Dev Anand 'Very Upset' Over Brother Vijay's Controversial Osho-Advised Marriage
Dev Anand 'Very Upset' Over Brother Vijay's Controversial Osho-Advised Marriage
Explore the decades-old controversy surrounding legendary filmmaker Vijay Anand's marriage to his niece, Sushma, against family wishes and on Osho Rajneesh's counsel. Discover intimate details from Sushma.
The annals of Bollywood history are replete with tales of cinematic brilliance and personal intrigues, and among them, the life of legendary filmmaker Vijay Anand stands out. Remembered for directing classics like 'Guide,' 'Teesri Manzil,' and 'Jewel Thief,' Anand's professional accolades were often overshadowed by a significant personal controversy that unfolded in 1978: his marriage to his own niece, Sushma. This union, reportedly advised by the controversial spiritual leader Bhagwan Rajneesh, better known as Osho, sent ripples of disapproval through his prominent family, including his elder brother, the iconic actor Dev Anand, who was reportedly 'very upset' by the decision.
Vijay Anand, the younger brother of Dev Anand and Chetan Anand, chose to go ahead with the marriage despite his family's objections. Sushma, who was 19 years his junior and the daughter of one of his older sisters, eventually shared intimate details of their relationship years after Vijay’s passing in 2004 at the age of 70. In an interview with Filmfare, Sushma revealed that their wedding took place during the filming of 'Ram Balram' in 1978, a period when Vijay Anand had already become a dedicated follower of Osho since the 1970s. It was, notably, Osho himself who encouraged the unconventional match.
Reflecting on their bond, Sushma expressed the profound care they held for each other. She recounted how Vijay was drawn to her simplicity, while she, in turn, understood his usually calm temperament. "He rarely lost his cool. I was the one who'd lose my temper. I was crazier. I'd deliberately do things to annoy him," she candidly told Filmfare, painting a picture of a dynamic, often playful relationship. She added that they would often 'manao' (cajole) each other, maintaining a lively give-and-take in their partnership.
Despite Vijay Anand's fame and the inevitable attention from other women, Sushma never felt insecure. With a playful spirit, she'd tease him, saying, "Main dekh rahi hoon. Maze karo. Enjoy yourself." Her words highlighted a remarkable level of trust and a unique understanding between them. While compliments from Vijay were rare, Sushma cherished them deeply, noting that when they did come, they truly made her happy. The story of Vijay and Sushma Anand remains a fascinating, albeit controversial, chapter in the lives of one of Bollywood's most influential cinematic families, driven by an unusual spiritual counsel.
