From Salman to Rashmika: 5 Famous Broken Engagements

New Delhi, january 10, 2026: In the glittering world of Indian cinema, fairy-tale romances often lead to grand engagements that capture the nation’s imagination. However, not every “happily ever after” makes it to the altar. While many celebrities celebrate lavish weddings, some of the industry’s biggest names have made the difficult decision to call off their nuptials even after the rings were exchanged and the cards were printed.

Here are five prominent Indian actors who called off their weddings after getting engaged.

1. Salman Khan and Sangeeta Bijlani

Perhaps the most famous “almost” wedding in Bollywood history involves the superstar Salman Khan and former Miss India, Sangeeta Bijlani. In the early 90s, the duo was the “it” couple of the industry. Their relationship was so serious that wedding invitations had already been printed for May 27, 1994.

However, just a month before the big day, the wedding was abruptly cancelled. In later years, Sangeeta confirmed that the cards were indeed out, and Salman himself admitted on Koffee with Karan that he was “nearly there” but things didn’t work out. Despite the heartbreak, the two have maintained a remarkably close friendship over the decades, with Sangeeta often seen at Khan family gatherings.

2. Rashmika Mandanna and Rakshit Shetty

Long before she became the “National Crush” and a pan-India sensation with Pushpa and Animal, Rashmika Mandanna was engaged to her Kirik Party co-star and Kannada actor-filmmaker Rakshit Shetty. The couple got engaged in a grand ceremony in July 2017, surrounded by family and friends.

By September 2018, the news broke that the couple had decided to part ways. Reports cited compatibility issues and the pressure of their evolving careers as the reasons for the split. Rashmika’s father later clarified that the decision was mutual and taken to ensure the happiness of both individuals. Today, both actors have moved on to significant success in their respective careers, maintaining a dignified silence about their past.

3. Abhishek Bachchan and Karisma Kapoor

The union of the Bachchan and Kapoor dynasties would have been the “Wedding of the Century.” Abhishek Bachchan and Karisma Kapoor’s engagement was officially announced during Amitabh Bachchan’s 60th birthday celebrations in 2002. The announcement sent shockwaves of joy through the film fraternity.

However, the engagement lasted only a few months. By early 2003, the families announced that the wedding was off. While neither side ever officially gave a reason, industry insiders speculated on everything from maternal interference to financial concerns and career differences. Both eventually found love elsewhere—Abhishek with Aishwarya Rai and Karisma with Sanjay Kapur.

4. Akshay Kumar and Raveena Tandon

In the mid-90s, the chemistry between Akshay Kumar and Raveena Tandon was undeniable, both on and off-screen. Following the massive success of their film Mohra, the couple reportedly got engaged in a secret ceremony at a temple.

The relationship eventually hit a rocky patch, and the engagement was called off in 1998. Raveena later spoke candidly in interviews, suggesting that Akshay’s desire for her to quit her acting career after marriage and his alleged link-ups with other co-stars led to the final breakdown. Akshay eventually married Twinkle Khanna, while Raveena married film distributor Anil Thadani.

5. Shilpa Shinde and Romit Raj

A well-known case from the television industry that mirrors Salman Khan’s story is that of Bhabhiji Ghar Par Hai star Shilpa Shinde and actor Romit Raj. The two met on the sets of the show Maayka and were set to marry in 2009.

The wedding was so close to reality that the invitations had been distributed and the venue in Goa was booked. However, Shilpa decided to call off the wedding at the last minute. Years later, during her stint on Bigg Boss, she revealed that she felt Romit’s family was becoming too demanding and that she didn’t want to compromise her self-respect. Romit later married Tina Kakkar, and Shilpa remains one of TV’s most popular single icons.

Conclusion

While these breakups were played out under the harsh glare of the spotlight, they serve as a reminder that celebrities, like anyone else, face complex emotional crossroads. Choosing to call off a wedding is a heavy decision, but for these stars, it was a necessary step toward finding their own individual paths to happiness and professional heights.