Latest news with #BheegiPalkein
News18
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Raj Babbar Recalled Last Moments With Smita Patil: 'She Kept Apologising, With tears In Her Eyes'
Last Updated: Smita Patil passed away after giving birth to son Prateik Babbar. Actors Raj Babbar and Smita Patil shared a relationship that was complex and intense. Their bond began on the sets of the film Bheegi Palkein, where Raj, who was already married to Nadira Babbar, found himself captivated by Smita's fearless nature. In an earlier interview, Raj Babbar and Smita Patil reflected on the complexity of their relationship. In another earlier interview, Babbar recalled his last moments with Smita Patil before her death. Reflecting on their relationship in an interview with the Times of India, Raj said, 'My relationship with Smita was not the result of problems with Nadira — it just happened." Smita described their relationship as 'a painful trip," admitting in another conversation with TOI, 'In the kind of situation we are involved in, both of us are going through a private hell. It's very easy to say 'it's okay'. But it's not very easy in reality." In 1986, after the birth of their son Prateik, tragedy struck when Smita passed away due to post-partum complications. Recalling her final moments in an interview with Raj shared, 'Throughout the journey from home to hospital, she kept apologising and I told her that everything would be okay. She looked at me with tears in her eyes. Her look said it all. The doctor came out after an hour and said she had gone into a coma." Raj expressed his deep connection with Smita, saying, 'I was part of her and she was part of me. It is natural that you miss a person who was your heart and soul throughout your life, no matter how brave you may say you are. She and her memories will continue to be part of me till my last day." After Smita Patil's death, Raj Babbar returned to his first wife, Nadira and they got married again.
Indian Express
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
‘She kept apologising and I…': When Raj Babbar recalled Smita Patil's final moments; why guilt often haunts unconventional bonds
Actors Raj Babbar and Smita Patil's bond was an emotional labyrinth — layered, turbulent, but deeply human. Their connection began on the sets of Bheegi Palkein, where Raj, already married to Nadira Babbar, found himself drawn to Smita's fearless spirit. 'My relationship with Smita was not the result of problems with Nadira — it just happened,' Raj once said in an interview with Times of India, reflecting on the love that blossomed amid personal conflict and public scrutiny. Though their bond ran deep, Smita described it as 'a painful trip.' In another conversation with TOI, she once admitted, 'In the kind of situation we are involved in, both of us are going through a private hell. It's very easy to say 'it's okay'. But it's not very easy in reality.' After the birth of their son Prateik in 1986, tragedy struck when Smita died of post-partum complications. Recalling her final moments in conversation with Raj shared, 'Throughout the journey from home to hospital, she kept apologising and I told her that everything would be okay. She looked at me with tears in her eyes. Her look said it all. The doctor came out after an hour and said she had gone into a coma.' He added, 'I was part of her and she was part of me. It is natural that you miss a person who was your heart and soul throughout your life, no matter how brave you may say you are. She and her memories will continue to be part of me till my last day.' Counselling psychologist Athul Raj tells 'In such relationships, guilt often moves in quietly but takes up permanent residence. Even when the love is genuine, the conditions around it — social judgement, family fallout, moral scrutiny — start to corrode the inner peace that love is supposed to bring.' Raj adds that isolation becomes a second skin. You learn to keep your joy small and your pain silent. You might be deeply connected to someone, yet emotionally exiled from the rest of your world. That fracture is exhausting. Over time, it fragments the self — you become one person in public, another in private. And in that in-between space, a quiet suffering grows. Smita's phrase 'private hell' captures what so many feel but can't say: even love can become a source of internal conflict when lived under constant scrutiny. 'And that's the tragedy — because love, at its best, should be expansive. But in the wrong context, it starts to shrink us,' notes the expert. Raj Babbar recalled that during Smita's final moments, she 'kept apologising.' Raj notes, 'From childhood, girls are taught to anticipate needs, to apologise for existing too loudly, to make themselves smaller so others can be more comfortable. In relationships, this emotional caretaking becomes second nature. You don't just love someone–you manage their peace, their reputation, their comfort. And over time, that self-erasure gets mistaken for grace.' For women in socially scrutinised or unconventional relationships, the guilt multiplies. 'Not only are they loving, they're justifying that love every day–to family, to friends, to society, sometimes even to themselves,' explains Raj.
Time of India
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
When Raj Babbar admitted being in a relationship with Rekha after Smita Patil's demise: 'We drifted together because of..."
