Rukhsar Rehman, known for her appearances in various television shows and films such as PK, Sarkar, and God Tussi Great Ho, recently opened up about the challenges she faced while pursuing her acting career.

She revealed that her parents pressured her into marriage, leading her to flee with her infant daughter at the age of 19 to seek a better life.

In an interview with Humans of Bombay, Rukhsar recounted her entry into acting at 17, starting with the film Yaad Rakhegi Duniya (1992), directed by Deepak Anand. She also shared the screen with Rishi Kapoor in Inteha Pyar Ki.

Despite her aspirations, her parents did not support her acting ambitions, insisting she abandon her career for marriage.

By 19, Rukhsar had welcomed her daughter, Aisha.

Rukhsar expressed that motherhood transformed her life, stating, "With Aisha, I found my new purpose. Life seemed perfect from the outside as I tried to be a good wife. However, the underlying issues eventually led to the marriage's downfall."

Summoning the strength to leave her unhappy marriage, she recalled, "One night, I gathered what little I could and left. My daughter was only 8 months old, asleep, unaware of the changes ahead. I questioned my decision but felt I had exhausted all options. When I returned home, my father simply said, 'You’ll be okay.'"

To support herself and Aisha, Rukhsar opened a clothing store in Rampur, Uttar Pradesh, yet her passion for acting lingered.

Eventually, she returned to the screen, taking on roles in films like D, Sarkar, PK, Uri, and 83.

Rukhsar later married filmmaker Faruk Kabir, but after 13 years, they chose to separate.

Reflecting on her journey, she stated, "It was painful, but Aisha was my strength. I once thought my story had ended, but my love for acting was too strong to abandon. When you are destined for something, you will find your way back when the time is right."