The connection between Indian cricketers and Bollywood actresses is nothing new. This fascinating link began with the iconic marriage of Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi and Sharmila Tagore and continues to evolve. One such love story that captured the nation’s attention was that of Mohammad Azharuddin and Bollywood actress Sangeeta Bijlani, which began in 1985.

Azharuddin and Sangeeta Bijlani: A Story of Love at First Sight

During the filming of an advertisement in 1985, Mohammad Azharuddin, then the captain of the Indian cricket team, found himself falling for the stunning Sangeeta Bijlani. Despite being married to Naureen and having two sons at the time, Azhar couldn’t resist the magnetic pull toward Sangeeta. His confession about their love story became public in the 1990s when Azhar openly admitted that he had fallen for her the moment he laid eyes on her.

Azhar’s Married Life and the Onset of Separation

Before his romance with Sangeeta, Azhar had a happy marriage with Naureen, whom he wed in 1987. They had two children together, and their relationship seemed stable. However, by 1995, Azhar spoke fondly of his marriage, calling it one of the most memorable moments of his life. Unfortunately, just a year later, in 1996, Azhar and Naureen separated, with Sangeeta playing a central role in their breakup.

Changing Dynamics: Azhar and Sangeeta’s Growing Bond

As Azhar’s feelings for Sangeeta grew stronger, his relationship with Naureen began to deteriorate. He distanced himself from his family in Hyderabad and was frequently seen in public with Sangeeta. Their appearances together at social events and cricket tours became a clear indication that their bond was more than just a fleeting romance. Their trip to England in 1996 made the situation undeniable to the public.

The Secret Marriage and Sangeeta’s Conversion

In 1996, Azhar and Sangeeta decided to marry in a private ceremony. Before their union, Sangeeta converted to Islam and took on the name Ayesha Begum. Despite rumors about her previous relationship with Salman Khan, it was Azhar who eventually won her heart. Their marriage, though private, was widely speculated on, with media outlets covering every aspect of their life together.

A Short-Lived Marriage: The End of Azharuddin and Sangeeta’s Relationship

Unfortunately, their marriage did not stand the test of time. After 14 years together, the couple parted ways in 2010. Despite the end of their relationship, Sangeeta remained supportive of Azhar, even campaigning for him during the 2014 elections. The downfall of their marriage is believed to have been caused by Azhar’s alleged affair with badminton player Jwala Gutta.

Jwala Gutta and Azhar: A Controversial Affair?

The rumors surrounding Azharuddin and Jwala Gutta’s supposed affair created a media frenzy. Reports suggested that Sangeeta discovered the relationship, which led her to file for divorce. However, both Azhar and Jwala denied the accusations, with Jwala explicitly stating that there was no romantic involvement between them. Nevertheless, their frequent public appearances together fueled the speculation.

Azhar’s Connection with Shannon Marie Talwar

In the midst of the rumors about Jwala Gutta, new reports emerged linking Azhar to Shannon Marie Talwar, an American woman. The two were photographed together in Paris, leading to speculation that Azhar had married Shannon, making her his third wife. Azhar, however, rejected these claims, maintaining that he and Shannon were just friends. He took to Twitter in 2015 to refute the rumors, asserting that the media’s reports were entirely false.

Despite the ups and downs, the lives of cricketers like Azharuddin remain intertwined with the glamour of Bollywood, continuing a long-standing tradition of romance between the worlds of cricket and cinema.