Seema Sajdeh Reflects on Amicable Divorce from Sohail Khan and Battle with Depression
In a candid revelation, Bollywood personality Seema Sajdeh has shared intimate details about her divorce from actor-producer Sohail Khan, describing it as an amicable separation that nonetheless led her into a period of depression. Speaking in a recent interview, Seema emphasized that ending their over two-decade-long marriage was a mutual decision aimed at preserving family harmony.
The Journey from Marriage to Separation
Seema Sajdeh and Sohail Khan tied the knot in 1998, a union that surprised many in the industry as Seema had been engaged to her childhood sweetheart, Vikram Ahuja, just days before eloping with Sohail. Their marriage lasted for years, but as Seema now reveals, growing apart was inevitable. "We were both very young when we got married. I was just 22. As we grew older, we grew in different directions. Our thoughts changed," she explained.
She added that they eventually realized they were better as friends than as husband and wife. "It was better to separate than to fight every day. We didn't want to spoil the environment at home. Khit-pit se acha hai we separated. We separated amicably, but only as husband and wife. Till date, we are a family. He is the father of my children, and that can never change," Seema stated, highlighting the ongoing familial bond despite the divorce.
Emotional Toll and Depression
The decision to divorce was not taken lightly and had a significant emotional impact on Seema. "No woman fantasises about or manifests divorce. I did go into depression. And my kids must have too. It took us several years to reach this conclusion. We were waiting for the right time, especially for our children," she confessed. This admission sheds light on the often-overlooked mental health struggles that accompany major life changes like divorce.
Life After Divorce: Challenges and Growth
Post-divorce, Seema faced numerous adjustments as a single woman. "I was scared of being lonely. I didn't know anything about mobile bills, banking or finances. Earlier, my father handled these things and after marriage, Sohail did. Suddenly, I had to learn about life insurance, medical insurance, everything," she recalled.
This newfound responsibility pushed her to focus more on her business ventures. "As a single woman, I now have to focus more on my business, pay my own bills and take care of my kids. Divorce taught me time management as we both get equal time with our kids," Seema noted, emphasizing the practical lessons learned from the experience.
She shared a pivotal incident that underscored her learning curve: "I fell in London and had to undergo surgery. That's when I realised people claim medical insurance in these situations. Every day is a learning experience for a single woman."
Rejecting Blame and Embracing Responsibility
When questioned about who initiated the divorce, Seema firmly dismissed any notion of blame. "That's very unfair. A relationship involves two people. Both are responsible for making it work, or not. We never took this decision lightly. We largely took it keeping our children in mind. We were kids when we got married, and it wasn't anyone's fault," she asserted, promoting a mature perspective on relationship dynamics.
Evolution Through 'Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives'
Seema Sajdeh first gained public attention through Netflix's Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives, where she appeared while still married to Sohail Khan. Over three seasons, the show documented her emotional journey post-separation. The first season captured the early stages of the split, the second showed her grappling with upheavals like moving from Bandra, and by the third season, viewers witnessed a calmer, self-assured Seema who had accepted her truth, returned to Bandra, and even announced her rekindled relationship with Vikram Ahuja.
This evolution on-screen mirrored her real-life growth, as she carved out an identity independent of her marriage. Seema and Sohail are parents to two sons, Nirvan and Yohan, and she continues to navigate life as a businesswoman and mother, using her experiences to inspire others facing similar challenges.
