Pooja Bedi (born 11 May 1970) is an Indian actress, television talk show host and newspaper columnist. She is the daughter of Indian actors Kabir Bedi and Protima Bedi. She appeared in the reality television shows Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, Nach Baliye, Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi and Bigg Boss.

Early life

Pooja Bedi was born 11th May 1970 in Bombay (present-day Mumbai) to the late Indian classical dancer Protima and actor Kabir Bedi. She is of Punjabi Sikh and British ancestry on her father's side and Bengali and Haryanvi ancestry on her mother's side. She was brought up in what she calls a "bohemian progressive artistic environment".

Career

Career beginnings (1991–2006)

From 1991 to 1995, Bedi worked in Bollywood films and appeared in many commercials and campaigns, notably the KamaSutra condom campaign which she endorsed and used as a vehicle to raise awareness of AIDS. She made her film debut with Jag Mundhra's film Vishkanya (1991). She went on to act in Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander (1992) with Aamir Khan.Her other films include Lootere (1993) and Aatank Hi Aatank (1995).

Debut in reality shows and beyond (2006–2020)

In 2000, she compiled and edited Timepass, the memoirs of her mother Protima Bedi. She has been a columnist with the Times of India, the Hindustan Times, and MiD DAY newspapers, and has written articles for numerous publications, including L'officiel, Femina and The Week. In 2006, Bedi appeared in Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa in its first season followed by Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi. In 2007, Bedi along with Hanif Hilal appeared in Nach Baliye. In 2011, Bedi was a celebrity contestant in the fifth season of the Indian version of the reality TV show Big Brother, Bigg Boss. She was evicted after surviving for 8 weeks in the house, which was Day 56 (27 November).

Personal life

Bedi married Farhan Furniturewala a Gujarati Muslim of Parsi and Khoja descent, whom she met in 1990. They were married 6 May 1994 and Bedi converted to Islam upon marriage taking up the name Noorjahan. They have two children, including Alaya Furniturewala. Bedi and Farhan divorced in 2003. In February 2019, Bedi became engaged to Maneck Contractor.

Filmography

Television