From romance to heartbreak — the untold story of Kumar Sanu and Kunicka’s controversial affair. (Image Credit: X/@TruthSlayer_24)
Bollywood has never lacked controversies, and one that still manages to generate curiosity even in today's times is the rumored affair of playback legend Kumar Sanu and actress-anchor Kunicka Lal. Their romance was the show business buzzword of the 1990s, when both were at their peak in their careers. Although their relationship began on a positive footing, it quickly became one of the most talked-about affairs in Hollywood, ultimately dissolving in heartbreak and media glare.
Kumar Sanu, the "King of Melody" for his unmatched contribution to Hindi playback singing in the 90s, was himself a name to reckon with when rumors started linking him with Kunicka. Kunicka was herself a familiar face in some of the most popular Bollywood movies and was also admired on TV. The two met while working in the entertainment industry, and soon the news of a budding romance started making headlines.
Many were surprised to see them as a couple. Sanu was already the father of three and was married to his first wife, Rita Bhattacharya. His increasing proximity to Kunicka was in the news and in gossip columns, and it got him a lot of media attention.
As is often the case with celebrated scandals, however, the tale did not remain closeted for long. Paparazzi and tabloids made headlines about their supposed relationship, spinning it as one of the sexiest controversies of its time. Although Sanu was respected for his music, his love life tended to overshadow his professional achievement then.
Kunicka was also swept up in the tempest. As she tried to pursue her career, she was repeatedly engulfed by media hysteria surrounding her personal life, which kept overshadowing her professional endeavors. Interviews, press quotes, and rumors only fed the fire, and the affair remained a darling for tabloid magazines during the 90s.
What began as a much-publicized romance soon ran into troubled times. The same glare that brought them fame also left their relationship vulnerable. Kumar Sanu's pre-existing family obligations and the pressure of being in the public eye all the time allegedly strained their relationship.
It was reported by industry gossip that the couple's romance experienced numerous highs and lows, usually due to external reasons, such as Sanu's messy personal life. Kunicka, on her part, was left to endure the force of the anger, as women in high-profile relationships usually were during that period.
Later, the relationship did not work out. Kumar Sanu and Kunicka did not comment on the break-up in full detail, although it was said to have ended with a bitter note. The controversy added to Sanu's marriage as well, while Kunicka chose to pursue her career and development.
Their breakup brought an end to one of Bollywood's most talked-about love affairs. Though the two went on with their lives, the memories of their affair remain in Bollywood gossip files.
ALSO READ: Bigg Boss Love Stories That Survived: Couples Who Are Still Together
Kumar Sanu went on dominating the music scene for years and remains popular even now for his evergreen songs. He remarried later on and attempted to put the controversies of the past behind. Kunicka also moved ahead, concentrating on her TV and film work, making a separate identity of herself from the controversy.
Interestingly their saga also brought to light how merciless the spotlight of Bollywood could be. While film industry love stories typically start with promise and glamour, few survive the critical glare of fame, family expectations, and continuous scrutiny.
ALSO READ: Who Is Amit Mittal? Father of Bigg Boss 19 Star Tanya Mittal & His Net Worth
