19th June 2023,Mumbai: In the world of Bollywood, where love stories often transcend the screens, Naseeruddin Shah and Ratna Pathak’s relationship stands as a classic example of a heartfelt and enduring bond. Their journey as a couple faced numerous challenges, leading to a seven-year wait before they could finally tie the knot in 1982. Naseeruddin Shah, known for his candidness, shared an extraordinary incident from their early years in a interview. This tale of love and resilience serves as a guiding light for young lovers.
Love at First Sight and Unveiling the Obstacles
The year was 1975 when Naseeruddin Shah first laid eyes on Ratna Pathak, who captivated him with her acting skills in a play directed by Satyadev Dubey. During the course of rehearsals, they grew closer and got to know each other better. However, their journey towards matrimony was not without hurdles.
Naseeruddin Shah’s Previous Marriage and Struggles
When questioned about the reason behind the seven-year delay in their union, Naseeruddin Shah candidly revealed that Ratna Pathak’s parents were initially hesitant due to his past marriage and personal struggles. Having been married before and battling with drug addiction, Naseeruddin Shah was perceived as an ill-tempered man. “My previous marriage and my drug addiction were reasons why her parents opposed it. I used to have bad tempers and stuff like that,” disclosed Naseeruddin Shah.
Ratna Pathak’s Unwavering Love
However, Ratna Pathak, a seasoned Bollywood actor at the age of 72, paid no heed to the objections raised by her parents. Her sole desire was to be with Naseeruddin Shah. The couple eventually decided to share a home, making their bond even stronger. “We were essentially sharing a home. It was, therefore, very normal for her to move in with me,” shared Naseeruddin Shah.
Unbreakable Bonds and Profound Gratitude
Naseeruddin Shah wholeheartedly acknowledges Ratna Pathak as the pillar of strength in his life. He extols her unwavering support and describes her as a blessing in disguise, someone who has stood by him through thick and thin, during the most challenging and joyous times.
Upcoming Ventures and Dhak Dhak
While Naseeruddin Shah recently graced the online series Taj Reign of Revenge produced by Abhimanyu Singh for ZEE5, Ratna Pathak is set to make her next appearance in Tarun Dudeja’s highly anticipated movie, Dhak Dhak. This Bollywood girl road trip movie features an ensemble cast including Dia Mirza, Fatima Sana Shaikh, and Sanjana Sanghi.
As their love story continues to inspire and their professional careers flourish, Naseeruddin Shah and Ratna Pathak exemplify the power of love, perseverance, and unbreakable bonds in the world of Bollywood and beyond.
-by Kashvi Gala