Rukhsar quit films at 17 to marry, faced judgment post-divorce

Actress Rukhsar Rehman, who is known for her roles in PK, Love Games, and several acclaimed television shows, recently opened up about her personal journey and early exit from the film industry. In an interview with Siddharth Kannan, the actress revealed she left showbiz after just two films to get married, at the young age of 17.Rukhsar, who made her acting debut with films like Yaad Rakhegi Duniya and Inteha Pyar Ki, shared that marriage came early for her due to traditional expectations. “We used to live in a place where a friend of his owned a hotel. He saw me there and later sent a marriage proposal,” she said. “My family felt I had reached the right age to get married. Back then, marriages used to happen quite early. Now, when I look back, 17 feels way too young.

But even today, in many places, marriages still happen at that age.”‘I met him a couple of times, always in front of family’When asked if her family instantly agreed to the proposal, Rukhsar clarified, “Not immediately. They took some time to understand who the boy was. Back then, we didn’t meet one-on-one. I met him a couple of times but always in the presence of family—either a sister or uncle would be there.”Interestingly, the actress revealed that she fell in love with her husband after getting married.

“He was a very good man. We were married for four years,” she said, adding, “I’m a firm believer in destiny. Just like in the film Padosan, I believe what is meant to happen will happen.”‘I won’t speak ill of those who are no longer here’Rukhsar, who later divorced, refrained from sharing details about the separation. “Some people involved are no longer here to defend themselves. It wouldn’t be right,” she said, choosing to maintain a dignified silence.She also spoke about facing harsh societal judgment post-divorce, particularly when it came to raising her daughter. “People used to say things like, ‘She even has a daughter. Why did she bring her along?’ People say anything they want,” she recalled.

Reflecting on whether she regrets stepping away from acting for marriage, the actress said, “If I had really overthought things, maybe I’d be sitting with a trilogy of books written by now. But I didn’t. My belief in God and destiny has kept me grounded. In simple words, my faith in God has carried me through everything.”

On the work front, Rukhsar Rehman is gearing up for the release of Uttar Da Puttar, a social drama co-starring Annu Kapoor and directed by Ravinder Siwach. She also has a cameo in the upcoming film Thanks Maa.