Veteran Bollywood actor Kabir Bedi recently opened up about his unconventional open marriage with his first wife, Protima Bedi, revealing the challenges they faced and why the experiment ultimately failed.
An Unconventional Beginning
Kabir Bedi and Protima Bedi, a well-known dancer, tied the knot in 1969. Their relationship, which lasted about seven years, saw them welcome two children.
Towards the later years of their marriage, the couple found themselves grappling with extramarital relationships. In an attempt to salvage their union, they decided to explore the concept of an open marriage.
The Reality of “Free Love”
The 1960s and 70s were a time of significant social change, often dubbed the “era of flower power” and “free love.” Kabir and Protima believed that an open marriage might be their path to salvation, a way to navigate their difficulties.
However, Kabir confessed that Protima’s relationships with other men deeply affected him. “It bothered me. I had hoped that it wouldn’t bother me but it did,” he shared in a recent interview.
He realized that such arrangements come with complex consequences that they, despite their intentions, couldn’t handle. The experiment, intended to save their marriage, ultimately led to its dissolution. They divorced in 1974.
Reflecting on a Difficult Path
Kabir Bedi has often spoken about the inherent difficulties of open marriages. He noted that while the idea of free love might seem appealing, the reality often involves egos, possessiveness, and emotional upset.
“The fact is, it’s very hard for an open marriage to succeed,” he once told Filmfare. This sentiment underscores the personal challenges he and Protima faced despite their initial hopes.
Life Beyond Protima
Towards the end of his marriage with Protima, Kabir became involved with actor Parveen Babi. That relationship was brief. He then went on to marry three more times.
His second marriage was to Susan Humphreys in 1980, which lasted for nearly a decade. He later married Nikki Bedi in 1992, separating in 2005. Since 2016, he has been married to Parveen Dusanj, with whom he has been together for 19 years.
- Kabir Bedi and Protima Bedi attempted an open marriage to save their relationship.
- Despite hoping it wouldn’t, Protima’s other relationships bothered Kabir.
- They found it difficult to handle the emotional consequences of an open marriage.
- The experiment failed, leading to their divorce in 1974.
Kabir Bedi’s candid revelations shed light on the complexities of unconventional relationships, especially in the public eye, and the personal toll they can take.
