Sangita Bijlani is a name that resonates with elegance, beauty, and grace. Her rise to stardom in the late 1980s and early 1990s turned her into one of the most recognizable faces in the Indian entertainment industry. From winning the Miss India title to making a name for herself in Bollywood, Sangita’s journey is an inspiring tale of transformation, persistence, and glamour. She didn’t just charm audiences with her beauty but also broke stereotypes with her work and powerful on-screen presence.
In this article, we explore the life and career of Sangita Bijlani, a Bollywood actress whose path to stardom involved beauty pageants, modeling, and film success. We dive deep into her early life, her foray into films, her personal life, and her lasting impact on Indian cinema and fashion.
Early Life and Entry into Beauty Pageants
Sangita Bijlani was born on July 9, 1960, in Mumbai, Maharashtra, into a Sindhi Hindu family. She grew up in a conservative household, where she received the values of discipline and hard work. From an early age, Sangita displayed natural beauty and confidence—traits that later paved the way for her success in modeling and acting. She attended high school in Mumbai and, like many young girls, harbored dreams of becoming successful in the glamorous world of entertainment.
Her first step toward fame came when she decided to participate in beauty pageants. In 1980, Sangita Bijlani won the prestigious Miss India title, a major milestone in her life. This victory transformed her into a national sensation overnight and opened doors to the world of fashion and entertainment. With her tall, statuesque figure and sharp features, Sangita became the ideal choice for a beauty queen. Winning Miss India not only marked a personal achievement for Sangita, but it also acted as her ticket to the limelight, giving her the opportunity to pursue a career in modeling and acting.
Modeling Career and Rise to Fame
After winning Miss India, Sangita Bijlani quickly became one of the most sought-after models in the country. The 1980s marked a time when Indian fashion underwent a transformation, and Sangita stood at the forefront of this change. Her elegant demeanor and natural charisma made her a favorite on the runway and in print advertisements. Soon, she became the face of several major Indian and international brands, including leading fashion houses and beauty products.
Sangita’s modeling career skyrocketed during this period. She became a household name, appearing on the covers of numerous magazines and walking the ramp for top designers. Her advertisements for well-known brands like Vicco and Nirma became iconic, cementing her status as one of the leading models in India. Her sense of style and flair for fashion made her a trendsetter, and many young women looked up to her as a fashion icon.
Modeling wasn’t the only area where Sangita excelled. She also gained popularity in television commercials, where her presence and beauty captivated audiences. By the mid-1980s, Sangita Bijlani had established herself as a top model in India, and the next natural step in her career was Bollywood.
Bollywood Debut: From Runway to the Silver Screen
After enjoying massive success in the modeling industry, it wasn’t long before Bollywood came calling for Sangita Bijlani. Transitioning from modeling to films wasn’t always easy, but Sangita was determined to make her mark as a Bollywood actress. She made her debut in the 1988 film “Qatil”, directed by Ashok Gaikwad, starring opposite actor Aditya Pancholi. The film, a thriller, garnered attention for its engaging plot, and Sangita’s performance received praise from critics.
With her debut in “Qatil,” Sangita Bijlani proved that she had the potential to succeed in Bollywood. She followed this up with another major role in the film “Hathyar” (1989), a crime drama in which she starred alongside Sanjay Dutt. Her performance further solidified her credibility as an actress capable of delivering strong performances. By the late 1980s, Sangita had successfully transitioned from modeling to acting, something many of her peers struggled with.
Stardom with “Tridev” and Success in Bollywood
One of the turning points in Sangita Bijlani’s Bollywood career came with the 1989 blockbuster film “Tridev.” Directed by Rajiv Rai, “Tridev” was an action-packed multi-starrer that featured prominent actors like Sunny Deol, Naseeruddin Shah, Jackie Shroff, and Madhuri Dixit. Sangita’s role in the film, though not the lead, was pivotal to the storyline. What made her performance memorable was her glamorous avatar and her appearance in the chartbuster song “Oye Oye.”
