My kids wanted me to settle down for many years now, says Pooja Bedi

Pooja Bedi has always followed her heart and the actress has made some unconventional choices including getting remarried in her late 40s.

The 48-year-old Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar actress has decided to tie the knot with her boyfriend Maneck Contractor with whom she recently got engaged. However, the couple is yet to lock the dates for their wedding.

“We haven’t confirmed any date for the wedding because it depends on my daughter Alaia's shooting schedule and my son Omar's holidays when he returns from the university. Probably towards the end of the year - Dec or Jan,” says Pooja.

Pooja, who is also a mother of two kids Alaia and Omar, reveals how her children are supporting her on this new journey that she is about to begin.

“What parents need to make clear to their children post-divorce is that whoever comes into their lives is not a threat to the children in any manner because the position that they occupy cannot be occupied by the children. It is a completely different space and in fact, the person who comes into your life is one more person to love and to be loved by,” says Bedi and adds, “That’s the way I grew up after my parents got divorced. My children adore Maneck. They love him and they are just happy for the two of us and they think we are perfect for each other. In fact, my daughter and my son have wanted me to settle down for many years now. They are just utterly delighted that I am finally doing so.”

Revealing more about Maneck, she says, “Maneck is very adventurous. He is a boat builder and he builds beautiful boats. His family is wonderful, warm and Parsi. My kids just adore him. We all are friends and there are incredible bonding and closeness between our families. The wonderful part about me and Manek getting engaged is that it has given so many middle-aged people hope who have suddenly realised that love is possible and future relationships can be strong, vibrant and wonderful… it’s lovely to inspire people in so many ways,” she says.

Pooja divorced her first husband Farhan Furniturewala 16 years ago and she has a great piece of advice for the couples that have gone through a divorce.

“I have a message for all those who have gone through broken relationships. There is no expiry date on love, there is no age by which you stop loving and there is so much of love out there in the world. There is always somebody out there who is meant for you. Keep your hearts open, go out and find the right person that is meant for you. One dead relationship doesn’t mean the end of love forever,” says the actress.

Looking back at her broken relationships, Pooja says there is nothing but gratitude. “I have had relationships that have not worked out in the past, my marriage didn’t work out technically in the past but I look back at all my relationships with great love and affection. I am on wonderful terms with all of them because I choose to thank them for whatever they brought into my life. So I thank them for the journey that we shared and look forward with great hope.”