Sangeeta reveals Raj Kapoor offered her a ‘fake marriage’ with Rishi Kapoor to work in India

Veteran Pakistani actress and director Sangeeta has revealed a fascinating and surprising story from her past, disclosing that legendary Indian filmmaker Raj Kapoor once offered to arrange a “fake marriage” between her and Rishi Kapoor so she could work in Indian films.

The revelation came during a private TV interview in which Sangeeta discussed her artistic career, personal experiences, and cinematic journey.

She recalled that she had produced a film titled “Gharana,” which, although not commercially successful, bore a striking resemblance to India’s hit film “Baghban.”

According to her, “My film was released five years earlier, but the success went to Baghban — the story was almost the same.”

Responding to a question with a smile, Sangeeta said she never developed romantic feelings for any Pakistani actor, as she was always engrossed in her work. However, she admitted admiration for Hollywood’s Arab-born actor Omar Sharif, adding that his film “Doctor Zhivago” was one of her all-time favorites.

Sangeeta further revealed that she had received multiple offers from India but always preferred to continue her career in Pakistan. She added that noted Indian filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt had also invited her to direct in India, but she declined.

Recalling one particular incident, she said she attended the Tashkent Film Festival, where Raj Kapoor was also present with his film.

“Raj Kapoor told me, ‘You should come to India — I’ll arrange everything for you.’ He even said, ‘I can arrange a fake marriage between you and Rishi Kapoor so you can work here comfortably,’” she recounted.

Sangeeta said Raj Kapoor wanted to cast her as the lead in his film “Prem Rog,” but she turned down the offer. “I was young, passionate, and determined to make my mark in my own country. Going to India was never my dream,” she concluded.