Meet the popular actress of the 90s, who turned into a sports presenter and got married to an acclaimed filmmaker, only to lose him after 22 years.
The world of glamour has given us many iconic on-screen couples, but some off-screen love stories leave an everlasting impression. They not only reinstate our faith in marriage but also make us believe that despite the many pitfalls and uncertain relationships, true love does exist. One such love story was helmed between the popular actress, Mandira Bedi and the acclaimed filmmaker, Raj Kaushal.
Mandira Bedi is not just a prominent actress but also a popular Indian sports presenter and host. She made many sports events lively by adding her glamour quotient to them. Apart from this, Mandira is a fashion designer, fitness freak, ambassador of women empowerment, and much more. Just like impeccable professional life, Mandira had the perfect love story.
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She fell in love with acclaimed filmmaker, Raj Kaushal and got married on Valentine’s Day. However, as fate would have it, their journey was not meant to last forever. Let us look at Mandira Bedi and Raj Kaushal’s tale of love.
Born on April 15, 1972, in Calcutta, Mandira Bedi began her acting career in 1994 with the popular serial, Shanti, in which she played the titular role. Her performance in her debut serial won her many accolades. In 1995, Mandira was seen in a supporting role in Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol starrer, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge. And then there was no looking back for this multi-talented actress.
Mandira has proved her versatility as an actress in shows like Aurat, Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi and many others. In 2003, Mandira rose to fame as she began hosting the ICC Cricket World Cup. Her glamorous presence and engaging commentary won the hearts of many cricket enthusiasts. She also hosted the Champions Trophies and Indian Premier League. Soon, Mandira became a beloved figure in the sport’s history and gained a lot of followers.
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As a host, Mandira was also hailed for her fashion game. With noodle straps and tank top blouses, she raised the glamour quotient of the sports. In 2013, she launched her signature sari store, and in 2014, she debuted as a fashion designer during the Lakme Fashion Week.
It was in 1996 when Mandira Bedi met filmmaker, Raj Kaushal. Mandira had already worked in Shanti and Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge by that time, and Raj was working as Mukul Anand's Chief Assistant. He was assisting an audition for a show called Philips 10. Though Raj had seen her work, he noticed her for the first time, when she turned up for the audition. In a throwback interview with ShaadiTimes, he recalled their first meeting and said:
“We met seven years ago at producer Nitin Manmohan's office. I was Mukul Anand's chief assistant, and was busy with auditions for a countdown show called Philips Top 10. Mandira was also called for an audition. That's when I saw her for the first time. She was wearing a red and white striped T-shirt and khaki pants. I had seen her in Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, but I never really noticed her till then."
Mandira Bedi and Raj Kaushal were completely opposite to each other; she was a vegetarian, and he was a hardcore non-vegetarian. The duo would often meet at Mukul Anand’s house and fell head-over-heels in love with one another in just three meetings. Despite being poles apart, Mandira was attracted to Raj’s honesty. On the other hand, he was smitten by her beauty and intelligence. They complemented each other and it worked as magic in their relationship.
Marriage was always on Raj’s mind, and he made it clear to Mandira in their initial dating phase. Without wasting any time, Raj introduced his parents to Mandira, who loved her. But it wasn’t the same at her place as Mandira’s parents were reluctant about their daughter marrying a filmmaker. Mandira’s parents were a little concerned about her financial stability as filmmaking was an unstable line of work.
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But soon after meeting Raj, Mandira’s parents couldn’t ignore his charm and accepted him. Mandira and Raj chose the day of love to tie the knot. The doting couple got married on February 14, 1999. Raj and Mandira got married twice, once as per the Arya Samaji Hindu rituals and again in an Anand Karaj ceremony. For their big day, the couple dressed in all their glory. Mandira wore a red and golden lehenga with an exquisite matha patti, and Raj complemented her in a golden sherwani.
It was after 12 years of their marriage, when Mandira and Raj hopped on to parenthood. On June 19, 2011, the couple was blessed with a baby boy, whom they named Vir Kaushal. Nine years after his birth, Vir Kaushal became a big brother as Mandira Bedi and Raj Kaushal welcomed a baby girl, Tara Bedi Kaushal via adoption. On the festive occasion of Dussehra in 2020, Mandira and Raj announced that they had welcomed a baby girl into their lives. Revealing that their son, Vir Kaushal is now a big brother, Mandira and Raj had posted their first family picture with their daughter, Tara.
Mandira Bedi’s world turned upside down on June 30, 2021, when she lost her husband forever. On the fateful day, Raj breathed his last and bid adieu to the world. Raj was 49 when he passed away after suffering a cardiac arrest. As per Raj's friend and music director, Sulaiman Merchant, Raj had complained about having a heart attack at 4 am, and Mandira, along with their close friend, Ashish Chawdhry, had rushed him to the hospital. But before they could reach the hospital, Raj passed away.
Mandira was shaken to the core after Raj’s death and was inconsolable. But despite the sudden turmoil, she had shown courage and had performed her late husband’s last rites. From shouldering Raj’s body to carrying the earthen pot for the rites, Mandira had broken the gender stereotypes.
Mandira Bedi and Raj Kaushal were the epitome of love. Their love and support for one another added as a glue to their relationship. Despite the untimely demise of her soulmate, Mandira gathered the broken pieces of her heart and is trying to lead a happy life for the sake of their kids.
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