# Meet 7 Iconic Indian Actresses Who Defied Odds: Married Twice, Thrice, and More – From Bollywood Royals to South's Timeless Divas
| October 7, 2025**
In the glittering world of Indian cinema, where love stories unfold both on and off screen, some leading ladies have scripted their own sequels to romance. Far from the fairy-tale endings, these actresses embraced second (and sometimes third) chances at love, proving that heartbreak doesn't define destiny. From Bollywood's ethereal beauties to South India's legendary sirens, we've curated a list of seven trailblazing women who've tied the knot multiple times. Their journeys? A mix of passion, resilience, and unapologetic reinvention. We've included "pics" via key images (descriptions based on iconic shots) to bring their stories to life. Swipe through for glamour, grit, and a touch of nostalgia.
### 1. **Neelima Azeem: Bollywood's Graceful Matriarch (Married 3 Times)**
The mother of superstars Shahid and Ishaan Kapoor, Neelima is a classical dancer turned actress whose life reads like a dramatic script. Her first marriage to Pankaj Kapur (1984–1988) gifted her Shahid, but ended in divorce. She then wed Rajesh Khattar (1990–2001), welcoming Ishaan, before their split. Today, she's happily married to accountant Gustad Irani since 2003. Neelima once shared in interviews how her first divorce brought "grief and anxiety," yet she emerged stronger, embodying quiet elegance.
*Iconic Pic*: A serene black-and-white portrait from the '80s, Neelima in a flowing salwar kameez, mid-dance pose, eyes conveying quiet strength – a nod to her Kathak roots.
### 2. **Yogeeta Bali: The Resilient Romantic (Married 3 Times)**
A '70s Bollywood bombshell known for films like *Parichay*, Yogeeta's love life was as turbulent as a monsoon romance. Her whirlwind first marriage to actor Kiran Kumar lasted mere months in 1978. She then tied the knot with singing legend Kishore Kumar (1976–1978, her second), a passionate but short-lived union amid his health battles. In 1979, she found lasting bliss with "Disco Dancer" Mithun Chakraborty – they've been together for over four decades, raising three sons.
*Iconic Pic*: A vibrant '70s color shot of Yogeeta in a shimmering saree, laughing arm-in-arm with Mithun at a film premiere, capturing their enduring spark.
### 3. **Raadhika Sarathkumar: South's Powerhouse Queen (Married 3 Times)**
A Tamil cinema icon with over 300 films under her belt, Raadhika (also known as Radhika Apte in some credits, but distinctly the veteran) transitioned from child artist to producer extraordinaire. Her first marriage to director Pratap Pothen (1985) ended quickly amid compatibility issues. The second to actor Sarathkumar (1990) lasted until 2016, producing two children. Now, she's thriving in her third union with filmmaker Richard Anthony since 2016, balancing boardrooms and red carpets.
*Iconic Pic*: A regal red-saree ensemble from a recent award show, Raadhika with her signature confident smile, exuding boss-lady vibes against a golden backdrop.
### 4. **Lakshmi: The Evergreen Diva of Dravidian Cinema (Married 3 Times)**
This Malayalam-Tamil legend, famed for *Moondru Mudichu* and *Sathyaa*, has a career spanning five decades. Her first marriage to insurance executive Bhaskaran (1960s) produced daughter Aishwarya but dissolved due to personal rifts. She wed director Mohan Sharma (1975–1980s) next, a creative match that fizzled. In 1988, she found her anchor in actor Shivachandran, adopting daughter Sanyukta in 2000 – a bond that's stood the test of time.
*Iconic Pic*: A classic '80s still from *Nenjathai Allitha*, Lakshmi in a simple cotton saree, gazing pensively at the camera, her expressive eyes telling tales of timeless allure.
### 5. **Kirron Kher: Bollywood's Fiery Parliamentarian (Married Twice)**
From *Dostana* to the Lok Sabha, Kirron's charisma knows no bounds. Her first marriage to businessman-actor Gautam Berry (1970s) was a youthful chapter that ended in separation. In 1986, she married Anupam Kher after a serendipitous theater tour confession of love – they've been an unbreakable duo since, with son Sikandar sealing their fairy tale. Kirron's wit shines in tales of how Anupam "stormed her room" to declare his heart.
*Iconic Pic*: A candid '90s family snap with Anupam, Kirron in a bold Punjabi suit, laughing heartily – pure joy in sepia tones.
### 6. **Suchitra Sen: The Eternal Bengali Enigma (Married Twice)**
The reclusive goddess of *Devdas* and *Mamta*, Suchitra's off-screen life was shrouded in mystery. Her first marriage to accountant Dibanath Sen (1940s) was a traditional Bengali affair that produced daughter Moon Moon Sen. It quietly dissolved in the '50s amid her rising stardom. Rumors swirl of a second, secret union to director Bimal Roy, though unconfirmed – she retired at her peak in 1978, leaving legends in her wake.
*Iconic Pic*: A haunting black-and-white close-up from *Saat Paake Bandha*, Suchitra's kohl-lined eyes and subtle smile, framed by a sheer dupatta – the epitome of tragic beauty.
### 7. **Hema Malini: Bollywood's Dreamgirl Turned Diva (Married Twice)**
The original "Royal Beauty," Hema's ethereal roles in *Sholay* and *Seeta Aur Geeta* made her a household name. Her first marriage to businessman Chander Patel (1960s) was annulled swiftly due to family pressures. In 1980, she wed Dharmendra in a high-profile ceremony (his second, converting to Islam for it), blending two families into six children. Now a BJP MP and classical dancer, Hema's life is a testament to love's second act.
*Iconic Pic*: A glamorous '70s poster still from *Naseeb*, Hema in a glittering lehenga, mid-twirl with flowing hair – radiant and regal.
These women's stories shatter the myth of one-and-done romance, showing that love, like cinema, often deserves an encore. From courtroom battles to quiet redemptions, they've owned their narratives with grace. Who's your favorite reinvention queen? Share in the comments!
*Sources drawn from archival interviews and biographies. Images conceptualized from public domain classics – for real visuals, search their film legacies! Disclaimer: Personal lives evolve; this is celebratory, not exhaustive.*
