Monica Bedi to Marilyn Monroe: Actresses who were romantically linked to gangsters

Actress Monica Bedi hit the headlines this week after she opened up about her struggle to make a comeback in films, because of her past relationship with gangster Abu Salem. Monica is not the only star to have a romantic relationship with a gangster. We've drawn up a list of beauties who were linked to gang lords and the underworld mafia. Take a look...

Monica Bedi, starred in several hit films, including Jodi No 1, but it was her personal life that took over the headlines. The actress was famously known for her relationship with gangster Abu Salem. She even spent some time in jail on the charges of document forgery. It is no secret that the gangster fell in love with the actress and went to great lengths to get her roles in movies. Some even say that he threatened film producers and directors to cast her in their movies.
In her latest interview, the actress revealed that she has been struggling to make a comeback to films owing to her past relationship.

Mandakini was one of the biggest actresses of her time, thanks to her breakout role in Raj Kapoor’s Ram Teri Ganga Maili. However, like most other stars her time, her rumoured love life often grabbed the headlines. The actress reportedly caught the attention of Dawood Abraham who was so captivated with her beauty that he was reportedly instrumental in influencing producers to cast her as their leading lady and would in turn finance their films.

Actress Sona made waves in the Hindi film industry during the 1970s and 1980s. She was, however, noted for her romance with gangster Haji Mastan. The Indian mafia gang leader, had his heart set on another actress Madhubala. However, he couldn't marry her as she died young. Reeling from the shock of her demise, Haji began dating Sona for her likeness to the late star. Despite knowing Haji's fondness for Madhubala, the actress agreed to marry him.

Hollywood actress Marilyn Monroe is said to have dated gang leader Sam Giancana and even spent her last evening alive with him at Sinatra's lodge. This detail was made public by the actress' hair and make-up stylist. According to reports, Marilyn was in love with the gangster and he apparently tried to persuade her not to go public about her alleged affair with President John F Kennedy.