Kabir Bedi On Relationship With Parveen Babi, Her Struggles And Insecurity, 'Her Biggest Fear..'

An exceptional actress and an extraordinary beauty, Parveen Babi was the reel life diva and fashionista of Bollywood of her time. But the actress’ real life was marred with many ups and downs due to her alleged paranoid schizophrenia. Her mental health issues, mixed in with a string of complicated relationships with her co-stars like Kabir Bedi and Mahesh Bhatt, made matters worse. Years after Parveen's tragic death in obscurity, her ex-boyfriend, Kabir Bedi, has recently opened up about their relationship that used to grab a lot of headlines. 

Kabir Bedi talks about Parveen Babi's mental health issues 

As per reports, when Kabir Bedi's marriage with his first wife, Protima Gauri, was nearing its end, he started dating Parveen Babi in the '70s. Both he and Parveen, being known by the public due to their unique sense of style and charming looks, their relationship became the talk of the town. Recently, Kabir, in an interview with Siddharth Kannan, opened up about his relationship with the glamorous actress, whose personal and professional life was paved with tragedies. 

Talking about her struggles with mental health issues, Kabir said that he discovered her condition after they started living together. The veteran model-turned-actor revealed that he had implored Parveen to seek treatment, but she was afraid that people would find out about it. Kabir wanted to start his life again with Parveen in his home in London, and also wanted her to get treated there, but she was afraid of doctors finding out about her mental health issues. In the interview, Kabir said:

“Her biggest fear was that if people got to know about her mental instability in the industry, they won’t give her work. When I left India to go to London, Praveen had also accompanied me. In London, I had a home and I wanted to start my life again with her there. I wanted her to sort treatment there, but she didn’t want any doctor to know about her condition."

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Kabir Bedi claims Parveen Babi was uneasy about his overseas success, and recalled a tense evening due to an Italian actress 

Parveen Babi was a superstar in India, meanwhile Kabir Bedi had established himself as a popular actor in overseas film industries. His most notable works include the Italian series Sandokan and his portrayal of the villain in the 1983 James Bond film, Octopussy. However, Kabir claimed in the interview that Parveen was uneasy about his popularity overseas, as she was the bigger actor in India but wasn't receiving the same respect abroad. That's why Parveen returned to India from London after the blockbuster success of her film, Amar Akbar Anthony and continued her Bollywood career. 

Recalling an incident when Parveen was disrespected abroad and became upset, Kabir shared a story about an awkward dinner party hosted by Italian actress, Gina Lollobrigida. At the party, the Italian actress only talked to Kabir and ignored Parveen. Later, the couple was again invited by Gina for a private dinner. Kabir and Gina danced together at the party after she asked him. However, the actor reveals that he could sense that Parveen was getting upset. Later, Gina taunted Parveen and asked her if she was following the star. Recalling this tense evening, Kabir said:

“After we came back to the table, Gina spoke to Parveen saying, ‘What are you doing here? Following the star?’ She insulted Parveen and before I could even say anything, Parveen responded, ‘No my dear. I am here with my man because I have a man.’ Gina was single at that time. Gina insulted my woman and I could not accept that."

What are your thoughts on Kabir Bedi talking about his relationship with the late actress, Parveen Babi? 

Also Read: Kabir Bedi On LAST Meeting With Parveen Babi Just Year Before Death, 'Pool Ke Pass Vo Baithi Thi..'

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