Bollywood actress Celina Jaitly has publicly revealed the profound emotional distress caused by her ongoing divorce proceedings and custody battle with Austrian hotelier Peter Haag. In a deeply moving social media post shared on Republic Day 2026, the former actress expressed her anguish over being isolated from her three sons, Winston, Viraaj, and Arthur, stating she has not heard their voices in "ages."
Celina Jaitly's Heartfelt Republic Day Letter
Taking to Instagram on January 26, 2026, Jaitly poured out her sorrow about not being able to celebrate the national holiday with her children. As the daughter of an army soldier, Republic Day holds special significance and immense pride for Jaitly, whose family lineage is connected to the Kumaon Regiment and Rajputana Rifles.
"My heart is very heavy today as we can’t watch the Republic Day parade together," she wrote. "I cannot be there to sing the National Anthem for you... Hope you remember how mummy cried every time Nana’s regt. marched by."
Concerns About Cultural Identity
Jaitly expressed serious concerns that her children, who currently reside in Austria with their father, might be "forced to erase" their Indian identity. She reminded them of their Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) status and emphasized that the "blood of the man-eating tigers of Kumaon" flows through their veins.
In her post, Celina also highlighted the significance of Indo-European relations, noting that European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen were the Chief Guests for the 2026 Republic Day parade. She urged her sons not to fall for "regressive narratives" about their heritage.
Preserving Heritage and Values
Jaitly wrote passionately about her children's dual heritage: "My loves... do not forget you are half Indian. You belong to a lineage of great honourable men & women. The blood of the man eating tigers of Kumaon & the veer Rajputana Rifles flows in you. You are also OCI - Overseas Citizens of India. Your roots are of great valour - Vedic culture, timeless traditions & an advanced ancient heritage."
She further reminded them about the significance of the Indian Constitution, which came into force on January 26, 1950, as the result of a long freedom struggle and bloody sacrifices. The letter concluded with her father's words: "yaad rahey Naam, Namak aur Nishaan" (remember name, salt, and insignia).
The emotional post ended on a poignant note: "Cannot believe I haven’t heard your voices for ages. I would have made samosas today but I guess that now lies in a happy future with Maa Kali’s blessing. I hope my letter reaches you."
Allegations of Abuse and Brainwashing
This heartfelt letter follows serious allegations Celina Jaitly made against Peter Haag late last year. In November 2025, Jaitly filed for divorce and a domestic violence case in a Mumbai court, seeking Rs. 100 crore in compensation and Rs. 10 lakh monthly maintenance.
Escape from Austria
Celina alleged that she had to flee Austria in October 2025 with the help of neighbors to escape what she described as "systemic oppression and abuse." Her legal team claims that Haag siphoned her earnings and coerced her into signing a "gift deed" for her Mumbai property while she was grieving the loss of her parents and an infant son in 2017.
Custody and Communication Issues
Despite an Austrian court granting joint custody, Celina claims she is being denied all communication with her children. She further alleged that her sons are being "brainwashed" and intimidated into speaking against her.
Married in 2011, Celina and Peter's relationship was once viewed as a fairytale romance. However, the actress now describes it as a decade-long struggle marked by emotional and physical cruelty.
The Broader Context
This case highlights the complex challenges faced by international couples during divorce proceedings, particularly when children are involved and cultural identities are at stake. Jaitly's public sharing of her personal struggle brings attention to issues of:
- Cross-border custody battles
- Cultural identity preservation for children of mixed heritage
- Allegations of financial manipulation in marital relationships
- The emotional toll of prolonged legal proceedings
As the legal battle continues, Jaitly's emotional Republic Day post serves as both a personal expression of maternal love and a public statement about the importance of maintaining cultural connections across geographical boundaries.
