Pooja Bedi, a prominent figure in Indian entertainment, has often spoken about her unconventional upbringing, shaped profoundly by her parents, the celebrated actor Kabir Bedi and the late classical dancer and model Protima Bedi. Her childhood was steeped in the vibrant world of Bollywood, offering her an early glimpse into its glamour and complexities. Beyond the public eye, her parents maintained an open and honest dialogue within their home, a practice Pooja credits with her personal development. In a recent candid interview, Bedi delved into the intricacies of growing up with such liberal parents and the unique dynamics of their relationship.
Pooja Bedi candidly discussed her liberal household during an appearance on Vickey Lalwani’s YouTube podcast. Her parents, Kabir and Protima, embraced a lifestyle that extended beyond traditional norms, including an open marriage. When Lalwani brought up the topic of Parveen Babi, who had a relationship with Kabir Bedi at the time, Pooja openly acknowledged her parents’ open relationship. What stands out, however, is the enduring friendship they maintained even after their divorce. Pooja expressed immense gratitude that her parents never allowed their separation to cast a shadow on her sense of belonging. She emphasized, “My parents have never made me feel unwanted, rejected, the ‘cause of the marriage,’ or ‘the cause for staying on’ and ‘staying frustrated.’ I really thank them for that. I thank them for being unconditionally supportive parents, loving parents, and indulgent parents in so many ways. And, um, our lives have just gone from 10 to 10.” This sentiment highlights the profound positive impact of their conscious parenting choices.
The enduring legacy of her parents’ relationship, even after their separation in 1974, served as a significant inspiration for Pooja. This influence extended even to her own divorce from Farhan Furniturewala, with whom she shares two children, Alaya F and Omar. Pooja reflected on her parents’ ability to have a “clean break,” a quality she deeply admired and strived to emulate. She articulated this by saying, “When I look at my parents, I see an example of people who married well, lived well, and divorced well. With me and Farhan, we married well, we loved well, we lived well, and we divorced well.” This perspective underscores a mature and respectful approach to the dissolution of a marriage, focusing on mutual well-being and a positive future.
Pooja Bedi further elaborated on the extraordinary way her parents navigated life post-divorce. She recounted a particularly poignant memory from the time her father remarried Susan Humphreys, who later adopted the name Ishel. Pooja shared, “When my father got remarried to Susan Humphreys at that time, she had now changed her name to Ishel. To have her come during their honeymoon and stay with us in our home for a part of their honeymoon to me—that is very special because that shows incredible trust, love, care, and togetherness despite all odds. And I think that is the kind of stuff that should be talked about and valued and examined.” This anecdote beautifully illustrates the profound level of maturity, mutual respect, and unwavering support that characterized her parents’ relationship, even through significant life changes. Their ability to foster such a harmonious environment after divorce is a testament to their individual characters and their commitment to their family’s well-being.
Pooja Bedi herself has had a dynamic career in the entertainment industry, spanning television and film. Her notable film roles include appearances in ‘Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander,’ ‘Lootere,’ and ‘Aatank Hi Aatank.’ Early in her career, her presence in numerous advertisements for prominent brands helped solidify her position. Beyond acting, she has also contributed her insights as a columnist for various publications, including the esteemed Times of India. Her versatility extended to reality television, where she participated in the inaugural season of ‘Jhalak Dikhla Ja’ in 2006 and later in ‘Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi’ in 2007, showcasing her adventurous spirit and broad appeal.
