In Hindi cinema, few actors have defined the archetype of a villain the way Ranjeet did. Born as Gopal Bedi on November 12, 1941, he became one of Bollywood’s most feared faces, the man audiences loved to hate.
From Sharmilee to Amar Akbar Anthony, Kalicharan, Laila Majnu and Dharmveer, Ranjeet appeared in over 200 films, bringing an intensity and danger to the screen that left a lasting mark.
Yet behind that notorious on-screen image was a man entirely different, gentle, loyal, and deeply emotional. And that side of him was seen most clearly in one of Bollywood’s lesser-known love stories, his bond with actress Simple Kapadia.
How did Ranjeet and Simple Kapadia’s love story begin?
Simple Kapadia, the younger sister of Dimple Kapadia and sister-in-law to superstar Rajesh Khanna, entered the film world in 1977 with Anurodh. She was charming, spontaneous, and full of life. Ranjeet, on the other hand, was already known for his bold and intimidating roles.
Despite his villainous screen image, Simple saw something different in him. She admired his confidence, his honesty, and his unfiltered personality. What began as friendly conversations on film sets soon blossomed into something deeper. Their connection grew stronger with time, and soon, the industry was buzzing about the unlikely pairing between the dreaded villain and the soft-spoken actress.
Why did Rajesh Khanna object to their relationship?
Just as their relationship started finding its footing, a major roadblock appeared, Rajesh Khanna himself. As Simple’s brother-in-law, Kaka was extremely protective of her. Reports from that time suggested that he strongly disapproved of Ranjeet because of his on-screen image.
During the shooting of Chhailla Babu, tensions between Ranjeet and Rajesh Khanna reportedly escalated into a heated argument. Insiders claimed that Rajesh Khanna believed Ranjeet’s reputation didn’t align with Simple’s image and career. This clash eventually created a rift between the two men, leaving Ranjeet and Simple caught in the middle of a painful choice.
A love that couldn’t find its ending
Like many Bollywood romances of that era, theirs, too, ended in silence and separation. Over time, both chose different paths. Ranjeet continued to dominate the big screen as Bollywood’s most iconic villain, while Simple stepped away from acting to pursue costume designing.
Years later, tragedy struck when Simple Kapadia passed away in 2009 after battling cancer. Her passing brought back memories of the love story that could never be. To this day, those who knew them say that behind Ranjeet’s fierce exterior was a man who never truly forgot the woman who once loved him despite his image.
Highlights
- Ranjeet, Bollywood’s most feared villain, had a soft heart hidden behind his tough screen persona.
- He fell deeply in love with actress Simple Kapadia, Dimple Kapadia’s younger sister.
- Their romance ended after Rajesh Khanna opposed the relationship, leaving behind one of Bollywood’s most tragic untold love stories.