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Pooja Bedi, best known for her roles in films like ‘Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar’, ‘Phir Teri Kahani Yaad Aayee’, ‘Aatank Hi Aatank’ and ‘Vishkanya’, has always lived life on her own terms. Though she was once one of the most recognisable faces of the 90s, Pooja decided to step away from the limelight soon after marrying businessman Farhan Furniturewala.
Pooja Bedi’s marriage changed her career direction
In a recent chat with Siddharth Kannan, Pooja opened up about her marriage, family and why she gave up her acting career after getting married. Calling him her “best friend,” Pooja said she was genuinely happy when Farhan decided to marry again.Bedi said, “There were various aspects of our relationship that didn’t work and were never going to work. It was a conscious decision by both of us to always be respectful and kind. We have two beautiful children, and we are best friends today.
I love his current wife, Laila. I’ve known her since junior KG. I was so thrilled that he was marrying her because I knew she’d be great with my kids, and they adore her. It wasn’t like I lost a husband.
I gained Laila; I gained Zaan, their child. Our family grew bigger. You have to have an open heart and a different bent of mind.” She also mentioned that the families often meet to celebrate festivals or simply enjoy dinners together, showing that their bond remains strong beyond marriage.
Divorce was chosen before bitterness developed
Reflecting on her divorce, Pooja Bedi shared that she and Farhan decided to part ways when they realised their relationship was no longer working. Alaya was just five when they got divorced. “Farhan is a wonderful father, and he loves his children; that goes without saying. The kids used to go with him during weekends and spend time with him. All the daily care fell upon me as the mother,” she said.
Acting career was paused due to family expectations
Pooja Bedi’s acting career was on a steady rise when she decided to quit the industry after marriage.
Explaining why she took that step, she said, “I got married to Farhan who came from a conservative Muslim family and there was no way on earth his family was going to accept a bahu (daughter-in-law) going to the set. In those days, there was a lot of gossip about the film industry, and every time a film was released, they would link you (the actress) up with the heroes, and all that drama would go on.
I don’t think there was any way they were going to accept a bahu still working in films.
Back then, once you got married, you stopped doing films. You were off the shelf, unlike today. Also, a ‘s*xy bahu’ or a ‘s*x-symbol bahu’ would have been a lot for them to handle.”
Family comfort was prioritised over personal ambitions
Pooja Bedi also shared how she made the decision consciously to avoid any discomfort for her husband’s family. “I thought about it, and I was like, ‘If I’m going to do something, I want to do it well and with full respect. I don’t want to walk into a family and make people there uncomfortable.
So, either don’t get married because it’s going to create chaos, or let yourself fit into that world and see what it’s all about.’”Bedi even returned all the signing amounts for films she had already committed to. “I then returned all the signing amounts for all the films that I’d committed to; there were quite a few. My Kamasutra ad campaign had come up for renewal, and I had to reject that as well, even though I was offered about eight times the amount that they paid me originally,” she said.
About Pooja Bedi’s relationship with Farhan Furniturewala
According to Bollywood Shaadis, Pooja Bedi married Farhan Furniturewala in 1994 after falling deeply in love with him. She even embraced Islam for the marriage and took the name Noorjahan. The couple had two children together, daughter
Alaya F
and son Omar. However, their marriage ended after twelve years, and they chose to go their separate ways. Despite their divorce, Pooja and Farhan continue to share a warm and respectful relationship.
English (US) ·