Pooja Bedi Opens Up About Decision Not to Formalize Her Long-Term Engagement

Actor Pooja Bedi has opened up about her decision not to marry her fiancé Maneck Contractor, despite the couple having been engaged for eight years.

Evolution of Her Views on Marriage

Pooja revealed that while she once strongly believed in the institution of marriage, her views have evolved over the years. She said that she is currently in a relationship with Maneck and that they have been engaged for eight years.

Pooja explained that engagement is when a person puts a ring on your finger and says, "I want to be married to you." Which basically says, I want to spend the rest of my life with you by my side, as a companion, as your lover, as your husband, and as a father of your children.

Why She Won't Formalize Their Relationship

"The commitment is enough. After the commitment is there, all you're really doing is signing a piece of paper and getting the government involved in your affair," she said.

Pooja added that she doesn't need Maneck for security's sake, and he doesn't need her for financial security. She believes everyone should get married and considers marriage a wonderful space, but does not personally feel the need to do it again.

Her Background and Relationship History

Pooja Bedi is the daughter of actor Kabir Bedi and the late classical dancer Protima Bedi. She married businessman Farhan Furniturewala in 1994 and stepped away from films after marriage. The couple welcomed two children, daughter Alaya F and son Omar, before ending their marriage in 2003.

A few years after her divorce, Pooja reconnected with Maneck, who had been her senior at The Lawrence School, Sanawar, through their alumni WhatsApp group. In 2019, he proposed to her atop a hot-air balloon.