Raj Babbar’s interfaith wedding with Nadira had his family asking her to convert, says daughter Juhi; names like Nirmala, Nirdesh were suggested

Raj Babbar and Nadira Babbar's daughter Juhi recently opened up about her parents’ relationship and how their family embraces both religions.

By: Entertainment Desk

Kochi | January 15, 2025 08:22 PM IST

3 min read

Raj Babbar and Nadira Babbar's daughter Juhi recently opened up about her parents’ relationship and how their family embraces both religions.

Raj Babbar and Nadira Babbar with their children Arya and Juhi. (Express archive photo)

Actor Raj Babbar was yet to establish himself as a movie star when he decided to marry his first wife Nadira. Raj and Nadira came from different faiths – him being a Hindi and her being a Muslim. Although he faced pressure from his family as they wanted Nadira to convert to Hinduism, Raj put his foot down and his father supported him.

Their daughter, actor Juhi Babbar, recently opened up about her parents’ relationship and how their family embraces both religions, honouring customs and rituals from each with equal respect. Revealing that Raj’s family had wanted Nadira to convert and adopt a name like Nirmala or Nirdesh, Juhi credited her paternal grandfather for preventing that. “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,” she shared during a chat with Lehren Retro.

ALSO READ | Raj Babbar’s daughter knew about his relationship with Smita Patil since she was 7: ‘My mother was unhappy about it’

Stating that she grew up in a beautiful atmosphere, Juhi said, “We celebrate both Diwali and Eid with equal enthusiasm. 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 culture for the entire family to be together for all festivals, birthdays and New Year’s. While others are out partying with friends on December 31, we stay home together.”

When asked if religious differences ever caused friction between Raj and Nadira, Juhi replied with a definitive no. She further attributed this to their mutual understanding and respect for each other. “Also, they aren’t the typical religious people. My maternal grandparents, Sajjad Zaheer and Razia Sajjad Zaheer, were comrades. They didn’t usually fast but celebrated Eid. Even if my grandfather didn’t regularly read namaz, he read Eid namaz. They all have considered and followed these as cultural communal activities.” Juhi also noted that Raj and Nadira’s extended families too share a harmonious relationship, unaffected by religious differences.

Raj later married Smita Patil but got back together with Nadira after Smita passed away due to childbirth complications.

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