Bollywood actress Pooja Bedi recently shared some heartfelt memories of her late mother, Protima Bedi, who tragically passed away in 1998 before she turned 50. Protima, a celebrated Odissi dancer and actress, lost her life in a landslide in Uttarakhand. In an interview, Pooja recalled how her mother lived life on her own terms and how, even in death, she stayed true to her wishes.
Protima’s body was never recovered after the landslide. For Pooja, this absence has been a lifelong reminder of both tragedy and peace—because her mother always said she wanted to return to nature when her time came.
Pooja Bedi, daughter of actor Kabir Bedi, described her mother as a vibrant and affectionate person. Protima Bedi was known for her larger-than-life personality, her bold choices, and her dedication to classical dance. She had also acted in films like Gaman, Adha Sach Adha Jhoot, and Miss Beatty’s Children.
Remembering her early years, Pooja said her mother would often teach her lessons on the sands of Juhu beach. “She taught me ABCs on the beach, hugged us all the time, and laughed a lot. She was a free spirit who lived with joy and energy,” Pooja shared.
Those childhood memories, filled with love and laughter, are what Pooja treasures the most. For her, her mother was not just a parent but also a friend, guide, and a source of unconditional affection.
Protima was born on October 12, 1948. She dedicated much of her life to dance and later founded Nrityagram, a dance village near Bengaluru that became a hub for Odissi dance training. Despite her professional achievements, she is remembered most by her daughter for her warmth and unconventional approach to life.
While recalling her mother’s sudden death, Pooja admitted that she still carries regrets. “There are so many things I wish I had done with her. She left too early, before even turning 50,” Pooja said. Yet, she also acknowledged that Protima always lived life exactly as she wanted—and even her death reflected her philosophy.
Protima often expressed her wish to die in nature, far from rituals or traditional ceremonies. Pooja revealed that her mother never wanted a crematorium or a symbolic ritual with ashes. Instead, she wished to merge with nature as her final goodbye.
“When the landslide happened, her body was never found. In a way, that was her ultimate wish. She became one with the universe, one with the earth. For her, that was the grand finale of a glorious life,” Pooja shared.
Pooja described her mother as a force of energy—someone who could not be defined by traditional boundaries. Protima’s life was unconventional and fearless, and even in death, she embodied that spirit.
For Pooja, the tragedy of losing her mother so young is balanced by the belief that Protima left the world exactly as she had wanted. “She lived the way she wanted, and she died the way she wanted,” Pooja said.
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Protima Bedi’s life story continues to inspire people even today. She broke stereotypes as a dancer, actress, and public figure at a time when women in India were expected to follow strict societal norms. She lived boldly, embraced challenges, and encouraged freedom of expression.
Through Pooja’s words, it is clear that Protima’s legacy is more than her professional success—it is the courage to live authentically. Her free-spirited nature, her refusal to conform, and her belief in connecting with nature remain lessons for future generations.
For Pooja, carrying forward her mother’s memory is both emotional and empowering. Though her absence has left a void, her influence remains deeply present in Pooja’s life. In remembering her mother’s life and death, Pooja finds strength in the values Protima stood for—independence, passion, and the courage to live fully.
As Pooja continues her own journey, she often reflects on her mother’s words and choices. Protima’s life may have ended too soon, but her energy and legacy live on through her children, her work in dance, and the countless lives she touched with her fearless spirit.
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