Actress Recalls Harrowing Escape From Forced Marriage With Infant Daughter

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India West News Desk

NEW DELHI – Actress Rukhsar Rehman, known for her memorable roles in Uri: The Surgical Strike, PK, and Sarkar, recently opened up about a deeply personal chapter of her life—fleeing a forced marriage with her eight-month-old daughter in tow.

In a conversation with Humans of Bombay, Rehman recalled beginning her acting career at just 17 with Yaad Rakhegi Duniya in 1992. She also starred opposite Rishi Kapoor in Inteha Pyar Ki. However, her rising career was cut short when her conservative parents forced her to quit acting and enter an arranged marriage.

By the age of 19, Rehman became a mother to daughter Aisha. While trying to adapt to the role of a wife and mother, her marriage began to crumble. “With Aisha, I found my new purpose. Life looked perfect from the outside. But over time, the cracks began to show. And the marriage fell apart,” she shared.

One night, Rehman made the bold decision to leave. “My daughter was just 8 months old, asleep, unaware our life was about to change,” she said. “I packed what little I could and left. When my father opened the door, he didn’t ask questions—just said, ‘You’ll be okay.’”

Returning to her hometown in Uttar Pradesh, Rehman started a garment boutique to support herself and her daughter. But her passion for acting never faded.

She eventually returned to the silver screen with roles in D, PK, 83, and Uri. Later, she married filmmaker Faruk Kabir, though the marriage ended in divorce after 13 years. “There was a time I thought my story was over,” she said. “But when you’re meant to do something, you find your way back—when you’re ready.”