highlight was the release of a special souvenir titled 'View Finder' by internationally renowned photographer Bidya Sagar Baruah. World Photography Day, observed annually on Aug 19, serves as a tribute to the art of photography, while encouraging passionate individuals to pursue careers in this creative field. The day has gained significant momentum in Dibrugarh over the years, becoming a cornerstone event for the local photography community. "For the last 15 years, we are observing World Photography Day in Dibrugarh. It's a very significant day for us. We have invited two internationally renowned photographers for a two-day photography workshop. They will teach the students and photographers about the basics and nuances of photography," said Ranjit Kumar Baruah, president of Photography Society of Dibrugarh. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Reason More Companies Are Switching to AI Customer Support Might Surprise You AskLayers Learn More Undo The event attracted a diverse audience, with photography enthusiasts thronging the venue to appreciate the displayed works and participate in learning opportunities. Alongside the exhibition, organisers conducted a comprehensive photography workshop that saw participation from over 150 students eager to enhance their skills. Saurav Duarah, chief advisor of the society, expressed satisfaction with the public response. "We are happy to have observed World Photography Day with such fervour. For the last many years, we have been consistently organising this event and are thrilled to be getting such a positive and enthusiastic response from the public year after year." Renowned photographer Pronib Das also addressed the gathering, speaking about the growing enthusiasm among upcoming photographers in the region. The event was attended by several distinguished personalities, including, managing director of Brahmaputra Cracker and Polymer Ltd (BCPL) Pranjal Changmai and internationally acclaimed photographer Ratnajit Choudhury. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.

LeBron James opened up about how his wife Savannah James stood by him when "he had absolutely" nothing as he credited her for his success
LeBron James opened up about how his wife Savannah James stood by him when "he had absolutely" nothing as he credited her for his success

Time of India

time2 hours ago

  • Time of India

LeBron James opened up about how his wife Savannah James stood by him when "he had absolutely" nothing as he credited her for his success

LeBron James opened up about how his wife helped him in his career.(Image via Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP) LeBron James and his wife, Savannah James, have been together since they were sixteen year olds and have even dealt with a teenage pregnancy together. Decades later, the two continue to be deeply in love with each other and are one of the most popular couples in the world of the NBA. While their love story started early, LeBron James has never shied away from crediting his wife, Savannah James, for the success he has seen in his career. LeBron James opened up about how Savannah James stayed with him when he had nothing in his life In 2018, three years after LeBron James tied the knot with his then long time girlfriend, Savannah James, the NBA icon opened up about how she was with him when he had nothing. According to The Hollywood Reporter, LeBron James spoke fondly of their early relationship days as he said, 'Savannah was with me shooting in the gym when I [had] absolutely nothing.' The now 40 year old NBA icon added, '[Savannah] was down when I was at my high school, no cameras, no lights. And she was there with me. You wouldn't be talking to me right now if it weren't for her.' This was not the only time that LeBron James credited his wife, Savannah James, for the success he has achieved in his professional career. The NBA icon has always stayed committed to his wife and their three children, despite many rumours of infidelity and separation. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Passive Income Ideas Sitting at Home Mone Click Here Undo Both LeBron James and Savannah James have always been quick enough to deny any rumours of cheating or divorce. LeBron James and his wife, Savannah James, are pretty supportive of their oldest son, Bronny James ' career in the NBA Today, more than two decades later, LeBron James and his wife, Savannah James, live a pretty luxurious life in Los Angeles along with their three children. Their oldest son, Bronny James, has joined the NBA but has gotten brutally trolled for his father's legacy. However, LeBron James and his wife, Savannah James, have always been spotted cheering on Bronny James and has been extremely supportive of his career choices. Also Read: LeBron James' wife Savannah James opens up about how their love story could've ended without the Cleveland draft Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store