Indian badminton champion Saina Nehwal has publicly shared the reasons behind her temporary separation from fellow shuttler and husband Parupalli Kashyap after seven years of marriage. The couple, who later decided to "try again," faced significant challenges when their professional identities underwent a major shift.
The Difficult Decision to Separate
In a candid interview with Filmygyan, Nehwal described the period as extremely challenging. "That decision was very difficult," she revealed, explaining that their differing preferences and mindsets created distance between them. The Olympic medalist noted that after years dedicated to badminton, they discovered they had developed separate interests and perspectives on life.
Career Transition Strains Relationship
The situation intensified when Kashyap retired from professional play and transitioned into coaching. "That happens because you have spent so many years only in court, and suddenly, after so many years, you have left playing and become a coach," Nehwal explained. This change dramatically altered their home dynamic, creating a disconnect where "whatever he likes, I don't" became a recurring theme in their interactions.
Nehwal acknowledged that these differences led to increased conflict. "So because of that I am sure we had fights that are meant to happen in such situations," she said, adding that they eventually reached a point where separation seemed like the only solution when they felt unable to resolve their issues.
Expert Insight on Evolving Relationships
According to Sonal Khangarot, a licensed rehabilitation counsellor and psychotherapist at The Answer Room, such challenges are common when professional identities shift. "It's common for couples to grow apart when their professional identities change because people evolve, so do their needs, values, and definitions of happiness," she told indianexpress.com.
Khangarot explained that career transitions can psychologically alter one's self-concept, priorities, and emotional availability. Early warning signs of drifting apart include mismatched goals, feeling unsupported, reduced communication, and living parallel lives without meaningful connection.
The therapist also highlighted the importance of distinguishing between temporary stress responses and deeper incompatibility. While stress can make everyday differences feel magnified, deeper issues persist even after stressful periods pass, manifesting as repeated conflicts about core values and constant emotional exhaustion.
For couples wanting to rebuild their connection, Khangarot emphasizes seeking professional help. "Approaches like Emotion-Focused Therapy, the Gottman Method, or Imago Dialogue help couples understand unmet needs, rebuild communication, and create safer ways of relating," she concluded, noting that these tools require genuine participation from both partners under professional guidance.
