Pooja Bedi recently shared insights into her mother, Protima Bedi's, death, revealing that Protima seemed to have known her end was near. Protima Bedi, a celebrated Odissi dancer and free spirit who challenged societal norms throughout her life, tragically passed away in 1998 during a pilgrimage to Kailash Mansarovar.
Pooja Bedi disclosed that her mother had prepared for her departure, even writing a letter summarizing her life and expressing her happiness before venturing into Kullu. Protima always expressed a desire to die in nature, wanting her end to be a "grand finale" where she would become one with nature. As Pooja Bedi stated, Protima didn't want a mock ceremony with her ashes being put in the Ganga; she wanted to die out in nature, and that's exactly how it panned out.
Protima Bedi's body was never found after she went to Kullu Manali. She passed away during a landslide in Malpa village of Pithoragarh district, about 60 km from Dharchula on the Indo-Tibet border. More than 180 people, including 60 pilgrims to Kailash-Mansarovar, were feared killed in the landslide.
Pooja Bedi has expressed both grief and acceptance regarding her mother's death. While she regrets that Protima passed away before turning 50 and wishes she had done more with her, she also acknowledges that her mother lived and died on her own terms.
Protima Bedi's legacy lives on through her contributions to Indian dance and the establishment of Nrityagram, a dance village near Bangalore. She was known for challenging societal norms and living life as she wanted.
Pooja Bedi, daughter of Protima and actor Kabir Bedi, has had a career as an actress, television talk show host, and newspaper columnist. She has also participated in reality television shows such as Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, Nach Baliye, Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi, and Bigg Boss. In 2000, Pooja compiled and edited "Timepass," the memoirs of her mother, Protima Bedi.