Rukhsar Rehman began her acting career as a teenager, starring alongside Rishi Kapoor in films like 'Yaad Rakhegi Duniya' and 'Inteha Pyar Ki'. At just 17, fresh out of school, she was already playing lead roles and was seen as a rising star in Bollywood. Despite this early success, her acting journey was cut short-not due to failure, but because her parents did not consider acting a respectable profession.
Family Pressure and Forced Pause: Dreams on Hold
Her parents arranged her marriage, believing a settled family life was more important than fame. Rukhsar adapted to her new role as a wife and then as a mother to her daughter, Aisha Ahmed . However, her marriage began to fall apart, and the emotional strain pushed her to make a bold, life-changing decision.
A Brave Escape: Running Away to Reclaim Life
At just 19, Rukhsar left her husband, taking her eight-month-old daughter with her. Though judged by many, she felt she had no other option. Returning to her hometown Rampur, her father welcomed her without question. To support herself, she started a boutique, but her heart still longed for acting-the dream she had once abandoned.
The Tough Comeback: Starting from Scratch in Mumbai
In 2005, driven by her passion, Rukhsar left her daughter with her parents and moved to Mumbai to restart her career. Facing numerous rejections and countless auditions, she slowly began landing roles in films such as 'D', 'Sarkar', 'PK', 'God Tussi Great Ho', 'Uri: The Surgical Strike', and '83'. Each role was a step towards reclaiming her identity and the dreams she had put aside.
Reuniting with Aisha: Building a New Life Together
Eventually, Rukhsar brought her daughter Aisha to live with her in Mumbai. Together, they rebuilt their lives. Inspired by her mother’s resilience, Aisha also entered the entertainment world, gaining recognition in web series like 'Adulting' and 'Minus One'.
Love and Loss: Healing Through Family Bonds
Rukhsar later found love with filmmaker Faruk Kabir . After 13 years, their relationship ended. Though painful, the love and support from her daughter helped her heal.