Raj Babbar has always been a man of many talents, an actor, a politician, and someone who lived life with intensity both on and off the screen. He began his acting career in 1977 with the film 'Kissa Kursi Ka' and quickly made his mark. Trained at the NSD, Raj stunned audiences with his bold performance as the villain in 'Insaaf Ka Taraazu'. He went on to impress further in films like 'Nikaah' and 'Aaj Ki Awaz', where he starred alongside Smita Patil . But just like his career, Raj's personal life also made headlines, especially the love and loss he experienced during the most turbulent years of his life. After the tragic demise of his second wife, Smita Patil. A love story that challenged norms In 1975, Raj Babbar married Nadira Zaheer. The two had a strong connection and went on to have two children, Juhi Babbar and Arya Babbar. But life took a surprising turn when Raj met the charismatic and fearless actress Smita Patil on the sets of 'Bheegi Palkein'. Raj was completely taken in by Smita's charm. Her beauty, intelligence and presence swept him off his feet. Even though he was already married, Raj couldn't stop himself from falling in love again, and eventually got married. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng với sàn môi giới tin cậy IC Markets Đăng ký Undo Their decision made them the talk of the town. While many criticised Raj for leaving Nadira, others judged Smita for being a 'homewrecker'. But for Raj and Smita, love meant everything. They faced the world together, boldly and unapologetically. A heartbreaking loss In 1986, tragedy struck. Smita passed away due to complications during childbirth. Her death was sudden and devastating, not just for Raj, but also for her fans. The couple had just welcomed their baby boy, Prateik Babbar , into the world when Smita breathed her last. As reported by BollywoodShaadis, Raj was shattered. His world had collapsed. Amid this deep emotional pain, Raj found comfort in someone who, like him, was also dealing with her own heartbreak, the legendary actress Rekha. When Raj found comfort in Rekha It was during this lonely and painful time that Raj and Rekha grew close. In an old interview reported by IBTimes, Raj confessed, 'Yes, our relationship helped me in a way. We drifted together because of certain circumstances. At that time, Rekha had broken off from a long-standing relationship.' Their connection came from shared experiences of hurt, confusion, and the need for emotional healing. Though short-lived, it was real in its own way. Raj further explained the nature of their relationship, saying, 'I was not as involved with Rekha as I was with Smita. The intensity wasn't there. At the same time I cannot say that we were friends.' Despite their strong bond, Raj and Rekha's relationship didn't last. Both realised it started from a place of heartbreak and wasn't built to last. Raj Babbar, still married with children, chose to go back to his first wife, Nadira. This decision deeply upset Rekha, leaving her heartbroken and struggling to move on. The relationship, born from difficult times, couldn't survive Raj's decision to return to his family, leaving Rekha to face the pain of another ending. Aishwarya Rai Calls Rekha 'Maa' Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
Time of India
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Raj Babbar speaks about his last moments with Smita Patil: She looked at me with tears in her eyes, her look said it all
In the golden era of parallel cinema, Smita Patil stood tall—not just for her nuanced performances, but for the unapologetic choices she made in life. Among them was her deeply emotional and controversial relationship with actor Raj Babbar . It was a love that bloomed amid chaos, endured public backlash, and eventually left behind an aching legacy. When Sparks Flew Amidst Storms Their first meeting was on the sets of 'Bheegi Palkein'. Raj Babbar, already married to theatre actor Nadira Babbar, was taken in by Smita's remarkable intensity and free-spirited nature. Despite their initial differences, something inexplicable drew them together. Smita, known for her humility despite being a critically acclaimed actress, often sought Raj's advice. The professional camaraderie gradually turned into a deep emotional bond. BIRTHDAY SPECIAL! Smita Patil talks about objectification of women in films in an old interview; netizens shower praise on the late actress – 'Very intelligent' In an interview with Hindustan Times, Raj once said, 'My relationship with Smita was not the result of problems with Nadira—it just happened.' On December 10, 1981, Raj Babbar and Smita Patil were married in a quiet ceremony. At the time, Raj was still legally married to Nadira, making Smita his second wife under Hindu personal law. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Cinnamon: The Hidden Blood Sugar Enemy? Try This Tonight! Cinnamon Help Learn More Undo With their marriage, a turbulent chapter began—one marked by emotional upheaval, judgment, and loneliness. Smita's Unconventional Path For a woman who had worked closely with feminist movements, Smita's decision to marry a married man shocked many. The backlash was intense—not just from the media and film fraternity, but also from the very circles she once championed. Yet, Smita remained steadfast, guided by what she believed to be love in its rawest form. Born to social reformer Vidyatai Patil and politician Shivajirao Girdhar Patil, Smita was raised with strong values. She was discovered by Shyam Benegal while working as a newsreader on Doordarshan and went on to redefine Indian cinema through films like 'Bhumika', 'Arth', 