Find Out All About The Tragic Lovestory Of Mr & Mrs Jinnah! Did Jinnah’s relationship with Ruttie become a casualty of his intense focus on politics, perhaps overshadowed by the loftiness of his goals?
The story of Mr. and Mrs. Jinnah stands as a compelling yet lesser-known narrative,—a tale often overlooked amid the spotlight on Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s role in shaping Pakistan. Beyond the public gaze that focused on Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s role as the architect of Pakistan, lies the poignant tale of his relationship with Ruttie Petit—a story that carries the weight of what could have been.
Rattanbai, affectionately known as Ruttie, lived a life of privilege as a cherished Parsi princess. Her affluent father indulged her every whim, hosting extravagant birthday celebrations, facilitating international travel, and adorning her with the latest in fashion and jewelry.
Raised amidst luxury, she had European nannies attending to her needs and a dedicated staff catering to her every wish. Surrounded by the elite social circles of the city’s aristocracy, Ruttie found herself courted by a line of eligible Parsi suitors eager to win her hand in marriage.
However, the headstrong and romantic 16-year-old beauty, with her mind filled with verses of romantic poetry, defied societal expectations. Instead of choosing from the array of eligible Parsi bachelors, Ruttie’s heart led her to the 40-year-old Mohammad Ali Jinnah.
Despite the significant age difference, their connection transcended convention, marking the beginning of a love story that would defy societal norms and captivate the pages of history.
The marriage between Rattanbai Petit and Mohammad Ali Jinnah in 1918 unfolded as nothing short of a dramatic love story, reminiscent of a captivating film plot. This remarkable tale, vividly captured in Sheela Reddy’s aptly titled book, “The Marriage That Shook India,” was a saga filled with passion, defiance, and societal upheaval.
The Proposal
Ruttie, on her 17th birthday, took the initiative to ask for Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s hand in marriage. The moment was made even more enchanting as she announced this bold idea at the Taj Mahal Hotel, accompanied by the delicate notes of Chopin’s “So Deep Is the Night.” Little did they know that this melody would later become a signature tune at Government House parties in Karachi, resonating through the decades, even on the eve of independence.
Adding a touch of romance and nostalgia, reports suggest that Jinnah, deeply affected by the loss of his beloved wife, made a ritual of visiting her grave every Thursday afternoon. In a poignant gesture, he would hum the lyrics of “The End” by Paul Robeson, a song that perhaps held special significance in capturing the emotions of love and loss.
The After-effects Of Marriage
Following Rattanbai Petit and Mohammad Ali Jinnah’s marriage, the media response was far from positive. While English newspapers reported the event neutrally, Parsee-controlled and Muslim-controlled Urdu press engaged in fierce battles, perceiving the union as a national problem.
Parsee publications dubbed April 19, 1918, as ‘Black Friday,’ expressing disapproval of Mrs. Jinnah’s conversion. Some accused the entire Muslim community of conspiring against Parsees. The Parsee religious council condemned marriages between Parsee girls and non-Parsees, announcing the excommunication of Zoroastrians who married outside their faith.
Rattanbai faced severe excommunication conditions, with priests facing excommunication if involved in ceremonies with her. Her family would lose Zoroastrian rights if they maintained any connection. This religious decree isolated her from family and Parsee friends.
The malicious campaign against Jinnah’s marriage resurfaced in the 1945–46 elections. Figures like Mazhar Ali Azhar criticized Jinnah’s marriage to undermine the Muslim League and bury the idea of Pakistan, aiming to discredit Jinnah and his political movement.
The Power Couple!
Ruttie Petit displayed a keen interest in politics since the age of 14, and after her marriage to Muhammad Ali Jinnah, she resisted being relegated to a mere “beautiful prop” during her husband’s political campaigns. Despite societal expectations, she actively participated in public rallies against British autocrats, notably delivering a passionate lecture at Shantaram Chawl in Bombay after World War I.
An incident showcasing Jinnah’s sense of self-respect occurred when the couple was invited for supper by the Governor of Bombay. Ruttie wore a low-cut gown, prompting Lady Willingdon to offer a wrap. Jinnah, asserting his wife’s independence, promptly escorted her out.
