Veteran Bollywood actor Mumtaz has shared heartfelt thoughts on her daughter Natasha Madhvani's separation from actor Fardeen Khan, which took place in 2023. While the couple lives apart, with Natasha in London with their children and Fardeen based in Mumbai, their bond as co-parents remains strong. Mumtaz expressed a mother's hope for their reunion while warmly acknowledging Fardeen's continued role in the family.
Mumtaz's Heartfelt Praise for Fardeen Khan
In a recent conversation, Mumtaz spoke with deep affection about her former son-in-law. She described Fardeen Khan not merely as a dedicated father but as a person she continues to hold in high regard. "I still think that Fardeen is a gem. He is my favourite," Mumtaz stated, recalling even celebrating his birth with champagne during a film shoot with his father, Feroz Khan.
She highlighted specific instances that demonstrate his enduring care, noting that when Natasha fell ill in London, Fardeen flew from India three times to visit her. "It wasn't necessary for him to come and visit, but he came," Mumtaz shared, underscoring the emotional responsibility he upheld despite the change in their marital relationship.
The Dynamics of Co-Parenting Across Continents
The separation has not diminished their shared commitment to parenting. Mumtaz emphasised the consistency and mutual respect in their arrangement. Fardeen actively takes the children on vacation during their holidays, with Natasha's full support. Mumtaz praised his dedication, saying, "He loves his children more than his own life... He is an amazing father."
Yet, like many parents in similar situations, Mumtaz holds onto hope. "I would still pray to God that these two reunite… But I don't know what destiny wants," she expressed, vocalising a sentiment often felt privately within families navigating separation.
Expert Insight: When Post-Separation Care Aids Healing
Gurleen Baruah, an existential analyst, provided context on such dynamics. She explained that care and mutual respect after parting ways are not uncommon, particularly when the relationship did not end in hostility. "For some, this kind of emotional civility can support healing because it reduces bitterness," Baruah noted. It allows individuals to process the separation without feeling devalued.
However, she added a caveat: ongoing closeness can sometimes hinder the healing process if personal boundaries are not clearly defined. True emotional recovery often deepens when each person focuses on their own values and future, rather than remaining entangled in the past. Whether care leads to reconciliation depends on numerous complex factors beyond the visible gestures.
The Role of Family and the Need for Boundaries
Baruah also addressed the natural role of extended family, like Mumtaz. While having hopes and opinions is human, pressuring a couple can add guilt and confusion instead of clarity. The expert stressed the importance of emotional maturity—being supportive without attempting to control the outcome. The final decision, she affirmed, must always rest with the couple themselves, even if their choice is difficult for loved ones to accept.
The situation between Natasha Madhvani and Fardeen Khan illustrates a modern reality of separation, where families can continue to function with care and respect, prioritising the well-being of children while navigating their own personal journeys forward.
