Shekhar Kapur is one of the most celebrated filmmakers in India, known for his exceptional work in movies like Masoom, Mr India, and Bandit Queen. Despite his towering professional success, Shekhar’s personal life has always been marred by controversies, failed relationships, and accusations of infidelity. One of the most talked-about chapters in his life is his marriage to actress and singer Suchitra Krishnamoorthi, who was 30 years younger than him. What started as a fairytale romance soon turned into a turbulent relationship, ending in an ugly divorce.
Shekhar Kapur’s Early Life and Rise to Fame
Shekhar Kapur, the nephew of legendary actor Dev Anand, had a rather unconventional journey into the film industry. He was initially discouraged from joining the entertainment industry by his parents, who wanted him to pursue a more stable career. Following their advice, Shekhar became a Chartered Accountant at the young age of 22. However, his passion for art and cinema eventually led him to leave his corporate job and try his luck in the film industry.
Shekhar began his career as an actor with the film Jaan Hazir Hai, followed by appearances in various television dramas. However, his acting career failed to take off, prompting him to switch to film direction. His debut directorial film Masoom (1983) became a massive hit, establishing him as a talented filmmaker. He followed it up with iconic movies like Mr India, Bandit Queen, and Elizabeth, earning both national and international acclaim.
Shekhar Kapur’s Relationship with Shabana Azmi and First Marriage
Before marrying Suchitra Krishnamoorthi, Shekhar Kapur was in a serious relationship with renowned actress Shabana Azmi for seven years. However, the relationship did not culminate in marriage, and the couple eventually parted ways.
In 1984, Shekhar tied the knot with Medha Gujral, the niece of former Indian Prime Minister Inder Kumar Gujral. Unfortunately, the marriage ended in divorce in 1994 after a decade-long relationship.
Shekhar Kapur’s Marriage to Suchitra Krishnamoorthi
In 1997, Shekhar Kapur shocked everyone by marrying actress and singer Suchitra Krishnamoorthi, who was 30 years younger than him. Suchitra was just 22 years old at the time, while Shekhar was 52. The massive age difference raised many eyebrows, but the couple seemed deeply in love.
Suchitra once revealed that she had been obsessed with Shekhar since she was 10-12 years old. Despite her parents’ strong disapproval, she went ahead with the marriage. In an interview with Siddharth Kannan, she shared how her mother begged her not to marry Shekhar due to the age gap and his previous marriage. However, Suchitra’s infatuation with Shekhar made her ignore all warnings.
Cracks in the Marriage and Allegations of Infidelity
The initial years of their marriage were blissful, and the couple welcomed their daughter, Kaveri Kapur. However, the happiness was short-lived. Soon, cracks began to appear in their relationship, and rumors of Shekhar’s infidelity started surfacing.
In a candid interview, Suchitra revealed that she had considered leaving Shekhar even before their daughter was born. She had received a partial scholarship to study at the Berklee College of Music, but discovering her pregnancy changed her plans. Despite trying to make the marriage work, the constant allegations of Shekhar’s cheating made it impossible for her to stay.
Preity Zinta’s Alleged Affair with Shekhar Kapur
One of the most controversial aspects of Shekhar and Suchitra’s marriage was the alleged affair between Shekhar Kapur and actress Preity Zinta. According to Suchitra, Shekhar and Preity’s relationship went beyond friendship, which played a significant role in the downfall of their marriage. Preity Zinta had given her first-ever audition to Shekhar Kapur, who later recommended her to Mani Ratnam for her debut film Dil Se.
However, Preity denied all allegations and claimed that Suchitra was not mentally well. The scandal added fuel to the already deteriorating marriage, eventually leading to their separation.
Shekhar Kapur’s Response to the Allegations
In response to Suchitra’s accusations of infidelity, Shekhar Kapur admitted that he had been in multiple relationships but maintained that none of them lacked respect. He famously stated:
“I have had many relationships. I cannot live without romance. However, I never had a relationship that didn’t have respect. So, the nature of the relationship changed. Though it didn’t have romance, sexual or the promise to live with each other, that relationship remained.”
Divorce and Aftermath
After a decade-long turbulent marriage, Shekhar Kapur and Suchitra Krishnamoorthi officially divorced in 2007. The separation was far from amicable, with Suchitra reportedly demanding a hefty alimony from Shekhar. Despite their differences, the former couple maintained a cordial relationship for the sake of their daughter, Kaveri Kapur.
Conclusion
Shekhar Kapur’s life has been a rollercoaster of professional triumphs and personal failures. His marriage to Suchitra Krishnamoorthi remains one of the most controversial chapters of his life, marked by infidelity, betrayal, and heartbreak. While Shekhar continues to make waves in the world of cinema, his tumultuous personal life serves as a reminder that even the most successful people are not immune to life’s ups and downs.
The scandalous love story of Shekhar Kapur and Suchitra Krishnamoorthi will forever remain a hot topic in Bollywood’s history, reflecting the complexities of relationships and the price of fame.