Hema Malini And Shatrughan Sinha Reveal Lesser-Known Traits of Raaj Kumar Beyond His ‘Eccentric’ Image

Hema Malini And Shatrughan Sinha Reveal Lesser-Known Traits of Raaj Kumar Beyond His ‘Eccentric’ Image

As per some current celebrities who worked with Raaj Kumar stated that he actually left his footprints on Bollywood with his calculated performances in various films including Heer Ranjha, Humraaz, Lal Patthar, Neel Kamal, Dil Ek Mandir, Pakeezah, and in Paigham. At the same time, he was also known for his eccentricities.

One example of his eccentricity was that once he decided to go to Bappi Lahiri (better called gold digger as he dug gold jewellery), at the time of a flight and asked, ““Where is your mangalsutra?”

Well, the above claim looks unsubstantiated. It’s much like that oft-told story of Raaj Kumar walking up to Parveen Babi and cheerfully saying, “Jaani, you should be in the movies.”

The truth behind the story still remains unknown. When I questioned Bappi da about the alleged mangalsutra episode, he said, “Firstly, no such thing ever happened. It’s one of those myths created to exaggerate Raaj Kumar’s eccentricity and my love for gold. Also, even if he did say it, what’s so wrong about a man wearing a mangalsutra?”

Hema Malini, often cited by Raaj Kumar as his favourite co-star during the 70s and 80s, said she never experienced the eccentric side of the actor. “We worked together in some of my most memorable films. Lal Patthar, my most challenging performance, was our first. Then came Galiyon Ka Badshah, Kudrat, Ek Nayi Paheli, and Raaj Tilak. Even Sharara.

Reflecting on his association with Raaj Kumar across five films, Shatrughan Sinha said in his trademark tone: “People say, bad se badnaam bura hai. God bless those who dedicate their time to fabricating stories about celebrities. No actor is entirely ‘normal’ in this field.