Sangeeta Bijlani is a Bollywood actress and former model. She gained popularity after winning the Miss India title in 1980. In the same year, she also earned the National Costume Award at Miss Universe. Then she went on to appear in a number of Bollywood films. However, she was unable to establish herself as a Bollywood leading lady. She did an impressive number of print and ramp appearances. She is best remembered for her TV commercials for Vicco Tumeric Ayurvedic Cream.
Early Life of Sangeeta Bijlani
She was born on July 9, 1960 in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India in a Sindhi-speaking family. Her father`s name is Motilal and she has a brother named Sunil.
Career of Sangeeta Bijlani
Bijlani kick started her career in the glamour world with modeling. She participated and won the Miss India title in 1980. She worked for a couple of commercials for brands like Vicco Turmeric cream and Nirma detergent.
Her film career began during the early 1980s. She made her debut with J.P Dutta`s Blockbuster and Super hit film "Hathyar" opposite Dharmendra. This film was earlier offered to Dimple Kapadia who left the role for "Batwara". Another super hit film of hers is "Tridev" which released in 1989.
She earned a Filmfare Best Supporting Actress nomination for Jurm. The film was directed by Mahesh Bhatt and was released in 1990. Her other ventures include Police Mathu Daada, Qatil, Jai Shiv Shankar, Gunahon Ka Devta, Hatim Tai, Paap Ki Kamaee, Yodha, Numbri Aadmi, Inspector Dhanush, Vishnu-Devaa, Khoon Ka Karz, Gunehgar Kaun, Izzat, Shiv Ram, Lakshmanrekha, Yugandhar, Tahqiqaat, Game, Nirbhay Jagannath and many others.
During that time she also worked for television. She anchored for Doordarshan`s popular Sunday morning show Rangoli. She essayed the title role in Zee TV`s Chandni. She has appeared in a Nirma Soap ad along with Shilpa Shetty.
Personal Life of Sangeeta Bijlani
She tied the knot with former India cricket captain Mohammad Azharuddin. However, the couple separated in the year 2010. Bijlani has two step-sons from Azharuddin"s previous marriage namely Ayaz and Asad. Prior to marrying Azharuddin, she was romantically linked with actor Salman Khan.