New Delhi: Pooja Bedi, the daughter of veteran Bollywood actor Kabir Bedi, recently shared her reflections on her late mother, Protima Bedi, discussing the tragic circumstances surrounding her death. In a candid interview with Screen, Pooja revealed that Protima’s body was never recovered after she was swept away in a landslide in Uttarakhand in 1998, shortly before her 50th birthday.
Protima Bedi was an accomplished actress and an Odissi dancer known for her roles in films such as Gaman, Adha Sach Adha Jhoot, and Miss Beatty’s Children. She was born on October 12, 1948, and passed away in 1998 at the age of 49.
Pooja Bedi’s Childhood Memories
When reminiscing about her childhood, Pooja fondly recalled, “Teaching me ABCs on the sands of Juhu beach, being somebody who hugged and kissed us constantly, a free spirit, somebody who laughed a lot. I’ve got thousands of memories in my head about mama.”
Pooja, recognized for her performances in films such as Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar, Lootere, and Aatank Hi Aatank, expressed her sorrow over her mother’s early demise.
Reflections on Protima Bedi’s Life
Pooja articulated her regrets regarding her mother’s untimely passing, stating, “There are so many regrets about her leaving the planet before she even turned 50. There is so much that I wish I had done with her.” She noted thatProtima was an individual who lived life on her own terms, adding, “She lived the way she wanted, and she literally died the way she wanted.”
Pooja disclosed that her mother had a strong desire not to undergo a conventional cremation. “At the end of this beautiful, glorious life, she didn’t want to be pushed into some crematorium with a mock ceremony of her ashes being put in the Ganga,” she said. “She wanted to die out in nature; that was going to be a grand finale.” According to Pooja, Protima’s body was never found, symbolizing her unity with nature. “She was just this incredible energy,” she concluded.
