Eight Years of Engagement, Yet Pooja Bedi and Partner Have No Plans to Marry

Staff Report: PNN

The personal life of Bollywood actress Pooja Bedi has once again come under discussion. Although she has been engaged to Maneck Contractor for the past eight years, she has now made it clear that they do not want to go ahead with a formal marriage. In a recent interview, Pooja said that since the foundation of their relationship is mutual trust and commitment, she does not feel that marriage is necessary simply to obtain legal recognition.

For Pooja, an engagement is not merely an exchange of rings; rather, it represents a commitment to remain together for life. According to her, if two people decide to stand by each other as partners, friends and members of the same family, then a marriage certificate on paper is not essential to sustain their relationship.

In Indian society, marriage is generally viewed not only as a bond between two individuals but also as a connection between two families. From that perspective, the decision not to marry even after being engaged for so long is unusual to many people. However, Pooja believes that every person’s life and relationship circumstances are different. Therefore, she does not feel the need to align her personal decision with conventional social structures.

Pooja’s past experiences have also influenced her views on marriage. She was previously married to businessman Farhan Furniturewala. They have two children together—a daughter, Alaya F, and a son, Omar. The couple later divorced. The actress has said that her experiences from that phase of life have changed the way she looks at marriage and relationships.

According to Pooja, she has already experienced both marriage and divorce. Therefore, at this stage of her life, she does not want to bind herself to another legal contract.

Maneck Contractor was also previously married and has children of his own. As a result, both of them have gone through various realities and experiences in life. According to Pooja, both she and Maneck are financially independent and neither is dependent on the other. Their assets will also eventually go to their respective children. Therefore, they do not feel the need to gain additional financial security or benefits through marriage.

However, Pooja is not rejecting the institution of marriage altogether. In her view, marriage can be an important and beautiful social bond for many people who are starting a new chapter in their lives. But considering their own circumstances and experiences, she and Maneck have chosen a different path.

Pooja and Maneck’s relationship also has a long history. Both of them were students at The Lawrence School, Sanawar, in India. After many years, they reconnected through a WhatsApp group for former students. Their friendship gradually developed into a romantic relationship.

In 2019, Maneck proposed to Pooja during a hot-air balloon ride. Pooja accepted the proposal at the time and also expressed her excitement about their relationship on social media.

However, their views changed over time. Although they initially had plans to get married, they later realized that a formal marriage was not essential for their relationship. As a result, even after maintaining their engagement for eight years, they have now decided not to proceed with marriage.

Pooja’s decision has once again generated discussion in Bollywood as well as on social media. Her perspective on relationships, which goes beyond conventional ideas about marriage, has sparked various opinions and reactions.