“Oye Oye” became one of the most iconic songs of the 1980s, and Sangita’s dance performance and screen presence made her a nationwide sensation. Sangita Bijlani became a household name after the release of “Tridev,” and the film was a massive commercial success. Her image as a glamorous yet talented actress was solidified, and she became one of the most sought-after actresses in Bollywood.
Sangita Bijlani’s success in “Tridev” opened up more opportunities for her in Bollywood. She starred in other films like “Jurm” (1990), where she shared the screen with actors like Vinod Khanna and Meenakshi Seshadri. “Jurm” was another commercial success, and Sangita’s role was appreciated by audiences and critics alike. Her ability to portray a variety of roles—from glamorous to dramatic—gave her the versatility that set her apart from many of her contemporaries.
Sangita Bijlani’s Acting Style and Iconic Roles
Sangita Bijlani was not just known for her beauty but also for her ability to portray different characters with ease. Whether it was the role of a strong woman in a crime drama or the glamorous love interest in an action film, Sangita had the knack of leaving a lasting impression. Her acting style was subtle yet effective, and she could easily connect with her audience emotionally.
In films like “Izzat“ (1991), Sangita displayed her romantic side, while films like “Yodha“ (1991) showcased her ability to perform in intense action scenes. Her performances were always grounded, and she ensured that her beauty didn’t overshadow her acting skills. This combination of looks and talent helped her carve a unique identity in Bollywood.
Personal Life and Marriage to Mohammad Azharuddin
Sangita Bijlani’s personal life always attracted media attention, especially her high-profile relationship and marriage to Indian cricketer Mohammad Azharuddin. Their relationship began in the early 1990s when Azharuddin was at the peak of his cricketing career. The two became one of the most talked-about celebrity couples in India, and their romance was closely followed by the media.
In 1996, Sangita Bijlani and Mohammad Azharuddin tied the knot, and their wedding became a lavish affair attended by the who’s who of Bollywood and the cricket world. After her marriage, Sangita decided to step back from her acting career to focus on her personal life. She became a supportive wife to Azharuddin, accompanying him during his international cricket tours and managing their home.
However, the marriage faced challenges, and in 2010, the couple officially divorced. Despite the personal turmoil, Sangita Bijlani handled the situation with dignity and grace, staying away from public controversies. Even after their divorce, Sangita and Azharuddin maintained a cordial relationship, with both moving on in their respective lives.
Sangita Bijlani’s Return to the Spotlight
After her marriage to Mohammad Azharuddin, Sangita Bijlani largely stayed away from films and public appearances. However, she remained a part of the social circuit, attending events and charity functions. In recent years, there has been renewed interest in her life and career, especially after the release of the biopic “Azhar” (2016), based on the life of her ex-husband. In the film, actress Nargis Fakhri portrayed Sangita Bijlani’s character, bringing her story back into the spotlight.
Sangita has since returned to the limelight, making appearances at Bollywood events, fashion shows, and social gatherings. Despite being away from films for a long time, she continues to be admired for her grace, beauty, and timeless appeal. Fans and media alike have often commented on how Sangita has managed to maintain her charm even after decades in the industry.
Sangita Bijlani’s Legacy in Bollywood
While Sangita Bijlani may not have had a career as long as some of her contemporaries, her contribution to Bollywood and the fashion industry remains significant. She is remembered not just for her roles in films like “Tridev” and “Jurm,” but also for the impact she made as a model and beauty queen. Her journey from winning Miss India to becoming a Bollywood actress serves as an inspiration for many young women who aspire to make it big in the entertainment industry.
Sangita Bijlani’s legacy is one of beauty, grace, and resilience. She showed the world that while the film industry can be glamorous, it is also demanding and requires hard work and determination. Even after facing personal challenges, Sangita has remained poised and focused, earning admiration from her peers and fans alike.
