One’s a lion-hearted legend of the silver screen and a six-time Member of Parliament — the first Indian Bollywood star to serve as a Cabinet Minister. The other, a quiet yet steady force behind it all. As Shatrughan and Poonam Sinha mark 45 years of marriage, the iconic duo reflects on their roller-coaster love story, raising grounded children in the public eye, and the lasting power of humour, forgiveness, and faith.
By Nichola Marie
The Hindi language has a charming word – natkhat. It translates to naughty or mischievous. Impish, roguish, or playful. All of which aptly describe Shatrughan Sinha. A legend in his time, the years haven’t been able to steal this endearing quality from the septuagenarian actor-politician. It sparks off again when he informs us he is sitting in Srinagar in a Taj hotel facing the Dal Lake. Sounds romantic, we remark. Without missing a beat, he mischievously retorts, “Romance doesn’t go with wife. Romance is the first casualty after marriage!”
But behind that impish charm, he lives up to his name – Sinha (lion), symbolising strength, courage and bravery. These qualities have marked his career and family life, as well as the life he has built with his better half, Poonam, who embodies them equally.
On July 9, the couple marked 45 years of marriage. Their children, twins Luv and Kush, and daughter Sonakshi have each found their own path. Their family has grown too, with daughterin-law Tarunna and son-in-law Zaheer bringing new energy into the Sinha fold. It was time to sit down for a heart-to-heart with Mr & Mrs Sinha.
Excerpts from the interview…
What does a typical family gathering at the Sinha household look like? Is it filled with stories, spirited debates, hearty laughter — or a blend of all that and more?
Our family gatherings, generally speaking, are like tutti-frutti ice cream – all in one. Plus, hearty laughter, humour, discussions, fights, making-up, with an apology, of course, only from my side! It’s nothing different from other normal households. In fact, as I said, it’s a mixture of sharing stories and fun moments together.
Does food play a significant role in your family gatherings?
Yes, there is food, but no, we are not foodies. Most of us prefer diet food. So on this one matter, at least, we are all one!
Shatrughanji, you’ve been an icon of Hindi cinema, a formidable political voice, and a devoted family man. From cinema to politics, what lessons have stayed with you through it all?
First and foremost, there are no free lunches. Struggling with challenging situations with conviction, confidence and determination are the real lessons that have always stayed with me. Or for that matter, with the entire family.
Poonamji, you’ve carried yourself with remarkable grace — as a model, wife, mother, and public figure. What, in your view, defines real strength in a family as dynamic and high-profile as yours?
Many, many thanks for the compliments and kind words. Yes, family dynamics are very important for the growth of a family and relationships. Positive communication, trust (mainly from my side – and rarely from his side!), warmth, and care between the family members are generally the main relationship goals.
You’ve also seen your family grow under public attention — what values have you always reinforced when it comes to fame and staying grounded?
…To stay grounded, to stay united, strongly maintain a balance and keep the core values of life. Holding him with a tight leash. Forgiving him when it suits me. And not understanding his under-the-belly humour because it suits me, and facing reality, too.
Poonamji, you’ve witnessed Shatrughanji’s evolution — from beloved actor to seasoned parliamentarian. What was that transition like for you as his partner? And how have you all always navigated the demands of public life together?
It has not always been smooth. In fact, it has been a roller-coaster ride, having to balance and adjust with privacy for being constantly in the public eye. But at the end of the day, it has truly been worth it.
In a home full of strong personalities, who plays what role? Who’s the emotional anchor, who’s the peacemaker, and who usually has the last word — or is it all wonderfully democratic?
Why are you bothered about the last word? First to last word, anchor to umpire, it’s the Iron Lady in the true sense, superseding even my most beautiful daughter, Sonakshi Sinha!
So it is Poonamji who has the complete say!
First word, last word, peacemaker, peace broker, peace breaker – it’s all Poonamji only. She rules my life. And most of the time, more than rule, it’s misrule. But I can’t afford to say anything (laughs).
As parents, what do you most admire in your children today? How have you balanced guiding them while allowing them to grow on their own terms? And through all the changes, what’s been your secret to keeping the family bond strong?
They have been, in a true sense, very good children. They’ve always preached, practiced and maintained: say no to drugs, and the antitobacco campaign. No smoking, no drinking, nothing of that sort and they believe in the gym culture. Besides, the culture they have been taught, that they have lived through, they follow that…
So, in short, the bond is extremely warm. Besides strong family values, unconditional love, respect for elders and balancing their lives beautifully have helped keep the family bond strong.
What’s your relationship like with your children-in-law? Has that bond added new colour and energy to your family dynamic?
It’s too early to judge and decide. But having said this, I must admit that I am very fortunate to have got a most wonderful son-in-law and a most beautiful daughter-like daughter-in-law.
You’ve both witnessed India evolve — in cinema, politics, and society. How have these changes influenced your own outlook on life, relationships, and parenting?
In cinema, we have seen cinema growing from black and white to colour to almost ‘blue’… As far as music is concerned, it has turned from melody to shorsharaba. Action has turned into violence and that too, most of the time, gruesome.
But nonetheless, life always teaches us a lot, so we have grown too, gracefully in cinema, in reel life as well as real life, as well as in social and political life with grace and maturity.
What role does spirituality or faith play in your lives — especially in navigating challenges, public scrutiny, or personal crossroads?
I keep the faith high for my family. And why only family? Today even in real life or in politics or whatever is happening in India or the entire world, I would say it’s Ram Bharose. It’s all Ram Bharose. It is turning people, even those who do not believe in the Almighty, into faith followers. Adharmic ko dharmic bana raha hain.
They’re all praying, praying all the time for society, for the people, for the betterment of people, betterment of society and for a better and safer life.
Looking back at your journey together, what has been your biggest shared lesson — as partners, parents, and public figures? What advice would you give young couples building a life under the spotlight?
A woman has to give in much more in a relationship for the bond to grow strong, along with respect, trust and love. However, in our case, my wife still considers me anything but trustworthy! And people still feel that I’m following my elder brother – the most handsome, most desirable, most wonderful human being, a great star, with tremendous following – Dharmendra, in being a onewoman man… at a time! (laughs)
Your trademark wit again! And now we reach our last question – how would you define the ‘Sinha Legacy’?
The Sinha legacy or the legacy of ‘Ramayana vaasis’, lives on in the traditions, rituals, and culture passed down through generations, through our upbringing, love, loyalty, understanding and maturity. Thank you, Jai Hind!
