Updated: February 21, 2026
Naseeruddin Shah First Wife: The first wife of veteran Indian actor Naseeruddin Shah was Parveen Murad (also known as Manara Sikri), a chapter from his early life that’s often overshadowed by his long, successful marriage to actress Ratna Pathak Shah. This story highlights an unconventional romance, family defiance, and personal struggles during his formative years. As one of Bollywood’s most respected actors, Naseeruddin Shah’s journey began with bold choices that shaped his resilience and career.
Table of Contents
The Unconventional Love Story: Meeting and Marriage
In the late 1960s, while studying at Aligarh Muslim University, a young Naseeruddin Shah—around 19 or 20 years old—met Parveen Murad, a medical intern about 15 years his senior (approximately 34 at the time). Parveen, also referred to as Manara Sikri, was the half-sister of acclaimed actress Surekha Sikri.
Their connection was deep and supportive. Naseeruddin faced strong family opposition to his acting ambitions, but Parveen stood by him as a confidante and encourager. Defying both families, they entered into a traditional nikah in 1969. This age-gap marriage was bold for the era, especially since some reports suggest Parveen had been previously married or had children (though details vary across sources).
The couple welcomed a daughter, Heeba Shah, within a year. Heeba later pursued acting herself, appearing in films and TV.
Challenges and the Road to Separation
The marriage faced hurdles from the start. Family disapproval was intense, and reportedly, Parveen’s side demanded a significant mahr (Islamic alimony provision in case of divorce) to deter the union— a sum the young Naseeruddin agreed to but struggled to fulfill for years.
The relationship reportedly broke down within months or a short time. Parveen moved abroad with their daughter, while Naseeruddin remained in India, building his career. The unfulfilled mahr kept the marriage legally tied for over a decade. It took him nearly 12 years to settle the financial obligations, finally enabling the divorce around 1981–1982.
During this period, Naseeruddin met and fell in love with Ratna Pathak (now Ratna Pathak Shah). They lived together for years in a live-in relationship—unconventional and socially challenging at the time—while he worked toward resolving his first marriage. After signing the film Masoom (which brought financial stability), he paid the mahr, ended the first marriage, and married Ratna in 1982.
Key Facts at a Glance
Here’s a quick overview of the essential details surrounding Naseeruddin Shah’s first marriage:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| First Wife’s Name | Parveen Murad (also known as Manara Sikri) |
| Marriage Year | 1969 |
| Age at Marriage | Naseeruddin: ~19–20; Parveen: ~34 |
| Age Difference | Approximately 15 years |
| Daughter from Marriage | Heeba Shah (actress) |
| Divorce Finalized | Around 1981–1982 (after ~12 years) |
| Key Challenge | High mahr/alimony payment delayed proceedings |
| Relation to Surekha Sikri | Parveen was her half-sister |
Life After and Lasting Impact
After the divorce, Parveen (Manara Sikri) passed away in the same year Naseeruddin remarried (1982), according to some accounts. Heeba Shah maintains a connection to her father’s side, though the family dynamics have been private.
Naseeruddin and Ratna’s marriage has endured over four decades, producing two sons—Imaad Shah and Vivaan Shah—who are also actors. This second chapter brought stability and a high-profile family in the industry.
The first marriage remains a testament to Naseeruddin Shah’s fearless youth. It showed his willingness to follow his heart despite societal norms, financial strain, and family pressure—qualities that later defined his powerful, nuanced performances on screen.
In the end, Naseeruddin Shah’s personal life mirrors the complexity of his roles: full of passion, challenges, and eventual harmony. While the spotlight often falls on his iconic films and current family, this early story adds depth to the legend of a man who has always lived life on his own terms.