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Vijay Anand first married Loveleen Thadani, lead of Jaan Haazir Hai. In 1978, during Ram Balram shoot, he married his niece Sushma Kohli, while still married to Loveleen
Bollywood director Vijay Anand is renowned for classics like Guide, Jewel Thief, Johnny Mera Naam, and Kora Kagaz. (News18 Hindi)
The film industry is no stranger to love stories, but some stand out for their sheer controversy. One such tale is that of a celebrated Hindi film director who delivered some of the industry’s biggest hits in the 70s and 80s, made his brother a superstar, and earned a reputation for his ‘golden touch’ on screen. Off screen, however, he shocked many by falling in love with his own niece and marrying her while still married to his first wife.
This man was none other than Vijay Anand, the younger brother of Dev Anand. Known for classics like Guide, Jewel Thief, Johnny Mera Naam, and Kora Kagaz, Vijay Anand carved his own space in the industry.
Born in Gurdaspur, Punjab, he lost his mother at the age of seven and was raised by his father and siblings. His golden-coloured hair earned him the nickname ‘Goldie Locks’. While studying in Mumbai, his interest in drama and writing grew, and he began penning plays and film scripts, certain that he would follow in the footsteps of his famous brothers, who ran Navketan Productions.
Vijay Anand’s first marriage was to Loveleen Thadani, the leading lady of his then-upcoming bold romantic film Jaan Haazir Hai. Loveleen fell in love with him during the shoot, and the two began visiting Osho Rajneesh’s Pune ashram together. It was Loveleen who proposed marriage, eventually leaving the film to be with him.
However, their marriage ended after Loveleen expressed her wish to return to acting, something Vijay disapproved of. Disagreements grew, leading to their divorce. By then, another chapter in his personal life had already begun, one that would stir controversy for years.
In 1978, during the shooting of Ram Balram, Vijay Anand defied societal conventions and married his elder sister’s daughter, Sushma Kohli, while still legally married to Loveleen. The relationship caused a rift within the family, but the couple remained together until their deaths. They had a son, Vaibhav, who is now associated with the film industry.
In a 2018 interview, Sushma described Vijay Anand as a shy and calm man who rarely lost his temper. “We got married in 1978 during the shooting of Ram Balram,” she recalled. “I used to tease him on purpose. Sometimes he would calmly explain things, and other times I would simply manage the situation myself.”
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