May 2011 ~ NEWS

Here's taking at sneak peek at some of the most discussed and talked about love stories between Bollywood actresses and cricketers.

Yuvraj Singh with Kim Sharma and Deepika Padukone
There is no denying the fact that swashbuckling batsman Yuvraj Singh has a huge female fan following. Yuvi has always known to be a charmer with the fairer sex and even Bollywood beauties Kim Sharma and Deepika Padukone couldn't help but fall to his lovely ways.

While Yuvi and Kim were seen on more than one occasion together and were steady for quite a long time, his fling with Deepika was comparatively short-lived.

While the couple (Yuvi and Deepika) maintained their just good friends stance, one couldn't help that they indeed shared a great camaraderie.

Deepika in fact even was seen at a few cricket matches in Australia cheering Yuvi and couple was spotted together at quiet a few occasions. However, the sizzle in this Love Story soon fizzled out and today Deepika is happy in the company of her 'Lucky Boy' Ranbir Kapoor.

Zaheer Khan and Isha Sharvani
Although Mumbai based fast bowler Zaheer Khan kept denying his relationship with 'Kisna' actress Isha Sharvani, there is no denying the fact that the two were in an on-off relationship for almost a year.

The duo were spotted indulging in many a cosy dinners at various hot-spots across the city and Isha was even a permanent figure at the airport whenever Zaheer and his 'Boys in Blue' returned from various international tours.

However, sooner than later Zaherr realized that all this was taking a toll on his form as a bowler and very soon the couple headed for splitsville.
Amrita Arora and Usman Afzal
Amrita Arora may be happily married to businessman Shakeel Ladak now but the chirpy and bubbly actress has had her share of relationships during her younger days.

The one that remains still vivid in fans' minds is Amu's love story with England based cricketer Usman Afzal. The duo met at a common friend's party and hit if off instantly.

Usman became a regular at various functions of the Khan-daan and was by Amu's side whenever she needed him. However, after being together for more than a year, the duo decided to go separate ways for reasons best known to them.

Besides the above mentioned jodis, some of the other popular link-ups between Bollywood actresses and cricketers include that of former Pakistan captain Imran Khan & Zeenat Aman and legendary West-Indian all-rounder Gary Sobers & popular T.V. actress Anju Mahendroo.

Nagma and Sourav Ganguly
Bollywood actress Nagma and former cricket captain Sourav Ganguly's relationship was something which garnered a lot of media attention.

Sourav was married to Dona and hence maintained a 'No Comments' stance on this personal issue, however Nagma had spoken publicly that there was indeed something on between her and the Prince of Kolkata.

However, as the media speculation began to take a toll on Sourav's flourishing career, he decided to end all ties with the actress and this 'Chotti Si Love Story' died its own death.

Reena Roy and Mohsin Khan
Unlike Sharmila Tagore and Tiger Pataudi, Reena Roy's romance with Pakistani cricketer Mohsin Khan didn't really have a happy ending.

Reena, who starred in films like Nagin, Kalicharan, Jaani Dushman and Naseeb gave up her flourishing career to marry Mohsin Khan in 1983. Mohsin, who was always known as a flamboyant cricketer, decided to try his hand at acting but failed miserably.

The failure of his career coupled with his family and social circle not accepting Reena Roy whole-heartedly, led to their break-up and a bitter divorce. The duo has a daughter who lives in Mumbai with Reena.

Sharmila Tagore and Tiger Pataudi
Sharmila, the eternal beauty who starred in many hit films like Aradhana, Amar Prem, Daag and Safar married Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi at the peak of her film career.

Apart from being the 'Nawab of Pataudi', Tiger (as he is fondly known as) was also the captain of the Indian cricket team. The duo have been happily married for many years now and even have 3 children out of which Saif Ali Khan and Soha Ali Khan have followed the footsteps of their mother choosing acting as a vocation.

Neena Gupta and Vivian Richards
While there have been quite a few Bollywood actresses who've had an affair with cricketers from the sub-continent, Neena Gupta holds the distinction for being the only one to have been in a relationship with a cricketer from the Carribean.

The cricketer in question is none other than legendary West-Indian batsmen Sir Vivian Richards who was already married when he met Neena.

Even though Neena and Vivian didn't tie the knot, they were in a serious relationship for a brief period and even have a daughter Masaba who stays with her mom.
Sangeeta Bijlani and Mohammad Azharuddin
Sangeeta and Azhar's romance is among the most widely discussed love stories between a cricketer and a Bollywood actress. Sangeeta started her career winning the prestigious 'Miss India' title in 1980 and soon decided to make a mark for herself in the world of films.

She achieved limited success as an actress but remained in the headlines thanks to her much talked about affair with former Indian cricket skipper Mohd. Azharuddin.

In fact, she also faced a lot of flak and was termed a 'marriage-breaker' by a section of the media for having an affair with the already married Azhar.

However after Azhar divorced his first wife, he made his relationship with Sangeeta formal by tying the knot and as they say 'All's well that end's well'. The duo now lives in Hyderabad's plush Banjara Hills locality but are frequently seen on Mumbai's Page 3 circuit.