Pooja Bedi Reveals Why She Quit Films After Marriage: ‘My In-Laws Wouldn’t Accept A Sexy Bahu On Film Sets’

Actor and television personality Pooja Bedi has recently opened up about her decision to quit films after marrying businessman Farhan Furniturewala in 1994. Pooja revealed that her choice was deeply influenced by her husband’s family background. The actor explained that during the late 1980s and 1990s, the film industry faced intense gossip, and actors were often linked to their co-stars. This atmosphere, she said, made it difficult for many families to accept actresses as daughters-in-law.

Speaking in an interview with Siddharth Kannan, Pooja Bedi 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 film sets,” she shared.Pooja recalled that in those times, being married and working in films was not widely accepted, unlike today when married women and mothers continue to thrive as leading ladies. “Cinema and audiences have evolved so much. Back then, once you got married, your career was considered over. Also, having a ‘sexy bahu’ or a ‘sex-symbol bahu’ was a lot for them to handle,” she said with honesty. The Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar actor shared that she didn’t want to make her in-laws uncomfortable or disrespect their traditions. “I thought if I’m going to do something, I want to do it with full respect. I didn’t want to create discomfort for anyone,” she added.

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by POOJA BEDI (@poojabediofficial)

After carefully thinking it through, Pooja decided to give up her rising film career. She returned all the signing amounts for the projects she had agreed to, including a renewal of her famous Kamasutra advertisement campaign. “I had been offered eight times the original amount, but I chose to step away. I wanted to fit into the family I was marrying into rather than cause conflict,” she said. The actor, who was once one of Bollywood’s most talked-about stars, embraced her new role as a wife and mother.

Also Read: Kantara Chapter 1 Box Office Collection Day 19: Rishab Shetty’s Kannada Movie Keeps The Cash Registers Ringing On Diwali

Reflecting on her relationship with Farhan, Pooja said that although their marriage ended in 2003 after nearly a decade, they continue to share mutual respect and warmth. “We have two beautiful children, Alaya and Omar, and we’re best friends today. I love his current wife, Laila,” she said. Pooja’s candid reflections reveal a journey of self-awareness, respect, and maturity one that highlights the societal changes that have shaped women’s roles in Bollywood over time.