Rukhsar Rehman’s Inspiring Comeback Story: Not every Bollywood tale is dipped in glamour—some are carved out of courage and second chances. Rukhsar Rehman, who began her acting career opposite Rishi Kapoor at just 17, experienced soaring fame followed by emotional turmoil, only to return stronger than ever.
Recently featured on the Humans of Bombay Instagram page, Rukhsar opened up about her rollercoaster journey—a tale of success, sacrifice, heartbreak, and redemption.
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Early Stardom Cut Short by Family Pressure
Rukhsar was a teenager when she appeared in films like Yaad Rakhegi Duniya and Inteha Pyar Ki, opposite legendary actor Rishi Kapoor. Despite the early fame and promising career, her journey came to an abrupt halt. Her conservative family didn’t view acting as a ‘respectable’ career and arranged her marriage, expecting her to settle into domestic life.
Though she tried to adjust, motherhood and marital life soon turned into emotional distress. At just 19, Rukhsar made the bold choice to leave her marriage—taking her 8-month-old daughter, Aisha Ahmed, and walking away from a toxic environment.
A Brave Escape and New Beginnings in Rampur
Returning to her hometown Rampur, Rukhsar was welcomed by her father with open arms. To sustain herself, she opened a boutique, but the dream of acting never left her heart.
Eventually, she made another difficult decision: to leave her daughter temporarily with her parents and move to Mumbai to pursue her passion once again. “That was the hardest thing I ever did,” Rukhsar recalls. “But I needed to become someone my daughter could be proud of.”
Rebuilding a Career, One Role at a Time
Mumbai wasn’t easy. Rukhsar faced rejections and began her second innings from scratch. But gradually, roles came her way—films like D, Sarkar, PK, God Tussi Great Ho, Uri, and 83 added to her portfolio. Television viewers loved her in shows like Kuch Toh Log Kahenge, Tumhari Paakhi, Adaalat, and Haq Se.
Eventually, she brought Aisha to Mumbai, and the two began living together. Today, Aisha Ahmed is a rising star in her own right, with popular web series like Adulting and Minus One to her credit.
Finding Love and Letting Go
Rukhsar later married filmmaker Faruk Kabir, but after 13 years, that relationship too came to an end. Still, she remains thankful for the lessons learned and the unwavering support of her daughter. “Aisha helped me heal and grow,” she shared.
Fans React with Nostalgia and Respect
After her story went viral, social media lit up with heartfelt reactions. Many were surprised to learn that Rukhsar is Aisha’s mother. One user commented, “She didn’t just survive—she came back for the girl she left behind.” Another wrote, “I never knew Aisha was a Lioness’ daughter.”
Some fans reminisced about her earlier roles, especially in Chi and Me, where she played the beloved character ‘Rati’. “You are in my childhood memory,” one fan emotionally wrote.
A Journey of Strength, Passion, and Redemption
Reflecting on her journey, Rukhsar said, “When you’re meant to do something, you find your way back—when you’re ready.” Today, she stands as a beacon of resilience for many women, especially single mothers and aspiring artists.
Her story isn’t just about a comeback—it’s about reclaiming one’s identity, rising after the fall, and proving that no dream is ever too late to chase.