Ruttie wasn’t confined to Muslim League activities; she also accompanied Jinnah to events beyond its purview. A memorable incident during the Khilafat Movement involved a gate volunteer refusing Mrs. Jinnah’s entry. When informed, Jinnah handed his entry pass to her without hesitation, highlighting the significance he placed on her participation.
This incident vividly illustrates that Mrs. Jinnah wasn’t merely a passive companion observing from the sidelines but actively shared the limelight. Her spirited involvement in political activities, even in situations where her entry was initially questioned, showcased her commitment and presence as an equal participant rather than a mere spectator.
A Tragic End
After giving birth to Jinnah’s only child, Dina Wadia, in 1919, Ruttie remained a supportive wife to Muhammad Ali Jinnah, contributing to his efforts for a separate homeland. However, as Jinnah became increasingly engrossed in political pursuits, the couple grew apart, and Ruttie’s health deteriorated.
In April 1928, seeking treatment for her declining health, she went to Paris with her mother, eventually falling into a coma. The exact cause of Ruttie’s death remains unclear—whether stress-related, stomach-related, or a combination of both.
Reports suggest that on February 19, 1929, she took an unintended overdose of medicine, causing a rapid deterioration in her condition. The circumstances surrounding her death involve elements of psychological stress, a stomach condition, and a tragic unintended overdose. Despite all efforts, her life could not be saved. Mrs Jinnah breathed her last that fateful Wednesday evening in 1929.
Jinnah and Ruttie’s narrative serves as a poignant illustration that love alone may not suffice to sustain a relationship. Despite their enduring love, their story reflects the profound truth that even the most affluent, intelligent, and successful individuals are mere players in the larger orchestration of life.
In her final letter to Jinnah, composed during the return journey from Paris, Ruttie eloquently encapsulated this predicament emphasizing the paradox of feeling powerful while being subject to the whims of destiny.
“Darling- thank you for all you have done. If ever in my bearing your once tuned senses found any irritability or unkindness- be assured that in my heart there was place only for a great tenderness and a greater pain- a pain my love without hurt. When one has been as near to the reality of Life (which after all is Death) as I have been dearest, one only remembers the beautiful and tender moments and all the rest becomes a half veiled mist of unrealities. Try and remember me beloved as the flower you plucked and not the flower you tread upon.
I have suffered much sweetheart because I have loved much. The measure of my agony has been in accord to the measure of my love.
Darling I love you – I love you – and had I loved you just a little less I might have remained with you – only after one has created a very beautiful blossom one does not drag it through the mire. The higher you set your ideal the lower it falls.
I have loved you my darling as it is given to few men to be loved. I only beseech you that the tragedy which commenced in love should also end with it.
Darling Goodnight and Goodbye.
Ruttie.
I had written to you at Paris with the intention of posting the letter here – but I felt that I would rather write you afresh from the fullness of my heart. R.”
Is his life reflective of the familiar pattern seen in statesmen who devote themselves to a new homeland or ideals, relinquishing their personal lives in the process? In the pursuit of a greater cause, did Jinnah, like many others, sacrifice the completeness of his own life?
Watch glimpses of this tragic love story in the upcoming series Fatima Jinnah and see how this love story had an impact on the history of the subcontinent.
The series, Fatima Jinnah, a creative venture from Aur Digital, is set to air on TV screens in August 2024.
Featuring a stellar cast including Sundas Farhan, Amna Ilyas, Kubra Khan, Aamir Qureshi, Shehrzade Noor Peerzada, Mamya Shahjaffer, Saad Qureshi, Samina Ahmed, Manzar Sehbai, Omer Abdullah Khan, Komal Jamil, Shamim Hilaly, Mohammed Ehteshamuddin,Sarmad Khoosat, and Usman Mukhtar, created by Danial K. Afzal, this production is brought to life by Executive Producer Moazzam Majeed. The soundtrack, creatively conceived by Sana Ejaz and Danial K. Afzal, is complemented by Director of Photography Salman Aslam’s vision. With Lead Art Director Reza Shah, Line Producer Rumaan Afsar, and music by Shehreyar Khan.
Source: The Marriage That Shook India By Sheela Reddy & The Women Who Stood Defiant By Saad S.Khan
