'Ties my SHOE LACE even today': Ismail Darbar on second wife embracing his culture & conversion to Islam

Veteran music composer Ismail Darbar, known for his unforgettable work in films like Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam and Devdas, recently gave a personal interview to Vicky Lalwani where he discussed some deeply private aspects of his life. From opening up about his second wife Ayesha’s conversion to addressing his views on daughter in law Gauahar Khan, Darbar did not hold back.

Ismail is married to two women, Farzana and Ayesha. Ayesha, who was born a Hindu and earlier known as Preeti, embraced Islam before marrying him. Speaking on this sensitive subject, Darbar clarified that Ayesha’s conversion was entirely her decision.

“She converted because she wanted to. There was no pressure from my side,” he said, putting all speculation to rest.

She converted because she wanted to. There was no pressure from my side

- Ismail Darbar

Addressing how his relationship with Ayesha began, the composer explained that it developed over time and was not an act of infidelity. He recalled a moment after a disagreement with Farzana that led him to reach out to Ayesha.

“After an argument with Farzana, I called Ayesha, and we went for a drive. After an hour, I stopped the car and asked her to marry me. She said yes. To be honest, I had started developing feelings for her. She admired my work and became attached to me after our long conversations,” he shared.

Darbar went on to praise Ayesha for the way she embraced his family. According to him, she chose to leave her career in the glamour world to focus on her responsibilities at home.

“She dresses me even today, she ties my shoelaces. She left her glamour career behind for our children,” he said with visible emotion.

Speaking about his children’s reaction to his second marriage, Darbar expressed pride in how they accepted the situation with maturity.

“They understood the situation and never judged me. I’m proud of how they’ve handled everything,” he added.

After an argument with Farzana, I called Ayesha, and we went for a drive. After an hour, I stopped the car and asked her to marry me. She said yes. To be honest, I had started developing feelings for her. She admired my work and became attached to me after our long conversations

- Ismail Darbar

However, Darbar has come under fire on social media for his comments about his daughter in law, Gauahar Khan. During the same interview, he explained the conservative nature of his household.

“I come from a backward family. We used to turn away whenever a sensuous type of scene came in a movie. This happens in our house even today. Gauahar is a part of our family now, and we are responsible for her reputation. But I can't tell her not to work; that right belongs only to Zaid. So, I don't indulge in activities that might bother me.”

He added further, “I'm not one to mince my words. I know that I will not be able to tolerate what I see, and if I am not able to tolerate what I see, I will confront them.”

Ismail Darbar’s recent statements have stirred conversation around personal choices, religious conversion, and traditional values within families. By addressing the circumstances of his second marriage and Ayesha’s conversion, he has clarified aspects of his private life that have been subject to public speculation. His remarks about Gauahar Khan have also drawn attention, particularly due to the cultural lens through which he views certain aspects of her career. While his perspective has sparked criticism, it also highlights the ongoing tension between individual freedoms and conservative family expectations. As these discussions continue, they raise broader questions about personal boundaries, generational differences, and the role of public figures in shaping narratives around such topics.