The Magic of Cricket Players and Bollywood Stars

Indians are crazy about two things – Bollywood and Cricket; and more recently, tennis, football, hockey as well. Sometimes it seems Bollywood and sport stars are the most powerful people in the country! They say it and we do it. And we like it that way! What cannot be ignored is the ever existing chemistry between the two. There seems to be an undeniable connection and attraction between the two sleep deprivers. Most of these relationships are plain heartbreakers; or are they publicity stunts?? Gossip mongers just love the connection between the sports and Bollywood, and these stars know it all too well! Hmm…

Take a look at some of these celebrity couples!

Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi and Sharmila Tagore:

The Nawab of Pataudi seems to have done an excellent job in wooing Bollywood beauty and head of the India Censor Board, Sharmila Tagore. This is one of the very few sports-bollywood combinations that have actually lasted. True love is what keeps this duo going!

Mohammad Azharuddin and Sangeeta Bijlani:

Azharuddin may have been dropped from the Indian Cricket team for match fixing scandals, and divorced his wife, but that only made him more famous! Sangeeta Bijlani was crowned Miss India in 1980 and was not a great hit at Bollywood, which is THE destination for all Miss India(s)! The two glam stars got married and now run their own business together.

Mahima Chawdhary and Leander Paes:

Model – Actres Mahima Chawdhary dated tennis star Leander Peas and they hit the gossip headlines. She was spotted at matches that he played and they were sensational! With a load of speculations as to the cause of their break up, Mahima is now married to a high profile Mumbai based architect and Paes is, well, playing for the country.

Nagma and Sourav Ganguly:

Ex Captain of Team India has had his share of controversies. Before being dropped by the Indian Coach and creating a revolution of support across the country, Sourav “dada” had an alleged affair with actress Nagma. His relationship with his wife Dona turned sour and Sourav kept mum about the whole thing, hoping, probably, that he could keep himself out of the media glare, save his reputation and his marriage. Well, the marriage was saved, but Nagma confessed it all and Sourav was left mum, just as he liked it.

Ravi Sahstri and Amrita Singh:

The ex Indian cricketer, and Bollywood actress Amrita Singh had an affair. The all round player, known for his excellent sportsmanship and dashing looks, stays busy with his successful commentating career now. Amrita Singh went on to marry, much younger Saif Ali Khan and Ravi and she “amicably” split ways. Of course, Saif and Amrita split ways too and Saif is now with much younger Kareena! So much for true love!

Kapil Dev and Sarika:

The great Kapil Dev, who led India to win its only cricket World Cup in 1983, had a country famous affair with actress Sarika, who later went on to marry Tamil actor Kamal Hasan. And then of course, Sarika and Kamal got divorce too. No surprise, is there?

Imran Khan and Zeenat Aman:

Imran Khan, the drop dead handsome cricketer from Pakistan stole a heart too many. He brought glamour to the game of the bat and the ball. Imran had a major fling with Bollywood Goddess Zeenat Aman and they were a smashing sensation. He went on to marry Jemima Goldsmith and later split with her as well.

Reena Roy and Mohsin Khan:

Super Bollywood actress Reena Roy married Pakistan Cricket star, Mohsin Khan, when her career was at its zenith. They had a daughter but sadly, the marriage ended very quickly, throwing Reena out of her gained position in Bollywood. It took her a long while to bounce back, but oh well, all part of being a celebrity.

Vivian Richards and Neena Gupta:

Neena Gupta was a not – so – well known Bollywood actress. She shot to fame overnight when the world discovered that she had given birth to Viv Richard’s daughter! This bold woman openly said she wanted a child with Sir Richards, and she got it. They had a brief relationship and then went separate ways.

The newer, fresher Bollywood – Sports couples:

The more recent couples include Shahid Kapoor and the beautiful Sania Mirza; Yuvraj Singh and Kim Sharma; Zaheer Khan and Isha Sharvani; Amrita Arora and Usman Afzal; Sammera Reddy and Ishant Sharma. It’s for us to wait and watch, what happens to these happening couples!