Pooja Bedi opens up on parents Kabir Bedi and late Protima Bedi’s open marriage, reveals her bond with father

Bollywood star Kabir Bedi and late Protima Bedi experimented with an open marriage in the 1970s, but the experiment didn’t last. The couple had hoped the arrangement would allow them to co-parent while exploring other relationships, believing it would bring stability. However, Kabir later admitted that he struggled with his wife seeing other men and that the arrangement simply didn’t suit them, leading to their divorce in 1974.

Pooja’s perspective: Non-judgmental and understanding

Their daughter Pooja Bedi recently spoke about the episode in an interview with Siddharth Kannan, reflecting on her parents’ choices and the perspective she developed growing up. On being asked about the arrangement, she said she never judged them. “Everyone is different. Some people say, 'We really wanted to be in a marriage, then we decided we can’t do this.' Some people say, 'We wanted to be in an open relationship, then we decided we can’t do this.' Some people say, 'We got into an engagement, then we decided we can’t do this.' My point is, what we define something as is just an experience we choose to go into — whether it’s an engagement, a friendship, or a marriage. Was I affected by all this? I was five years old, what would I know? Later on, have I comprehended all this? It’s their job, their bodies, their life, their choices, and they’re entitled. Who am I to sit in judgment of what they’re doing? Who am I to say this is right or wrong and that you must live your life by my terms or my understanding of relationships? I was not evolved, just non-judgmental. I would say I’m not here to tell other people how to live their lives — I’m here to guide them on a path to happiness. So if something is bothering you, I’m here to help. But if everything is going great and you’re happy, who am I to try and shake that?,” Pooja said.

She also opened up about her relationship with her father, describing him as a “gentle giant.” “I love Daddy. I’ve always looked up to him, not because he’s a tall man, but because he’s the most amazing man. He has never yelled at me his whole life, never raised his voice — not once. If he’s angry, upset, or concerned about something, he’ll say, 'Darling, we need to talk,' and you’re like, 'Oops, what do we need to talk about?' He’s a gentle giant, kind, evolved, well-spoken, extremely well-mannered, and well-travelled — emotionally, mentally, and physically,” she said.

Growing up between two worlds

Pooja recalled growing up in a unique household shaped by her parents’ professions. While her mother’s life as a classical dancer involved long tours, rustic accommodations, and humble beginnings for her Nithyagram project, her father’s international film career exposed her to glamour and luxury. “I grew up in a very interesting world between both my parents. My mother was a classical dancer, my father an international film star. Classical dancers back then had a certain lifestyle — second-class train travel, staying in guest houses in small towns or performance venues. All the big artists today earn respect and money, but back then, that was not the case. I grew up with that lifestyle with my mom. When her Nithyagram started, she had ten acres of barren land, one tent, snakes on her bed, no locks, no electricity, no roads. She began her dream project, sitting on mud floors with villagers, eating chapati and dal, and being happy,” she said.



Reflecting on the lessons from her parents, Pooja highlighted adaptability as key. “That prepared me for my Sanaa school — hikes, camps, treks, and tough trips. I learned to be happy sitting on the floor, eating chapati and dal with local people, and also to enjoy Beverly Hills, gourmet restaurants, and 7-star hotels. There’s no better or worse — they’re experiences. I’m as happy going rasta shopping as I am walking into a designer store to pick up a designer bag. Both make me happy. What I’ve learnt from my parents is adaptability — to blend worlds effortlessly, understand the dynamics and mindsets of each life, pick what works for me, and make that my own life,” she concluded.