Actor Kabir Bedi was probably the first Indian to cross-over to Hollywood, thus paving the way for Indian actors in the West. But what’s ironic is that yesterday – the 18th of August – the entire Bedi clan came out to cheer him on as he walked the ramp for designer Narendra Kumar at Lakme Fashion Week in Mumbai.
Why ironic? Because 18th of August is the day his ex-wife Protima Gauri passed away in a landslide. That was exactly thirteen years ago in 1998. What’s even more ironical is that Hollywood star Persis Khambatta, also died of heart failure on the same day. And rumour had it that Kabir Bedi did romance the Star Trek beauty in the Sixties, before he met Protima.
Hence, even though this was a day that was tinged with memories for Pooja Bedi and the rest of her family, they all came out to celebrate Papa Kabir’s glory on the ramp. Looking snazzy in an off-white jacket with a red handkerchief in his pocket, Kabir Bedi cut quite a striking figure and would definitely put most of today’s younger actors to shame when it comes to exuding grace and charm.
Also cheering loudly was his girlfriend Parveen Dusanj, her sister Sukhi Dusanj, son Adam Bedi, daughter-in-law Nisha Harale Bedi and rapper Hard Kaur. Parveen was all smiles and looked stunning in a shiny blue dress by Narendra Kumar. Nice!
Pix: Ranjit Rodricks for MissMalini