From a truckload of red roses to a secret wedding: How Juhi Chawla found love with Jay Mehta and overcame her deepest fears

In the mid-90s, the charming and vivacious actress Juhi Chawla, who had already captured the hearts of millions through her films, found herself in a dilemma when she fell in love with businessman Jay Mehta. While her career was flourishing, Juhi harbored doubts about her future after marriage, fearing that her successful career in the film industry might come to a halt. This, coupled with the recent passing of her mother, created a whirlwind of emotions for the actress. But what followed was a love story of unexpected twists, emotional growth, and understanding, transcending traditional expectations.

A Secret Union and a Personal Struggle
At the time of her marriage, keeping such matters private was the norm in the film industry. Actors often concealed their marital status, fearing it could harm their appeal with the public. In an interview with journalist Rajeev Masand, Juhi candidly shared how she grappled with the idea of giving up her career, something she had just begun to establish. "I was just about established, and just starting to do well. And that’s when Jay was serenading me. I was afraid of losing my career, just when I’d got there," Juhi explained.

As Juhi was still reeling from the emotional blow of losing her mother, she felt that her life’s trajectory might come to an end if people learned about her marriage. However, the hidden wedding was more than just a way of protecting her public image. It was a reflection of Juhi’s internal struggle between love and career, tradition and modernity.

Romantic Beginnings: Gestures, Notes, and Truckload of Red Roses
Their courtship was nothing short of a Bollywood romance. The couple’s paths first crossed before Juhi even started her career. Though their initial interaction was brief, fate had other plans. Years later, their reunion was nothing short of magical. "Everywhere I turned, he turned up. Everywhere I looked, he was there with flowers and notes. Every day. On my birthday, I remember, there was a truckload of red roses. What can you do with a truckload of flowers?" Juhi fondly reminisced. After a year of romance and gestures that spoke louder than words, Jay proposed, sealing their bond.

The Role of Jay’s Family in Juhi’s Transformation
The period surrounding their marriage was a turbulent one for Juhi. The loss of her mother weighed heavily on her, and she feared her career might crumble under the pressures of marriage and grief. However, it was Jay and his family, especially his mother, who became a pillar of support. "There were times when I was really down and out, and she always said to me, ‘You’re like my daughter, don’t think of yourself as my daughter-in-law, do what makes you happy,’" Juhi recalled.

The compassionate words from her mother-in-law allowed Juhi to continue pursuing her career despite her initial fears. "When a door closes, a window opens. It was Jay, his parents, and his mom especially," she shared. This understanding from her new family gave Juhi the confidence to continue working in the industry that she loved.

The Small Wedding: A Family Affair
While the couple initially planned for a grand celebration, Juhi's emotional state and reluctance to have a large public affair led to a change in plans. At a time when wedding extravaganzas were the norm, Juhi broke tradition. She confided in her mother-in-law about her discomfort with a large-scale wedding, and to her surprise, her mother-in-law wholeheartedly agreed. "It’s okay," she reassured Juhi, convincing the family to cancel the wedding invites that had already been sent out.

The final wedding was a simple, intimate affair, with only close family and friends in attendance—around 80 to 90 people. For Juhi, this was the perfect way to start her married life, one that was filled with both personal and professional support, leaving behind any fears of sacrificing one for the other.

Juhi Chawla’s Journey Beyond the Silver Screen
Juhi’s marriage to Jay Mehta in 1995 marked not just a personal milestone but also a turning point in her career. She went on to be a co-owner of the Kolkata Knight Riders IPL team alongside Shah Rukh Khan, and later co-founded Dreamz Unlimited with Khan, producing successful films. Despite taking on different roles in her personal life, Juhi continued to shine in her acting career, delivering memorable performances in films such as Jhankaar Beats (2003), 3 Deewarein (2003), and I Am (2011).

Her marriage to Jay, a union built on mutual respect and understanding, has been an anchor throughout her dynamic career. Together, they have two children, and while Juhi's personal life remains relatively private, she remains one of the most beloved and respected figures in Indian cinema.