In a candid revelation, Seema Sajdeh, formerly married to Bollywood actor and filmmaker Sohail Khan, has opened up about the details surrounding their divorce and the profound support she continues to receive from the Khan family. The couple, who tied the knot in 1998 and announced their separation in 2022, have maintained an amicable relationship, prioritizing their roles as parents to their two children, Nirvaan and Yohaan.
The Journey from Marriage to Separation
Seema Sajdeh, who gained public recognition through her appearance on the popular Netflix series 'Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives,' recently discussed her divorce in an interview with Usha Kakade Productions. She reflected on their marriage, stating that they were both very young when they got married, with Seema being just 22 years old at the time. As the years passed, they found themselves growing in different directions, with evolving thoughts and perspectives.
A Decision Made with Mutual Respect
Seema emphasized that the decision to part ways was not taken lightly. She explained, "We realized we were better friends than husband and wife. It was better to separate than to fight every day. We didn’t want to spoil the environment at home." She added that their separation was amicable, and they remain a family, with Sohail always being the father of her children—a bond that can never change.
Overcoming Depression and Family Support
The divorce took an emotional toll on Seema, leading her into a period of depression. She acknowledged that her children likely experienced similar feelings, noting that it took several years to reach the conclusion to separate, waiting for the right time, especially for their kids' sake. Despite the challenges, Seema highlighted the unwavering support from Sohail's family, including his brother, superstar Salman Khan.
Salman Khan's Reassuring Words
Seema shared a poignant moment when Salman told her, "You guys may separate or not, but you will always remain the mother of these kids." This statement left a lasting impact on her, reinforcing the family's commitment to her and the children. She described the Khan family as extremely supportive, often taking her side during conflicts with Sohail and continuing to help with parenting responsibilities.
Life as a Single Mother and Learning Curve
Adjusting to life after divorce presented its own set of challenges for Seema. She admitted to being scared of loneliness and unfamiliar with practical aspects like managing mobile bills, banking, and finances. Previously handled by her father and then Sohail, she now had to learn about life insurance, medical insurance, and other responsibilities as a single woman.
Embracing Independence and Time Management
Seema noted that divorce taught her valuable lessons in time management, as she and Sohail share equal time with their children. She recalled an incident in London where she fell and required surgery, which made her realize the importance of medical insurance. "Every day is a learning experience for a single woman," she remarked, emphasizing her focus on her business and caring for her kids.
Maintaining Family Ties and Moving Forward
Seema expressed gratitude for the Khan family's inclusivity, comparing her initial experience marrying into the family to feeling like she was on the set of the film 'Hum Saath Saath Hain.' She still refers to Sohail's mother as her mother-in-law, who recently encouraged her to visit, saying, "Why don’t you come and visit us? It’s been so long. Please keep coming."
No Bad Blood and Lasting Connections
Concluding her thoughts, Seema stated that while there were moments of anger between her and Sohail, their 25-year relationship and shared children create a lifelong connection. She believes both parties are responsible for making a relationship work or not, and their decision was made with their children's best interests in mind. "We were kids when we got married, and it wasn’t anyone’s fault," she added, underscoring the maturity and respect that define their current dynamic.