The Actress Who Debuted with Rishi Kapoor—Daughter of Pakistan’s Former Attorney General
In the dazzling world of Bollywood, where everything appears glamorous and flawless, there often lie untold stories of emotional turmoil, personal dilemmas, and complex relationships behind the scenes.
In today’s digital age, even a single Instagram post can become headline news. As a result, the private lives of celebrities are constantly under public scrutiny.
One such compelling story is that of Zeba Bakhtiar, a talented Pakistani actress who gained fame through her acting skills, yet her personal life remained a subject of widespread media attention.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Zeba Bakhtiar was born on November 5, 1962, in Quetta, Pakistan. She is the daughter of the late Yahya Bakhtiar, Pakistan’s former Attorney General.
After spending her early years in Quetta, she moved to Karachi, where her professional acting career began.
Her breakthrough came in 1991 when she starred opposite Rishi Kapoor in the Indian film “Henna”, directed and produced by Randhir Kapoor, son of Raj Kapoor.
Her innocent looks and graceful performance won hearts overnight. However, her Bollywood journey was brief.
She appeared in a few other Hindi films such as Mohabbat Ki Arzoo, Jai Vikrant, and Muqadma. Unfortunately, they didn’t achieve commercial success, and Zeba eventually returned to Pakistan.
Return to Pakistan and Rising Fame
Upon her return, Zeba quickly regained a respected position in the Pakistani film and TV industry.
Her calm demeanor, dignified screen presence, and strong acting skills won over Pakistani audiences. She soon became one of the most admired actresses in the country.
Personal Life: A Complex and Captivating Chapter
Zeba Bakhtiar’s personal life has often been discussed as much as her career. She married four times, and each marriage drew considerable media attention.
First Marriage (1982):
Her first marriage was to Salman Valiani, a man from Quetta. The couple had one daughter. However, the relationship didn’t last, and they eventually divorced.
Second Marriage (1989):
In 1989, she married famous Indian actor and comedian Javed Jaffrey. Initially, Zeba denied the marriage, but Javed later released the marriage certificate publicly, confirming the relationship. This marriage also ended in divorce within a year.
Third Marriage (1993):
Zeba’s third marriage was to renowned Pakistani singer Adnan Sami. The couple also acted together in the film Sargam. They had a son, Azaan Sami Khan, who is now a successful music composer and actor.
They divorced in 1997, yet both remained involved in their son’s upbringing. Later, Adnan Sami gave up his Pakistani citizenship and became an Indian national.
Today, Azaan Sami Khan is married and has children, making Zeba a proud grandmother.
Fourth Marriage (2008):
In 2008, Zeba married Sohail Khan Leghari. This marriage is still going strong, and the couple continues to enjoy a happy married life.
Zeba Today: A Portrait of Grace and Strength
Today, Zeba Bakhtiar remains active in Pakistani television. She lives a peaceful and successful life as a respected actress.
Her journey shows that fame often comes with personal struggles. Yet with strength, dignity, and hard work, it’s possible to overcome all challenges.
