The 1991 film Henna emerged as a major success at the box office and remains memorable even today. The film featured Rishi Kapoor in the lead role, while the female protagonist was played by Pakistani actress Zeba Bakhtiar. Zeba’s performance was widely appreciated by audiences on both sides of the border. Her innocent expressions and graceful screen presence helped her gain instant popularity in Indian cinema.
Henna was associated with the filmmaking legacy of Raj Kapoor, whose productions were known for introducing actresses in a special manner. Before Zeba, Mandakini had gained recognition through Ram Teri Ganga Maili. Zeba followed with a different image, marked by simplicity and emotional depth, which left a lasting impression on viewers.
Background and Early Life in Pakistan
Zeba Bakhtiar was born in Pakistan and belonged to the family of a renowned Pakistani poet. Growing up in a culturally rich environment influenced her personality and artistic sensibilities. After the success of Henna, she became a familiar name in both India and Pakistan. While her professional career gained attention, her personal life also began to attract public interest.
A Personal Life Marked by Multiple Marriages
Very few people are aware of the details of Zeba Bakhtiar’s married life. The actress married four times over the years, but none of her marriages lasted long. Three of her marriages reportedly ended within a year, while her fourth marriage survived for only three years. These repeated setbacks kept her personal life in the spotlight and shaped much of her journey beyond cinema.
First Marriage Before Entering Hindi Films
When Zeba entered Hindi cinema, she was already divorced. Her first marriage took place in 1985 with Salman Valliani. The relationship ended within a year, after which Zeba chose to focus more seriously on her acting career. This phase marked the beginning of both professional growth and personal challenges.
Marriage With Javed Jaffrey and Public Attention
After her first divorce, Zeba’s name was linked with Javed Jaffrey. Their relationship became a topic of discussion even before her debut in Henna. The two got married in 1989, but the marriage lasted only a year. In 1990, reports of their divorce surfaced, and many people learned only then that they had been married.
It was widely reported that Zeba initially did not publicly acknowledge the marriage. Later, Javed Jaffrey reportedly presented documents to confirm their union. This episode brought intense media attention to Zeba’s personal life during the early phase of her career.
Continued Work in Films Despite Personal Challenges
Despite emotional turmoil, Zeba remained active in Hindi cinema. Apart from Henna, she appeared in films such as Nargis and Mohabbat Ki Aarzoo. Her performances during this period reflected composure and professionalism. She managed to balance her work commitments while dealing with personal upheavals.
Marriage With Adnan Sami and Motherhood
During this phase of her career, Zeba grew close to Adnan Sami. Both were from Pakistan and shared cultural familiarity. The couple married in 1993, and their relationship initially appeared stable. Zeba later gave birth to their son, Azaan, which marked an important chapter in her life.
Divorce and Custody Struggles
After nearly four years of marriage, Zeba and Adnan Sami parted ways. The separation proved to be emotionally difficult for the actress. According to people close to her, Zeba fought a long legal battle to gain custody of her son. During this period, she continued working in Pakistani films and television shows to support herself and her child.
Fourth Marriage and Another Separation
After overcoming major personal struggles, Zeba found love once again. In 2009, she married Pakistani businessman Sohael Khan. However, this marriage also ended within a year. The couple divorced in 2010, marking yet another setback in her personal life.
Life Beyond Failed Marriages
Despite repeated marital failures, Zeba Bakhtiar never withdrew from the entertainment industry. She continued to remain active in Pakistan’s film and television space. Over time, she chose to maintain a low public profile and focus on her work and family.
Zeba Bakhtiar’s journey reflects the contrast between cinematic success and personal struggle. Henna gave her lasting fame and recognition across borders. However, her personal life was marked by emotional challenges and short-lived marriages. Despite these difficulties, she continued to work with dignity and resilience, making her story one of strength behind the glamour of the film industry.
