Sachin Tendulkar’s life has always attracted massive public attention — not just for his legendary cricket career but also for his personal life. While most fans know about his long and happy marriage to Anjali Tendulkar, few remember the old rumours that once linked him to Bollywood actress Shilpa Shirodkar in the early 1990s.
So what really happened? Were the rumours true, or just another case of celebrity gossip spiralling out of control? Here’s a closer look at the reality behind the speculation.
When Cricket and Bollywood Rumours Collided
India has always been fascinated by stories connecting cricket stars and film celebrities. Over the years, several such connections turned into real relationships, while many others existed only in public imagination.
One such rumoured pairing that briefly caught attention was Sachin Tendulkar and Shilpa Shirodkar — a popular actress during the 90s. At the time, whispers of a possible link created curiosity among fans, even though neither of them openly acknowledged it then.
Shilpa Shirodkar Breaks Her Silence Years Later
Years after the rumours faded, Shilpa Shirodkar finally addressed the topic in a candid radio interview. She explained that the speculation began during the early 1990s, around the period when she was working on the film Hum.
According to Shilpa, she met Sachin through her cousin, who lived in the same Bandra East neighbourhood. Sachin and her cousin often played cricket together, which led to a brief introduction. However, she clarified that this was the extent of their interaction.
She made it clear that there was no romantic involvement between them at any point.
Sachin Was Already Committed to Anjali
Shilpa also revealed an important detail that put the rumours into perspective. At the time she met Sachin, he was already in a relationship with Anjali, although it wasn’t widely known publicly.
The two were part of the same social circle, and those around them were aware of Sachin’s relationship status. Shilpa emphasised that people quickly assumed things simply because an actress and a famous cricketer were seen together.
She further stated that she had met Sachin only once, dismissing any suggestion of a deeper connection.
Sachin Tendulkar Also Denied the Link-Up
Sachin Tendulkar himself once addressed the rumours in an old interview when asked about the most absurd gossip he had heard about himself. Without hesitation, he mentioned the alleged affair with Shilpa Shirodkar.
The cricket legend firmly denied the claim, stating that there was absolutely no truth to it. He even clarified that he didn’t know her personally, putting an end to the speculation from his side as well.
The rumours were believed to have gained traction partly because both belonged to Maharashtrian backgrounds, which led to unnecessary assumptions.
Both Moved On to Happy Marriages
Eventually, both Sachin and Shilpa found lasting happiness in their personal lives.
Sachin Tendulkar married Anjali in 1995, and the couple went on to build a strong family together with their children, Sara and Arjun. Their marriage has stood the test of time, remaining one of the most admired partnerships in Indian sports.
Shilpa Shirodkar, on the other hand, married UK-based banker Aparesh Ranjit in 2000. She later stepped away from mainstream cinema and is now a devoted mother to her daughter, Anoushka.
How Celebrity Rumours Often Create False Narratives
This episode serves as a classic example of how celebrity rumours can take shape without facts. A brief meeting, public curiosity, and media attention were enough to create a story that never actually existed.
In reality, both Sachin Tendulkar and Shilpa Shirodkar have consistently maintained that there was no romantic link between them — proving once again how easily speculation can overshadow truth in the world of fame.
Final Thoughts
The alleged Sachin Tendulkar–Shilpa Shirodkar affair was nothing more than a rumour fueled by public imagination. With both individuals clearly denying it and having gone on to lead fulfilling personal lives, the story now stands as a reminder of how easily gossip can grow around high-profile names.