Simran, originally named Rishibala Naval and born to Punjabi parents in Mumbai, quickly became a notable figure in Indian cinema after being discovered by Jaya Bachchan during a popular musical show. She entered the film industry with her role in “Tere Mere Sapne” and gained national attention from the hit song “Aankh Maarey.” Simran’s entry into Tamil cinema occurred in 1997, debuting with two films—“Once More” and “VIP.” With these successful initial roles, she firmly established herself as a leading actress, starring in 18 films within just two years. In her three-decade-long career, Simran earned recognition for her versatility, appearing in numerous blockbuster movies across Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam languages.
Simran’s Recent Projects and Public Image
In recent years, Simran has been celebrated for her work in the OTT film “Tourist Family,” directed by Abishan Jeevinth and featuring M Sashikumar as her co-star. The movie follows a Tamil family displaced from Sri Lanka and seeking refuge in India after an economic crisis. Simran’s performance as Vasanthi received significant praise, contributing to her enduring popularity. Even as Simran’s professional achievements made headlines, media focus also turned to aspects of her personal life, particularly her rumored relationships.
On-Screen Chemistry Ignites Off-Screen Rumors
Simran’s collaborations with Kamal Haasan, a well-recognized figure in Indian cinema, became the center of attention due to their apparent chemistry in films such as “Brahmachari,” “Panchatantra,” and “Pammal K. Sambandham.” These performances fueled speculation about a possible romance between the two. Reports highlighted a particularly controversial scene—a kiss in “Brahmachari”—which intensified public curiosity and gossip regarding the nature of their connection.
The Rumor’s Heightened Impact: Marital Struggles and Public Scrutiny
At the time of their alleged involvement, Kamal Haasan was married to Sarika, though their marriage was reportedly experiencing significant challenges. Simran, 22 years younger than Haasan, soon found herself at the center of public discussion alongside the actor. The attention grew rapidly, as their rumored relationship became a hot topic in entertainment news and social circles alike.
Broken Engagement: The Fallout from the Controversy
Prior to her rumored affair with Kamal Haasan, Simran had reportedly been dating choreographer Raju Sundaram, with claims circulating about their secret engagement. As allegations about Simran and Kamal Haasan became increasingly public, sources suggest that Sundaram encouraged Simran to end her association with Haasan. However, following the widely publicized on-screen kiss between Simran and Kamal Haasan, the relationship between Simran and Sundaram collapsed. The alleged affair led to the end of their engagement. Simran’s connection with Kamal Haasan, however, was brief, and the two reportedly parted ways not long after the controversy peaked.
Simran’s Response to Industry Speculation and Public Perceptions
Decades into her career, Simran has often found herself subject to industry speculation and media rumors. In 2024, for example, rumors suggested she approached Thalapathy Vijay for a major film project, only for the actor to decline involvement. The spread of this story on social media prompted Simran to share her feelings on X (formerly Twitter), addressing both her disappointment and her stance on professional relationships within the industry.
“I’m not desperate to line up and work with any big heroes. I’ve been there and done that. My goals are different now, and as a woman, I know my boundaries. For years, I remained silent when my name kept appearing on social media, being linked with one or another. But self-respect comes first.”
—Simran, Actress
Personal Life: Marriage to Deepak Bagga and Career Choices
Simran’s personal life eventually stabilized with her marriage to Deepak Bagga, who was her childhood friend. The two grew close while Deepak was living near Simran’s aunt’s house, which she frequently visited as a child. He proposed when Simran turned sixteen. They were married in 2003 and are now parents to two sons, Adheep and Aadit. After marriage, Simran stepped away from acting, choosing to focus on her family and children for several years before making a comeback.
Continuing Interest and Legacy
The Kamal Haasan and Simran alleged affair controversy continues to pique public interest, reflecting the ongoing fascination with the personal lives of film stars in India. The episode left a notable impact on Simran’s life and career, having reportedly ended her engagement with Raju Sundaram and leading to intense media attention. Despite these challenges, Simran navigated her career and personal life with resilience, returning to the entertainment industry with renewed focus and earning acclaim for her recent performances. As new generations discover her work and the stories surrounding her, Simran’s journey remains a compelling chapter in Indian cinema history.