'Mandi', and 'Jait Re Jait'. Whether in offbeat or mainstream cinema, she brought truth to every character she played. A Love Wrapped in Pain Their relationship, though deeply emotional, was far from easy. In a rare and revealing interview, the late actress once confessed, 'In the kind of situation we are involved in, both of us are going through a private hell. It's very easy to say 'it's okay'. But it's not very easy in reality.' She acknowledged the pain Nadira must have felt, but also clung to her own reality—the fierce desire to love and to be loved. In a heartbreakingly human moment, Smita described her life with Raj as a 'painful trip,' marred by insecurity and loneliness. Motherhood and Tragedy Despite everything, Smita longed for motherhood. That wish came true when she gave birth to their son, Prateik, in November 1986. But joy was short-lived. Just a few days after childbirth, complications set in. Smita Patil, the woman who had portrayed strength and struggle on screen so effortlessly, succumbed to post-partum complications on December 13, 1986, leaving her newborn behind. She was only 31. Smita's death was not just the loss of an artist—it was a gut-wrenching blow to those who loved her. Raj Babbar, broken by grief, returned to Nadira, while Prateik was raised by Smita's parents. A Wife's Silent Strength Nadira Babbar's response to it all was perhaps one of the most poignant aspects of this story. Despite being hurt and publicly judged, she never wavered in her composure. She accepted Raj back not out of weakness, but out of a quiet strength and a desire to protect her children from emotional damage. She even attended Smita's funeral with her children, Juhi and Arya. Years later, she would recall the pain of that day, and the sorrow she felt not just for her own loss, but for Smita's unfulfilled dreams. 'The grief of her passing away became larger than any other sorrow. It broke us all—Raj, Prateik, her parents and somewhere, me too,' she admitted as reported on Bollywoodshaadis. A Love Remembered Raj Babbar, when asked about Smita, still speaks with emotion. He never denies the storm they lived through. But he also never downplays what she meant to him. 'Every little thing she said or did, and how she looked at me when she first met me... her whole life comes alive in front of my eyes,' he once said to "Thoughout the journey from home to hospital, she kept apologising and I told her that everything would be okay. She looked at me with tears in her eyes. Her look said it all. The doctor came out after an hour and said she had gone into a coma. I was part of her and she was part of me. It is natural that you miss a person who was your heart and soul throughout your life, no matter how brave you may say you are. She and her memories will continue to be part of me till my last day," he added. Smita Patil's story is not one of flawless love or picture-perfect endings. It is the story of a woman who dared to love despite knowing the consequences, who embraced contradictions, and who lived—and died—on her own terms. Her legacy lives on, not just in the films she left behind, but in the echoes of a love that never fit into society's neat little boxes.
India Today
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
Prateik Patil didn't invite father Raj Babbar to his wedding 'to respect mother'
Actor Prateik Smita Patil recently revealed why he chose not to invite his father, Raj Babbar, to his wedding with Priya Banerjee. Prateik, who got married in February this year, explained that it would have been 'unethical' to include his father and his family in the celebration, given the complicated history between his mother, Smita Patil, and Raj Babbar's wife, an interview with Times Now, the actor shared that because his wedding took place at his late mother's house, he felt it was 'unethical' to have his father in attendance. He further said, "My father's wife and my mother had some complications in the past. Lots of things have been said in the press and stuff like that if you dig out 38–40 years ago. I was open to doing something with my father and his family for another function. I just thought it was unethical to have him and his family at that house when, after everything had gone on between them. Absolutely, it wasn't right."He further explained, "I'm sorry my father and his wife could not be there, could not be in the house my mother bought for me to grow up and live a life as a single mother. She wanted to live in that house with me as a single mother. Bring me up. I'm sorry. That was the best decision my wife and I made."advertisement Prateik, who dropped 'Babbar' from his name earlier this year, clarified that "it wasn't about rejecting anyone. It was about respecting my mother and her wishes."During the same interview, Prateik also reacted to how his father's family reacted to not being invited. He said, "People are impulsive, people make impulsive choices and say things out of impulse, and it was just distasteful, and I think that bitter taste has remained. That bitter taste has remained.""The right thing to do was to do what we did and then if, obviously, now the circumstances are different, everything has gone South, and it's extremely complicated. But it's not for me. I'm still the same," Prateik Babbar married actor Nadira Babbar in 1975, and the couple had two children, Arya and Juhi. However, during the filming of the 1982 movie 'Bheegi Palkein', he fell in love with actor Smita Patil and secretly married her. Following Smita Patil's tragic death during the childbirth of their son, Prateik Smita Patil, Raj Babbar eventually reconciled with Watch
