# Neelima Azeem's Heartfelt Revelation: "Unfortunately, It Wasn't Meant to Be" with Pankaj Kapur **Imagine building a family with one of Bollywood's finest actors, only to watch it unravel—yet emerging stronger as a single mother to stars like Shahid Kapoor and Ishaan Khatter.** That's the raw story Neelima Azeem, the legendary Kathak dancer and actress, recently shared in a candid interview with the Times of India.[1]
Neelima Azeem with sons Shahid Kapoor and Ishaan Khatter (Creative Commons image)
Neelima Azeem's life reads like a Bollywood script laced with resilience. At just 20, she entered a love marriage with Pankaj Kapur, embracing motherhood soon after with baby **Shahid Kapoor** at age 21. Despite the glamour, their union ended in separation, which she now reflects on poignantly: "Unfortunately, it wasn't meant to be." Balancing single parenthood, she relied on her parents' support while continuing her career as a Kathak exponent who earned laurels as a teenager in the 1970s.[1][2] What makes her story truly inspiring is how she turned heartbreak into triumph. After her split from Pankaj, Neelima found love again with Rajesh Khatter, welcoming **Ishaan Khatter** into the world. Yet, another divorce followed. Undeterred, she raised two sons who became Bollywood powerhouses—Shahid, known for his focused hard work and philosophical bent shaped by watching her struggles, and Ishaan, a testament to her nurturing spirit.[1][2] Shahid himself has praised her endlessly: "She was unconditionally there for me and still is."[3] Neelima's bond with her family shines through. She's the "cool mom" who openly discussed girlfriends with her sons and shares a warm rapport with daughter-in-law Mira Rajput. Grandkids Misha and Zain have added joy, transforming her life positively. Amid nepotism debates, she notes her kids' grounded nature sets them apart in an industry full of vices.[1][2] Her journey—from early rejections and broken marriages to proud motherhood—shows **true strength lies in rising above adversity**. As she reminisces in interviews, her large, close-knit family and unyielding spirit fueled her victories.[1][2] What do you think of Neelima Azeem's unbreakable resolve? **Drop a comment below sharing your favorite Shahid or Ishaan moment, or share this post to celebrate real-life Bollywood heroes!** Let's keep the conversation going.
Citations
1.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JxQuhRJU1cg
2.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8GIR7s6fHY
3.https://simplyamina.wordpress.com/2019/09/30/she-was-unconditionally-there-for-me-and-still-is-shahid-kapoor-talks-about-his-mother-neelima-azeem/
4.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZWyyQD2u9U
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