The sinner and his sinful love! How Abu Salem’s dark affection shattered Monica Bedi’s life

The rising queen

Monica Bedi originally hailed from Hoshiarpur. But her family moved to Norway when she was just one-year-old. While her father, a medical practitioner, set up a new business of garments, Monica started developing keen interest in dancing. Once every year, they would visit India for a vacation. One such year, Monica was offered a film by Manoj Kumar, and stayed back in Mumbai to take acting class. However, the film never took off. Meanwhile, she met Abu Salem during a show in Dubai, who introduced himself with another name.

Cupid struck

Abu and Monica fell in love with each other over phone. She came to know about his real name when she traveled to Dubai to see him. But she had no idea what gravity the name carried! Contrary to short-spanned affairs underworld dons are usually linked to, Abu was head over heels in love with Monica and wanted to marry her. He probably thought, helping her to flourish in her career would be the ideal way to get through her heart.

Fame that didn’t come straight

Andaleeb Sultanpuri was then making 'Jaanam Samjha Karo' which starred big names like Salman Khan and Urmila Matondkar. Words have it that he received a call from Abu, insisting that Monica is cast for the same project. A newcomer with no previous ventures in acting, Monica was not someone Sultanpuri would have brought on board for an A-list film. But he did not dare contradict Abu. Monica got the debut she had been dreaming for all this while. Later, she appeared in 'Jodi No. 1' which had Sanjay Dutt in lead. Dutt was furious on knowing that he would have to romance a small name like Monica. He was almost about to back out when one phone call from Abu did the wonder. For the rest of the film, not only Sanjay treated Monica like his sister-in-law, but didn't dare to hold her firmly when they shot for romantic sequences. As this continued, the film fraternity had a hint of what was happening.

A marriage with wide conclusions

On the other hand, all Monica knew about Abu was that he ran a car showroom. He had told her he was a married man and was undergoing the process of divorce. In 1991, he married Samira Jumani, a 17-year-old college goer, who later called him a 'violent psychotic man' and claimed that she was forced into marriage. Monica could smell Abu indulged in a lot of discreet activities, as she saw him guarded with security all the time. He was also accused of being associated with the 1993 Mumbai blast. As India became riskier for him with each passing day, Abu desperately wanted to shift base to America. Upon reaching America, Monica realised what she had done. By then, the police knew that Abu Salem was dating an actress. They almost knew that the actress was Monica Bedi, a woman with rising fame. She knew, all her doors back home were closed. She would not be able to return.

Back home, doors closed

A love story that started off like a fairy tale, turned bitter. Abu feared that the police would cause pressure on Monica and succeed in reaching him. So he never let her come back to Mumbai. Her career in acting came to an abrupt end. Abu would often fly to Mumbai, and during those periods, Monica would travel to Norway to see her parents. Differences started creeping in. She knew her husband was subject to many risks. But leaving her own life behind took a toll on her as well. At times, unable to bear the tension any more, she would run away to a hotel and spend a few days there. A dangerous man otherwise, Abu was truly in love when it came to Monica. He would bring her home and beg her not to leave him.

Captivation that was killing her

Abu was a rich man. He had money and influence. But he was also dominant and short-tempered in nature. Many believed it was his wealth that had tempted Monica. Far away from the truth, Monica washed his clothes and cooked for him. In one of earlier interviews, she said, "Abu had money. So people believed that I lived like a princess. But I’ve only seen tough times and struggle with him. We kept moving from one place to another. I used to clean, cook, wash for him… In fact, I learnt cooking from him. If I witnessed a good life, it was only in my parents’ home or with my hard-earned money. People would say, ‘She is with him for money’. But where is the money? I don’t grudge the hardships; it was only his nature that had turned aggressive and irritable. I wondered why I was pulled in the mess."

An unintentional criminal

For both, it was coming to an end. In 2002, they entered Portugal with forged documents and were soon arrested and sent to police custody.

She sought strength

This was a period of disasters and emotional trauma. But somewhere it made Monica heave a sigh of relief. She thought she would be deported to India. But she was yet to know the real colours of Abu Salem's crimes. And they shattered her, her faith on the man, her faith on their relationship. While in jail in Portugal, she took solace in reading Bible and praying. She made up her mind that this relationship was not to be continued any further. But Abu wouldn't let her go. He wrote her letters after letters.

The journey back home

In 2005, they both were brought back to India. Monica was sent to a jail in Hyderabad and Abu was relentlessly trying to contact her. he sent her flowers on her birthday. But by then, Monica had gathered enough strength to not respond. The sand of time started burying their relationship down. On the other hand, Abu kept claiming he was married to Monica. As per his statement, they got married in 2000 at a Mosque in Los Angeles. Though Monica always emphasised they were never married.

That moment of breaking free

In 2006, Monica was again convicted by an Indian court for using fake passport. In 2007, she was granted bail. But by then, her reputation was ruined, she was psychologically devastated and she had no work. She received the bail on the condition that she would stay at her ancestral Punjab residence.

No place she could call ‘home’

Monica went back to her Punjab home. But it started feeling as if she was being a burden on her parents. She planned to reconstruct her career and flew to Mumbai. She did not know, a new odd at its dirtiest colour was awaiting her. By then, 'Monica Bedi' had become famous for all the wrong reasons. No one would agree for her to rent their house. After a lot of hullabaloo, she managed one home. Just when she bought essential stuff and settled down, she was thrown out as the owners came to discover her real identity. This happened many times. It took her a long time to partially get rid of her negative public impression.

The new phase of life

Monica re-entered showbiz with 'Bigg Boss 2', which was followed by reality shows 'Desi Girl' and 'Jhalak Dikhlaa Jaa'. Eventually, her role in TV soap 'Saraswati Chandra' brought her wide acclamation. At present, she continues to do regional films.