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Before choosing a quieter life away from the arc lights Namrata Shirodkar had carved a niche with memorable performances in films like Vaastav and Pukar. She even made an international appearance alongside Aishwarya Rai in Bride and Prejudice. But while Bollywood had its doors wide open for her Namrata drew her boundaries — and stuck to them firmly. In a throwback interview with Rediff Namrata admitted to turning down multiple offers that required her to perform intimate or bold scenes. “So many!” she said when asked if she was offered such roles. “But I’m not comfortable doing such things. I will not kiss or make love on screen. I’m not desperate. Thank God I come from a safe background.” Her decision wasn’t limited to just selective scripts. After marrying Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu in 2005 Namrata consciously chose to step away from acting altogether. Speaking to journalist Prema she revealed “Mahesh was very clear about wanting a non-working wife. Even if I had a corporate job he would have asked me to quit. We had something very special between us.” Namrata and Mahesh met on the sets of Vamsi in 2000 and while sparks flew early on the couple kept their relationship under wraps for a while. The former Miss India (1993) crowned at just 21 eventually shifted her focus entirely to family life. Today Namrata and Mahesh are parents to two children — their daughter Sitara a budding social media star and a son who has already made brief appearances in films. Namrata’s on-screen journey may have been short spanning just 14 films but her graceful exit and steadfast choices continue to be remembered and respected.