Shivinder Singh Virk may not be a widely public figure in modern media, but his legacy is closely tied to both military service and Indian cinema through his familial relationships. Known primarily as the father of celebrated Bollywood actress Amrita Singh and the former husband of socialite and actress Rukhsana Sultana, Shivinder Singh Virk holds a quiet but significant place in Indian popular history. In this article we will all about the Shivinder Singh Virk biography, career, family, wife, daughter, net worth and more.
Who is Shivinder Singh Virk?
Shivinder Singh Virk is an ex-Indian Army officer, who is most well-known for his family ties to the Indian cinema. He had a distinguished career with the Indian forces and became a public figure thereafter as he was married to Rukhsana Sultana, a popular face in India during the Emergency period and subsequently a Bollywood actress. He is the paternal grandfather of Amrita Singh, a hit Bollywood actress during the 1980s and 1990s, and the maternal great-grandfather of Sara Ali Khan, one of the leading actresses in Bollywood currently.
Although tied up with high-profile celebrities, Shivinder Singh Virk has kept a low-profile and honorable figure for the most part, shunning the spotlight and media attention.
Shivinder Singh Virk Age
The date of birth of Shivinder Singh Virk is not known in the public domain, and he has led a private life ever since. But as per historical context and timelines, it is estimated that he would now be in his late 70s to early 80s, if alive.
Shivinder Singh Virk Height, Weight, and Physical Stats
As a former army officer, Shivinder Singh Virk was known for his disciplined appearance and commanding stature.
- Height: Estimated around 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm)
- Weight: Approximately 75–80 kg during active service
- Build: Fit and athletic in his military years
- Eye Color: Black
- Hair Color: Black (later grey)
No recent public images or interviews provide current physical details, as he has maintained a very private life post-retirement.
Education and Early Life
There is little that is known about Shivinder Singh Virk’s education in his youth, but it can be assumed that he was from a prominent Punjabi Sikh family, based on discipline, service, and tradition. His ability to enlist in and serve in the Indian Army suggests a solid educational grounding and patriotism at an early age.
His early life would have overlapped with post-independence India—a period of heightened nationalist feeling, which may have driven his decision to remain in the armed forces.
Shivinder Singh Virk Family
Shivinder Singh Virk’s personal life gained public attention due to his marriage and family connections.
- Ex-Wife: Rukhsana Sultana, a socialite and prominent figure during the 1970s, especially known for her role during the Emergency in India. She later transitioned into acting and was a visible part of elite social circles.
- Daughter: Amrita Singh, a renowned actress who starred in numerous hit Bollywood films in the 1980s and 90s, including Betaab, Chameli Ki Shaadi, Naam, and more.
- Granddaughter: Sara Ali Khan, Bollywood’s leading contemporary actress and daughter of Amrita Singh and actor Saif Ali Khan.
- Children: Reportedly two, though only Amrita Singh is publicly known and prominent.
Shivinder Singh Virk Career
Shivinder Singh Virk served as a commissioned officer in the Indian Army with a successful career. Although his ranks and operations he was engaged in are not officially documented, the Indian Army is renowned for strict selection, and his career suggests significant contribution and discipline.
His professional path avoided glamour and politics, which was a far cry from the celebrity his wife and daughter would subsequently achieve.
There is no mention of Shivinder Singh Virk pursuing any business, film, or political ventures following his time in the military, perpetuating his reputation as a low-key, service-minded man who separated his public and private lives from the celebrity of his kin.
Shivinder Singh Virk Wife & Personal Life

Personal life of Virk entered public eye upon his marriage to Rukhsana Sultana, which later resulted in divorce. They had Amrita Singh, who later emerged as a prominent name in Bollywood.
While they were separated, Virk remained out of the limelight. Unlike Rukhsana and Amrita, he led a private life. There is no mention of him remarrying or taking part in public life, presenting an image of a reserved private man with a sense of dignity.
Shivinder Singh Virk Net Worth
There is no official net worth of Shivinder Singh Virk, as he never publicly participated in celebrity or commercial endeavors. Nevertheless, as a retired army officer, he would be legally eligible for military pension and perks.
Also, coming from a respected and probably well-off Punjabi family, it is safe to believe that he lived a modest and comfortable life, apart from Bollywood’s wealth and fame.
Social Media
Shivinder Singh Virk is not present on any known social media. Contrary to his daughter Amrita Singh or granddaughter Sara Ali Khan, who are active players in the digital entertainment industry, Virk has never been involved in online media.
This lack of public presence emphasizes his desire for privacy in keeping with his vocation in the disciplined ambience of the military.
Facts to Know About Shivinder Singh Virk
- He served in the Indian Army, one of the most respected institutions in the country.
- He is the father of Bollywood actress Amrita Singh and grandfather of Sara Ali Khan.
- He was married to Rukhsana Sultana, a controversial but influential figure during India’s Emergency.
- Despite his family’s celebrity status, Virk chose to live a life away from media attention.
- His legacy continues through his daughter and granddaughter, both successful in Indian cinema.
Conclusion
Although Shivinder Singh Virk is not a household name outside of the public eye, his status as a committed Indian Army officer, a father, and a product of a family with deep history and celebrity makes him quietly iconic. In a day and age of social media exposure and perpetual publicity, Virk’s dignified retreat from fame and his commitment to personal honor are a strong reminder of the importance of duty, privacy, and legacy.
His tale is not only about who he is, but also about the impact he left on creating one of Bollywood’s most accomplished dynasties—with Amrita Singh and Sara Ali Khan continuing to uphold the family name in their own radiant forms.
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