An actress, a model, and a beauty queen, Sangeeta Bijlani, the heartbeat of many cinegoers in the late 80s and early 90s, is remembered for her films like Qatil (1988), Hathyar (1989), Tridev (1989), Gunahon Ka Devta (1990), Hatim Tai (1990), Jurm (1990), and many more.
Early Life and Career
Sangeeta Bijlani was born on July 9, 1960, in Bombay into the Sindhi family of Motilal and Poonam Bijlani, who is a costume designer. Sangeeta attended Mount Mary Convent High School, Mumbai, before going to M.M.K. College, Mumbai, for her graduation.
started modelling at the age of 16 and started participating in local beauty pageants from her school days. She went on to win many titles, like Campa Princess, Bombay Harbour, Jaycees Queen, and Eagle Queen. Her first commercial was for Dettol soap, followed by commercials for brands like Nirma, Vicco Turmeric, Cadbury, Campa Cola, Graviera Suits, Fem Insto Bleach, Colgate, Pond’s Dream Flower Talc & Soap, etc.
Sangeeta Bijlani On Screen
In 1980, she participated and won the Femina Miss India title, which led to her representing India at the Miss Universe pageant the same year, where she won the Best National Costume award. Her costumes were designed by her mother, Poonam Bijlani.
Sangeeta made her acting debut in the film “Qatil” in 1988, where she starred opposite Aditya Pancholi.
She went on to play significant roles in several Hindi films, including “Tridev,” “Hathyar,” “Jurm,” and “Izzat,” among others. In 1990, she starred in Babubhai Mistry’s fantasy drama “Hatim Tai,” opposite Jitendra. In the film, she played the dual roles of “Husna and Gulnar,” pari.
Other Films
Some of her other films include Yodha (1991), Numbri Aadmi (1991), Vishnu-Devaa (1991), Khoon Ka Karz (1991), Gunehgar Kaun (1991), Yugandhar (1993), Tahqiqaat (1993), Game (1992), and Nirbhay (1996). Despite her success in modeling, her film career had its ups and downs, with some performances being more acclaimed than others.
Beyond the silver screen, Bijlani also ventured into television, debuting with the series “Chandni” in 1996 and later producing shows like “Hasna Mat” on Star Plus and “Kinarey Milte Nahi” on Zed TV.
Personal Life
Her personal life has also been in the spotlight, particularly her well-reported relationship with Salman Khan, whom she knows from her modelling days. Together, they have worked on many commercials and photo shoots, such as Lakhani Shoes and Graviera Suiting. Sangeeta was also very close with Salman’s family, and they still share warm relations after so many years of their breakup.
Sangeeta married superstar cricketer Mohammad Azharuddin in 1996, the couple separated in 2010. In the biopic of Mohammad Azharuddin, Azhar (2016), Sangeeta’s character was played by Nargis Fakhri.
Sangeeta Bijlani on IMDB
