Who is Manoj Kumar’s wife, Shashi Goswami? Read about their heartfelt love story

Indian cinema has lost one of its brightest stars. The legendary actor and filmmaker, Manoj Kumar, passed away on 4 April 2025 at the age of 87. He took his last breath at a Mumbai hospital. Though he stepped away from the limelight in the late 1990s, his work and contribution to Indian films continue to live on.

While his films are loved and remembered by all his fans, not many know about the heartfelt love story he shared with his lifelong companion, his wife, Shashi Goswami. She was not just his life partner but also his strongest supporter through the highs and lows of his journey. Here’s a closer look at the woman who stood beside Bharat Kumar.

See more: Manoj Kumar Death News: Manoj Kumar Passes Away Live Update

A first meeting to remember
In a 2013 interview with Dainik Jagran, the 'Purab Aur Paschim' actor shared how he first met Shashi Goswami while he was still in college. It was during his visits to Old Delhi for study sessions at a friend’s house. He said, "During my graduation days, I used to go to Old Delhi to one of my friend's homes for studying, and that's when I saw Shashi for the first time in my life. God's swear, I have never seen any girl with some bad intentions in my whole life, but there was something magical about Shashi that I couldn't take my eyes away from her face. And for one and a half years, both of us had seen each other from a distance. Because none of us had the courage to speak to the other at that time." It was a love that started slowly and shyly, but it only grew stronger with time.

A romance full of challenges
As their feelings for each other deepened, the couple began meeting more often—usually with friends and often at the cinema. But while Manoj's family supported their relationship, things were not as easy on Shashi’s side. The 'Kranti' actor revealed, "After watching the film together with our friends, we had started meeting more frequently. While my parents had no objection to our relationship, it was Shashi's brother and mother who were against us. I used to go to my college's terrace, and Shashi used to go to her house's terrace so that both of us could see each other without getting caught by anyone".

See more: Manoj Kumar Death News: Legendary Actor Manoj Kumar Dies at 87: A Tribute to 'Bharat Kumar'
Shashi was offered a film role
Their love survived these hurdles, and they eventually got married. Before their marriage, Shashi was offered a film role in 1957, as per IMDb. When she asked Manoj for advice, he told her that only one of them should work in films. Shashi chose to step away from acting and instead took part in a few radio plays.

Marriage based on trust and respect
Their marriage was built on strong values of trust, respect, and understanding. In the same interview, Manoj spoke about what marriage meant to him. "Not many people understand the true meaning of marriage, as it's not about sticking to your partner for all the good things he/she has in them. But to adjust to some of their limitations too and to support them in their weak zones."

Shashi, too, opened up about her early doubts, especially when Manoj was surrounded by film actresses. But he always reassured her. "I used to doubt him a lot of times, but he had always told me that going on the sets for the shooting is like going to temple for him. That place is like a temple for him. Also, he was aware of the things that I don't like and his limits too."

Manoj Kumar and Shashi Goswami’s children
The couple had two sons together—Vishal Goswami and Kunal Goswami. Kunal followed his father’s footsteps into the film industry, though with a shorter career.