Reena Roy Was Not Her Real Name
Born as Saira Ali, she changed her name to Reena Roy to avoid communal backlash during a sensitive socio-political climate. The new name gave her a more "neutral" identity in an industry still influenced by stereotypes.
She Rose from B-Grade Beginnings to A-List Stardom
Reena started with low-budget thrillers and bold roles in the early 70s but climbed her way up with hits like Kalicharan (1976), Nagin (1976), Apnapan (1977), and Aasha (1980). She became a box office queen despite not coming from a film family.
The Shatrughan Sinha Affair and Its Fallout
One of Bollywood’s most talked-about relationships was between Reena Roy and actor Shatrughan Sinha. Despite a long-term affair, Sinha eventually married Poonam without informing Reena. This betrayal left her heartbroken and caused a media frenzy. Years later, Reena admitted, “I didn’t deserve what happened to me.”
She Quit Films After Marriage But It Didn’t Last
Reena married Pakistani cricketer Mohsin Khan in the 80s, quit acting, and moved to Pakistan. But cultural differences and the pressures of living away from her career led to their divorce. She returned to India with her daughter and resumed acting, though with limited success.
A Controversy Over Her Daughter’s Custody
After her divorce, Mohsin Khan initially had custody of their daughter, Jannat (now named Sanam). Reena fought to bring her back to India. Rumors swirled that the girl looked exactly like Reena, and in time, she was reunited with her mother, sparking discussions on motherhood, women's rights, and cross-border relationships.