Kajol’s co-actor's tragic past: His mother, an actress, was killed by his father. What is he doing now?

He was one of the upcoming actors in the 90s, making his acting debut with an actress who would go on to become one of the most beloved on-screen icons. However, despite hailing from a filmy family, the life of Kajol’s first leading man, Kamal Sadanah, was marred by tragedy.

At the age of 20, he lost both of his parents—producer-director Brij Sadanah and his mother, Sudha. Sudha was born as Sayeeda Khan but changed her name and religion after she married Sadanah in the late ‘60s.

However, the happiness in their marriage proved to be short-lived, as Brij believed Sayeedah had an illegitimate daughter who was being raised by her mother, Anwari Begum, a dancer. In a interview with Filmfare, screenplay writer-director Shagufta Rafique revealed that when she was a child, many told her she was Sayeeda’s kid and she was born before her marriage to Sadanah Sr.


She also admitted that Sadanah Sr. loathed her. “Brij Saab hated me because he was not sure who I was. Also, because we (Anwari Begum and Shagufta) were financially dependent on him. Brij Saab was justified in his anger. He probably felt that when Anwari Begum had a son, why should he help us? He was a bundle of confusion; his films were flopping, and that’s why he did what he did.”

Brij’s anger and resentment ultimately manifested into a bloody tragedy.

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In 1990, while Kamal was busy preparing for the celebrations of his 20th birthday, a heated dispute erupted between his parents on the lower floor of their home. The argument quickly spiraled out of control, ending with the sound of gunfire that shattered the household. Alarmed, Kamal rushed downstairs only to be confronted with a horrific sight—his mother and sister lying unconscious, both struck by bullets.

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In a 2009 interview with the Times of India, Kamal revealed his father, heavily intoxicated at the time, then turned the weapon toward him and pulled the trigger. The shot narrowly missed, and the shock caused Kamal to faint on the spot. When he eventually regained consciousness in a hospital, the devastating truth was revealed to him. His father, Brij Sadanah, after attacking his wife and daughter, had turned the gun on himself and ended his life.

In another interview with TOI, he dismissed rumours that the family was experiencing financial difficulties. He claimed that the family had made sound investments in real estate and had never faced money-related difficulties.

On the work front, Kamal reunited with his first co-star, Kajol, 30 years after ‘Bekhudi’ for the slice-of-life drama film ‘Salaam Venky.’ He was also seen in the 2023 war film ‘Pippa’ in the role of Sam Manekshaw. He married makeup artist Lisa John. Together they have two kids - a son Angath and a daughter Namrata.