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Simi Garewal, who hosted the famous talk show Rendezvous with Simi Grewal and is often referred to as the queen of Indian television, transitioned from her chat show to starring alongside renowned celebrities of Indian cinema such as Satyajit Ray, Raj Kapoor, Shashi Kapoor, and more. Her life appears to be a movie in itself, with her successful film career and unconventional personality making her a popular name in Bollywood society. She went from lurking outside studios to making it to the big screens herself.
1. Born on 17 October 1947 into a Sikh Jat family in Punjab, Simi Garewal was raised in London.
2. Brigadier J. S. Garewal, Simi Garewal’s father, served in the Indian Army while her mother, Darshi Garewal, is a homemaker.
Simi Garewal’s mother, Darshi, and Pamela Chopra’s father, Mohinder Singh, were siblings, making her the cousin of Yash Chopra’s wife. She maintains a close relationship with her sister, Amrita.
3. Simi Garewal had a strong fascination for the glamour world from a young age.
While in England, she would often be found wandering around the Twickenham Studios. However, she soon came to the realization that getting a break in the British film industry would be a challenge. As a result, she decided to try her luck in Bollywood. According to reports, she resorted to a hunger strike to persuade her parents to allow her to pursue a career in Bollywood.
4. At the tender age of 15, Simi Garewal was accompanied to Mumbai by her mother and sister.
5. Her initial days in Mumbai posed a challenge
Due to her western accent and appearance, her first days in Mumbai were undoubtedly challenging. Securing roles in Bollywood films became difficult for her. She soon realized that to have any chance of success in Bollywood, she would have to undergo a complete transformation.
6. Simi Garewal’s big break in the Bollywood industry
In 1962, she landed her first break in the adventure movie “Tarzan Goes to India”, where she acted alongside Feroz Khan. Her proficient command of English caught the attention of the producers of the English-language film, who subsequently offered her a role. The film was directed by John Guillermin, who also directed “Death on the Nile” (1987).
7. Obsession with everything white
Simi Garewal is known for her love for white outfits, whether it’s a simple all-white pantsuit or a white chiffon saree, often paired with a pearl necklace. According to the Bombay Times, her affinity for white began in childhood and has persisted throughout her life. Although she occasionally purchases colorful clothing that catches her eye, they seldom see the light of day outside her closet.
8. Simi Garewal fell in love for the first time at the early age of 17
Despite facing several ups and downs in her personal life, she entered into a romantic relationship with the Maharaja of Jamnagar, her neighbor in Britain. She later disclosed her romantic involvement with Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi before the cricketer met Sharmila Tagore. Simi Garewal was also linked to the famous industrialist Ratan Tata, with whom she shared a beautiful past.
9. Simi Garewal is currently happily divorced
Simi Garewal got married to her long-time boyfriend Ravi Mohan, a businessman from the aristocratic family of Chunnamals of Delhi. However, their long-distance marriage lasted only for 18 months. The couple initially lived apart, but eventually got divorced a decade later.
10. Simi shifted her focus to documentary filmmaking
Following her memorable role in Subhash Ghai’s Karz (1980), Simi shifted her focus to documentary filmmaking and hosting TV shows. She directed two documentaries on Raj Kapoor and former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, which earned her considerable praise.
11. She has the ideal personality for hosting TV shows
Simi Garewal’s popularity mostly stems from her successful career as a TV show host. Her personality is well-suited for this role and she achieved considerable success with shows like It’s a Woman’s World (1983) and Rendezvous with Simi Grewal (1999).
12. Adopting a child
Simi expressed her desire to adopt a girl named Vijaya from an orphanage, despite not having any children of her own. In accordance with adoption laws, she published Vijaya’s photo in a newspaper and would be able to adopt her if nobody claimed her within 3 months. However, just before Simi could gain custody of Vijaya, the girl’s parents showed up.
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