Actor and model Muzammil Ibrahim recently reflected on a significant chapter of his life — his two-year relationship with Deepika Padukone during their modelling days in Mumbai.
In a conversation with Siddharth Kannan, he shared how the relationship began, why it ended, and how it evolved post-breakup. “We were in a relationship for two years,” he said, adding that he was the first person whom Deepika had met after moving to Mumbai. He also recalled her confident personality, stating, “She was very confident because she is Prakash Padukone’s daughter so everyone knew about her.” She knew of him, and eventually asked him out, according to Ibrahim.
Describing their early memories, Ibrahim added, “We were kids then. We would go on dates in a rickshaw in the rains. That was very cute. I had more money than her because I had started earning better. Then I bought a car and she was very happy about that. These things are very memorable because I have not been on a date in a rickshaw since then, and we were so happy even though we had no money.”
Although he was the one who ended the relationship, he harbours no regrets. “We broke up because I left her, but I don’t regret it. I am a tough guy, brother. I was a star at that time; she was not. She is a superstar now. Everyone knows her, nobody knows me. I am a big fan. I love her work, and I feel really happy when I see her doing good in life,” he said.
Ibrahim also noted that their communication faded after Deepika’s marriage: “Before she got married, we would talk sometimes, and she was always very sweet. We didn’t become friends immediately after our breakup, but eventually, we got in touch again. We would congratulate each other on our achievements, and always hyped each other up.”
Emotional maturity and closure after a break up
Psychologist Anjali Gursahaney tells indianexpress.com, “Muzammil Ibrahim’s reflections on his past relationship with Deepika Padukone highlight emotional maturity and the importance of closure. His ability to acknowledge the breakup without bitterness, coupled with genuine happiness for her success, signals that he has processed the relationship in a healthy way.”
He adds, “Emotional maturity in such cases comes from self-awareness, acceptance, and the understanding that people grow in different directions. Closure isn’t always about dramatic final conversations; it often stems from internal resolution, knowing why things ended, and allowing oneself to move forward without clinging to past narratives.”
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To reach a similar headspace, he mentions, individuals can practice honest self-reflection, set emotional boundaries, avoid idealising the past, and focus on their own growth rather than comparing timelines with their ex.
How does the entry of a new long-term partner often shift dynamics with exes?
Regarding losing touch after Deepika’s marriage, Gursahaney believes, this is a natural evolution in most ex-relationships. “The entry of a long-term or life partner usually brings a re-prioritisation of emotional connections. Many people, even those on good terms with their exes, naturally drift apart as a gesture of respect toward new boundaries and dynamics. This isn’t about animosity; it’s about making space for the new relationship to thrive without emotional entanglements from the past.”
Handling this transition with grace means accepting that emotional proximity might no longer be appropriate, avoiding intrusion into their new life, and being content with a distant yet respectful goodwill. Clarity comes from recognising what role, if any, an ex should play in your present, and maturity lies in knowing when to step back without resentment.
