January 16, 2025 08:30 AM IST
Raj Babbar left his wife Nadira to marry Smita Patil in 1983. His daughter Juhi Babbar has recalled that time in a new interview.
Actor Raj Babbar was already married and had two children when he began his relationship with fellow actress Smita Patil. This affair and the subsequent marriage caused much controversy, given how it began. Raj Babbar’s daughter, former actress Juhi Babbar, has now opened up about that time and how she came to know about the relationship when she was just 7 years old. ,Also read: Prateik Babbar says Smita Patil was untrained during Manthan,
Juhi Babbar on Raj Babbar and Smita Patil
In an interview with Lehren Retro, Juhi recalled how Smita Patil had made a conscious effort to connect with Raj’s two children – Juhi and her brother, Arya. “When I was barely seven years old, my father talked and explained to me about his marriage with Smita Patil, and that is why my memories of Smita ji are very distinct. She went out of her way to do things for me. I think they also understood that we are the children of the person who is most special to them, and therefore we are special to them too. She showed us a lot of love, always brought gifts for us when she traveled and she made sure that at home we were served only the food we liked. These little memories are nice, but unfortunately, there aren’t a lot of memories,” she said.
Juhi said that she was confused about her perception of Smita at that time as the actor always treated us well, but she could see that this marriage had shaken her own family, especially her mother Nadira . “As a child, I knew that this was the woman my father wanted to be with, and that he wanted her to be his wife. I could see Smita making efforts towards me and my younger brother, but I also knew that it was causing trouble for the unit, and my mother was unhappy with it. I had this understanding that aunty (Smita) was very good to me, but when I go home, I should not share this with my mother.
Raj Babbar and Smita Patil’s marriage
Smita Patil and Raj Babbar met on the sets of their 1982 film Bheegi Palke. Raj leaves Nadira to marry Smita the next year. Their son, actor Prateik Babbar, was born in November 1986. However, Smita Patil died soon after due to childbirth complications at the age of 31. Raj Babbar came back with Nadira after a few years.
Juhi Babbar started her film career in 2003 with Kash Aap Hamare Hote opposite Sonu Nigam. He worked in a few films over the next few years before moving on to TV. In 2023, he returned to films with supporting roles in films such as Faraaz and Farey. She is married to actor Anup Soni.
Recommended Topics
