Veteran actor Raj Babbar was still carving his path as a movie star when he decided to marry his first wife, Nadira. The couple, coming from different faiths – Raj being Hindu and Nadira being Muslim – faced societal pressures, particularly from Raj’s family, who initially wanted Nadira to convert to Hinduism. However, Raj stood firm, and his father supported his decision to honor Nadira’s identity.
Their daughter, actor Juhi Babbar, recently shared insights into her family’s unique dynamic and how they embrace both religions. Speaking to Lehren Retro, Juhi revealed that her father’s family had once suggested Nadira adopt a Hindu 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 remarked.
Juhi spoke fondly of growing up in a culturally rich and inclusive household. “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,” she said.
When asked if religious differences ever caused friction between Raj and Nadira, Juhi dismissed the notion, emphasizing their mutual respect and understanding. “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 highlighted that the extended families of Raj and Nadira share a harmonious relationship, unaffected by religious differences.
Raj Babbar later married actor Smita Patil, but after her tragic passing due to childbirth complications, he reunited with Nadira.