‘We drifted together because…’: When Raj Babbar spoke about his relationship with Rekha; expert shares insight on grief-born bonds

“Though we aren’t together today, we still have fond memories of those special moments,” added actor Raj Babbar.

Raj Babbar on his relationship with Rekha (Source: Express archive photo)

3 min readNew DelhiAug 15, 2025 10:31 AM IST First published on: Aug 13, 2025 at 04:27 PM IST

Some relationships are not defined by longevity or labels, but by the emotional refuge they offer during life’s darkest phases.

When Raj Babbar and Rekha’s paths crossed, both were navigating personal grief — he, mourning the loss of Smita Patil; she, emerging from the shadows of a long-standing relationship. Their connection, while brief, was a source of quiet comfort, forged on a foundation of mutual understanding and emotional vulnerability.

Speaking years later, Raj Babbar reflected on that time with remarkable clarity. “Yes, our relationship helped me in a way. We drifted together because of certain circumstances. At that time, Rekha had broken off from a long-standing relationship. She wanted to get away from it. I was in a similar situation,” he said in an old interview according to Times of India, explaining how their companionship grew amidst shared sorrow. “At the same time, we were also working together, we clung to each other for emotional support. We tried to understand each other’s problems. One does not forget such a relationship very easily. Though we aren’t together today, we still have fond memories of those special moments.”

Is it common for people to bond romantically while coping with grief or emotional loss, and can such relationships provide genuine healing?

Psychologist Raashi Gurnani tells indianexpress.com, “When two people find themselves navigating through grief, heartbreak, or emotional transitions, it’s not uncommon for a romantic connection to form. In psychology, this is often viewed as a coping mechanism — people instinctively seek comfort, understanding, and emotional safety in those who reflect their current state of mind. When Raj Babbar spoke of his bond with Rekha, it seemed to stem from a shared emotional void, a need to be understood without explanation.”

Film star Rekha and Raj Babbar in AGAR TUM NA HOTE. (Source: Express archive photo)

In such moments, she notes that vulnerability acts as a bridge, stripping away superficial layers and allowing individuals to connect on a deeper, more genuine level. “These relationships, though born in fragility, can sometimes offer genuine healing. They give a sense of companionship during emotionally turbulent times, and that mutual presence can be incredibly grounding.”

How do emotionally vulnerable relationships differ from those that begin in more stable phases of life?

Emotionally vulnerable relationships often carry a different weight than those formed in emotionally stable periods, notes Gurnani, adding that there is a “heightened intensity” in such connections. She mentions, “They tend to evolve quickly, because both individuals are yearning to feel whole again, often hoping the other person will fill the emotional void they are carrying. While this can feel profound, it may also create dependency or blur boundaries. Stability, on the other hand, allows for more mindful, balanced love to grow — where attraction is often based on compatibility rather than emotional need. Relationships born from trauma might have a beautiful beginning, but sustaining them long-term requires self-awareness and healing outside the bond too.”