Garfield Sobers' Romance With Anju Mahendru Remembered

Garfield Sobers, widely regarded as the greatest all-rounder in cricket history, passed away last week at the age of 89. While tributes poured in for the legendary cricketer, a lesser-known aspect of his life has resurfaced - his romance with Bollywood actress Anju Mahendru in the 1960s.

The two met during the 1966-1967 West Indies cricket tour of India, where Sobers was the captain of the team. It was at a party that they bonded over their shared love of dancing and sharp humour, and a whirlwind romance ensued. Sobers reportedly proposed to Mahendru at a Mumbai party, putting a ring on her finger and sending the media into a frenzy.

At the time, Mahendru was also in an on-and-off relationship with Bollywood's future superstar, Rajesh Khanna. After Sobers' proposal, there was allegedly an argument between Mahendru and Khanna. However, due to the logistical challenges of a long-distance relationship, the Sobers-Mahendru romance did not last long. Mahendru eventually returned to Khanna and ended her engagement with Sobers.

Despite the end of their romance, Sobers and Mahendru remained on amicable terms. Sobers even sought Mahendru's permission before marrying his Australian girlfriend, Prudence Kirby, in 1969. The couple had two sons and a daughter before separating in 1984 and divorcing in 1990.

Sobers also made a brief foray into Bollywood, making an uncredited cameo appearance in the 1967 film 'Around the World', which starred Raj Kapoor. The film told the story of a young man who travels the world with his multi-millionaire uncle, getting stranded in Tokyo with limited funds and finding love along the way.

The Sobers-Mahendru romance is a fascinating tale of cricket, Bollywood, and celebrity gossip, one that has been largely forgotten in the annals of time. However, with Sobers' passing, their love story has resurfaced, giving fans a glimpse into the personal life of a cricket legend.

The romance between Sobers and Mahendru is also a reminder of the strong connections between cricket and Bollywood, two of India's most beloved institutions. The intersection of sports and entertainment has always been a fascinating one, and the Sobers-Mahendru story is a testament to the power of love and celebrity to transcend borders and industries.

In the end, the story of Garfield Sobers and Anju Mahendru serves as a reminder of the enduring power of love and romance, even in the face of adversity and distance. Their whirlwind romance may have been short-lived, but it remains an fascinating footnote in the history of cricket and Bollywood.

The legacy of Garfield Sobers continues to inspire cricket fans around the world, and his romance with Anju Mahendru is a poignant reminder of the human side of a sports legend. As we remember Sobers' incredible career and personal life, we are also reminded of the enduring power of love and celebrity to captivate and inspire us.