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Juhi Babbar reveals how Raj Babbar defied family pressure for wife Nadira’s conversion, honouring both faiths equally.
Raj Babbar and Nadira Babbar with their daughter Juhi and son-in-law Anup Soni.
Actor Raj Babbar’s marriage to Nadira Babbar, a union between Hindu and Muslim faiths, faced resistance from his family, who wanted Nadira to convert to Hinduism. However, Raj firmly opposed the idea, with his father backing his decision. Nadira retained her Muslim identity, setting an example of religious harmony within their family.
Their daughter, actor Juhi Babbar, shared insights into her parents’ relationship and their family’s inclusive values during an interview with Lehren Retro. Juhi revealed that her paternal family initially suggested Nadira adopt a Hindu name like Nirmala or Nirdesh but credited her grandfather for preventing this.
“We are the symbol of Indianness. We’re just waiting for a Christian girl to join the family so we have all. We belong to all religions,” Juhi quipped.
Growing up, Juhi experienced a household where Diwali and Eid were celebrated with equal fervour. “There isn’t a single festival where both our parents aren’t present. I wouldn’t say we are a very religious family, but we are deeply cultural. It’s part of our tradition to celebrate festivals, birthdays, and New Year’s together,” she explained.
Addressing the question of whether religious differences caused friction between Raj and Nadira, Juhi categorically denied it. She attributed their harmonious relationship to mutual respect and understanding. Juhi also spoke about her maternal grandparents, Sajjad Zaheer and Razia Sajjad Zaheer, describing them as culturally grounded individuals. While they didn’t observe strict religious practices, they celebrated festivals like Eid as communal and cultural occasions.
Raj Babbar later married Smita Patil, a celebrated actor, but returned to Nadira after Smita’s tragic demise due to childbirth complications.
Juhi also opened up about the complex dynamics of their family and how Smita made an effort to bond with her and her brother Arya Babbar, despite the circumstances.
Juhi shared, “My father talked and explained his marriage with Smita Patil to me when I was barely seven years old, and that’s why my memories of Smita ji are very different. She went out of her way to do things for me. I think she also had this thing that we are the kids of the person who is most special to her, and so we are special to her as well. She would show us a lot of love, always bringing us gifts when she traveled, and she would ensure that at home, we were served the food that we liked. These small memories are nice, but unfortunately, there aren’t many memories.”
