Kabir Bedi and Parveen Babi’s romance in the 1980s was the talk of Bollywood. She was the dazzling star and their love story captured everyone’s interest. But the magic was short-lived. Their relationship ended abruptly, leaving fans shocked and divided. Kabir once recalled how he was criticised for leaving Parveen, and the constant media attention took a toll on her mental health.
Kabir Bedi once recalled being blamed for Parveen Babi’s struggles
Speaking to Bollywood Hungama in past, Kabir Bedi recalled how the press reacted after their relationship ended. “The entire Indian press made it out to be that I had shattered her emotionally and therefore she had gone crazy. Terrible things were written about me. I didn’t counter it at that time. I knew she was coming back to Bombay to rebuild her career. She had left India with me and people were upset,” he said.Kabir explained that Parveen returned to India after their break-up to restart her career, not because of their split. But the media blamed him for her emotional turmoil. Parveen Babi struggled with her mental health for years and tragically passed away in 2005 at the age of 55.
Kabir Bedi’s marriage with Protima
Kabir’s personal life at the time was complex. He had been married to dancer Protima Bedi, and the couple practised what he describes as an “open marriage.” In his book ‘Stories I Must Tell: The Emotional Journey Of An Actor’, he detailed the moment he decided to be with Parveen.As quoted by Hindustan Times, it reads, “There was no easy way to break the news (to Protima). ‘I’m going over to Parveen’s tonight,’ I said softly when she came in. ‘Parveen’s!’ she repeated in surprise. I could see her computing what must have happened. ‘But I’ve only just arrived. Can’t you stay tonight at least?’ I shook my head. ‘No, I have to be with her tonight … and every night.’ In that moment, she realised that our relationship had changed forever. She let out a deep breath and looked at me. ‘Do you love her?’ I nodded, not without sadness. ‘Does she love you?’ she asked, her voice a notch higher. ‘Yes,’ I said gruffly, wanting to cry.”
Kabir Bedi on the work front
Not just in India, but Kabir Bedi’s gained international fame through the Italian series ‘Sandokan’ and became familiar to James Bond fans as the villainous Gobinda in ‘Octopussy’. In Bollywood, he appeared in films such as ‘Khoon Bhari Maang’ and ‘Main Hoon Na’.