When Subhash Ghai asked for interest, Sanjeev Kumar helped Shatrughan Sinha with Rs 10 lakh: ‘I don't like to beg anybody'

Time of India

15-05-2025

In the shiny world of Bollywood, it's easy to believe that all stars live a life of fame and fortune. But even the biggest names have gone through tough times. One such story comes from veteran actor Shatrughan Sinha, who was once in such deep financial trouble that he considered selling his house.
This lesser-known chapter of his life is revealed in his biography 'Anything But Khamosh', where he speaks openly about how things had become so bad that he was ready to give up his flat, until a kind friend from the same Bollywood stepped in to help him out.
When everything was falling apart
Back in the 1980s, Shatrughan Sinha was one of the most popular stars in the country. Yet, there was a time when he urgently needed Rs 10 lakh and had nowhere to turn. 'I am very self-respecting and don't like to beg anybody for anything,' he said in the book.
Thinking of selling his flat, he turned to his wife, Poonam Sinha, who strongly opposed the idea. Still in need of money, he decided to ask filmmaker
Subhash Ghai
for help. But instead of offering a helping hand, Ghai made it clear that any loan would come with strings attached. 'You have to pay me interest on that,' he told Shatrughan.
This response left the actor disheartened, but thankfully, someone else was watching.
A quiet but powerful gesture
It was Sanjeev Kumar, the respected actor known for films like 'Khilona', 'Koshish', and 'Yehi Hai Zindagi' — who noticed something was wrong. He saw the stress on Shatrughan's face and asked what was troubling him. That moment became a turning point. As the 'Vishwanath' actor recalled, 'My friend, philosopher and guide called
Sanjeev Kumar
who is no more, saw me looking pensive and anxious and asked me what the matter was. When I told him about my problem, he merely asked me when I would be able to return it. I told him upfront, 'I don't know, whenever I'm in a position to do so'.'
The very next morning, help arrived in an unexpected way.
A 'Video Cassette' full of hope
There was a knock on Sinha's door, and in walked Sanjeev's secretary, Jamnadasji. What he carried didn't look special, just something wrapped in a newspaper. 'Jamnadasji came with something wrapped in a newspaper and said, 'Bhai (Sir) has sent you a video cassette'. There was no video cassette inside but I found wrapped in it the amount I needed. Sanjeev Kumar had simply sent it across without even telling me about it.'
The thoughtful gesture touched Shatrughan deeply. But what moved him even more was Sanjeev's response when asked about interest,'Where's the question of interest between friends?'
A debt from the heart
Shatrughan agreed to return the money 'when able', and Sanjeev never pressured him about it. Over time, he gave back small portions whenever asked. But even today, Shatrughan admits the full amount may not have been returned. 'Some amount is still pending. But once he passed away, to whom could I have given the money? His estate had been torn apart.' These words show not only his honesty but also the deep regret of not being able to fully repay a friend who helped him without question.
Who was Sanjeev Kumar?
Sanjeev Kumar, who made his lead debut in 1965 with 'Nishan', had a successful career spanning nearly 25 years. His memorable performances in films like 'Dastak', 'Trishna', 'Qatl' and 'Naya Din Nai Raat' earned him both awards and admiration. He won two National Film Awards for Best Actor, for 'Dastak' in 1970 and 'Koshish' in 1972. He passed away at just 47 in 1985, following a massive heart attack. But his warmth, kindness, and friendship continue to live on in stories like this one.
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