Pooja Bedi Recalls Mother Protima Bedi’s Tragic Death: “Her Body Was Never Found

Actor Pooja Bedi, daughter of veteran Bollywood star Kabir Bedi, recently opened up about the painful loss of her mother, the late Protima Bedi. In a heartfelt interview with Screen, Pooja revealed that her mother’s body was never recovered after being swept away in a devastating Uttarakhand landslide in 1998. Protima was only 49 years old at the time.

Remembered as a fearless, free-spirited woman, Protima left behind not just her family but also a legacy in cinema and classical dance.

Protima Bedi: Actress, Dancer, and Free Spirit

Born on October 12, 1948, Protima Gauri Bedi was much more than just Kabir Bedi’s former wife or Pooja Bedi’s mother. She carved her own identity as:

• Actress: She appeared in films like Gaman (1978), Adha Sach Adha Jhoot (1981), and Miss Beatty’s Children (1993).
• Dancer: She was a passionate Odissi dancer, who brought classical art into mainstream attention.
• Cultural Icon: Known for her boldness and unconventional choices, Protima was often described as a woman ahead of her time.

Her untimely death came as a shock to the Indian entertainment and cultural world, cutting short a life lived with immense energy and independence.

Pooja Bedi’s Memories of Her Mother

When asked about her earliest memories, Pooja shared touching recollections:

These intimate moments reflect Protima’s personality—warm, affectionate, and deeply connected to her children.

Pooja, who is best known for her roles in films like Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar, Lootere, and Aatank Hi Aatank, said her mother’s untimely death left behind regrets, but also admiration for the way she lived.

“She Lived and Died on Her Own Terms”

Pooja admitted that she often feels regret about not having more time with her mother. But she also acknowledged that Protima had always been clear about her outlook on life and death:

According to Pooja, Protima often expressed her wish to die “out in nature”, instead of undergoing a traditional cremation.

A Death That Reflected Her Philosophy

Protima Bedi’s death in the 1998 Malpa landslide in Uttarakhand was tragic, yet symbolic of her belief in being “one with the universe.”

Pooja revealed that her mother’s body was never recovered:

In many ways, her passing mirrored her philosophy of freedom and oneness with nature.

Legacy of Protima Bedi

Though her life was cut short, Protima Bedi remains an inspiring figure:

• She challenged societal norms by embracing dance, films, and self-expression at a time when such choices were considered unconventional.
• Her boldness and confidence continue to inspire women in the entertainment industry.
• For Pooja Bedi and her family, her memory is carried through stories, photographs, and the spirit of independence she embodied.

Conclusion

For Pooja Bedi, her mother’s death remains both a personal tragedy and a reminder of a life lived unapologetically. Protima Bedi’s story is not only about loss but also about courage, freedom, and the power of living on one’s own terms.

As Pooja beautifully put it, Protima’s energy may no longer be seen, but it continues to be “one with the earth, one with the universe.”