Naseeruddin Shah Opens Up About Marrying Ratna Pathak: ‘Parents’ Opposition Due to…’

Naseeruddin Shah Reflects on Marrying Ratna Pathak: ‘Parents’ Disapproval Due to…’

In a recent interview, veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah opened up about his marriage to Ratna Pathak, revealing that her parents initially opposed their union.

Shah shared that he fell in love with Pathak at first sight, saying, “I just took to her the moment I saw her. I had already done my first film while I was still in the film institute.”

The couple was introduced when Pathak was acting in a play directed by Satyadev Dubey. Shah expressed his desire to get to know her better.

However, he disclosed that Pathak’s parents were against their marriage due to his previous marriage and his past struggles with drug addiction. He acknowledged, “Her parents were against it because I was married before, and I was a drug addict. I was an ill-tempered man and all that sort of thing.”

Nevertheless, Pathak disregarded her parents’ concerns. Although she attended drama school for three years, they were already living together as a couple. Moving in together felt like the most natural progression for them.

When asked about the secret to their enduring marriage, despite the odds, the 72-year-old Shah explained, “I believe a great marriage is one where neither one’s role is defined. It’s the same with friendship.”

He emphasized the importance of having no expectations from one’s partner and embracing whatever they do. Their relationship has thrived on equality and mutual respect, with neither playing traditional roles.