Namrata Shirodkar, starred in films like Jab Pyar Kisise Hota Hai, Pukar, and Vaastav. There were many who were smitten by her gorgeous smile and deep eyes. As she was working hard to reach the pinnacle of professional success, she was caught at the crossroad where she had to choose between work and love. And, as we all know she chose the latter!
In a throwback interview, Namrata Shirodkar shared how she happily gave up her budding career in the blink of an eye, only to settle down with the love of her life – Mahesh Babu. During her interview, she mentioned:“There was never a burning desire to be a top actress in the first place. I happily gave up my career to marry Mahesh. And luckily, in the 14 years of our marriage, there has never been a single moment of regret or bitterness. People find it hard to believe that we’re so happy together after all these years.”
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As per the sources, Namrata and Mahesh met each other in 2000 as they worked together on the action drama, Vamsi. During this collaboration, they fell in love with each other. Soon after their love story became public, they became one of Tollywood’s favorite couples. In 2005, Namrata and Mahesh married and embraced parenthood in 2006. The couple has a son, Gautham, and a daughter, Sitara.
During an interview with TOI, Namrata was asked about the luxuries that came with becoming Mrs. Mahesh Babu. To which she mentioned, “I had many luxuries in life, even before I tied the knot. No, my life has not become more comfortable. Yes, Mahesh is a big star. But he doesn’t like to flash his money. He is a very level-headed man. We are not party animals that belong to the Page 3 circuit in Hyderabad. We are happy sitting at home.”
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Further, Namrata shared how she’s not the one calling the shots in the relationship and she’s absolutely fine with it. She said, “Mahesh lays down most of the rules. Even when I was dating him for four years prior to our marriage, he didn’t want our relationship to be out in the open. The media was hounding me to admit it, but, Mahesh was clear that he wanted to be stable in his career before his parents knew about us. For Mahesh, family comes before work. Not many actors have that quality in them.” Speaking about quitting her career to marry Mahesh, Namrata mentioned, “He was clear that he didn’t want a working wife.”
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In a separate interview with Deccan Chronicle in 2018, Namrata again shared how she did not regret giving up films for marriage. “I don’t have even a moment of regret for leaving my career behind. I was never career-oriented, not in the way other heroines are. Of course, I took my work seriously, but I never solicited work and never sought fame or money. I got what came to me. I remember getting a call from Mrs. Jaya Bachchan after my film Vaastav saying I should have got the National award for my performance. Those rare moments of acknowledgment were enough reward for my career,”
Though many of us today may not be able to relate to Namrata’s decision of leaving her work for getting married, we don’t want to subject her to harsh judgment. We understand it’s her choice and she is happy about it. After all, she doesn’t owe anyone any explanation for her life choices!