TV actor Ayub Khan, who was married to costume designer Niharika Khan, is now divorced. SpotboyE sat him down for a chat on why his marriage went bust. Excerpts:
What went wrong in your marriage?
Sometimes you just grow apart. It doesn’t mean I was wrong or she was wrong. We were often not on the same page. But the great part is, we are still great friends. I go over to her house to meet the kids. She is very gracious and kind.
How much time are you able to devote to your family?
My daughter is in a boarding school now. I am divorced, I live by myself. When my kids come down and if I get time, I take them out on a holiday or we spend time together.
Have you and Niharika together taken your kids out on a holiday?
No, last time the kids were in town, Niharika’s mom had invited us to Bangalore. But unfortunately, I was shooting and could not make it. When her mother is in town, we all go out for lunches and dinners. Niharika’s mother is a lovely person and we spend a lot of time together.
Do you still believe in love? Were you heartbroken after your divorce?
No, not really. Over a period of time, we realised that both of us are busy with our own lives and don’t have time for each other. It was just not happening despite our best efforts. When we decided to part ways, there was no yelling or howling. We simply called it quits.
There were reports of Niharika’s closeness to Amit Sadh having created trouble in your marriage...
I am sure any partner would get attracted to another person if his/her significant other is not around. It’s just human nature. If she got attracted, she didn't commit a criminal offence. If you like somebody, you need that person to be by your side whenever possible. As I said,we were never there for each other. So, we were only growing apart. Also, there were differences in opinions no doubt (pauses).
Please continue...
As you grow, you change as a person. Priorities change, point of view changes, lifestyle changes.When the partner can’t relate to all those changes, it becomes uncomfortable. But all this aside, Niharika is a great human being. She has a good heart and soul, and it’s fine if we are not together.
If there had been so many differences, didn't you see them earlier? You dated her for a long time...
I don’t blame the institution of marriage. It depends on the situation. Lifestyle and societal demands can be very challenging. If you can work it out, fantastic! If you can’t, you can always seek a divorce.
Are you saying in not so many words that you married Niharika in haste?
What went wrong in your marriage?
Sometimes you just grow apart. It doesn’t mean I was wrong or she was wrong. We were often not on the same page. But the great part is, we are still great friends. I go over to her house to meet the kids. She is very gracious and kind.
How much time are you able to devote to your family?
My daughter is in a boarding school now. I am divorced, I live by myself. When my kids come down and if I get time, I take them out on a holiday or we spend time together.
Have you and Niharika together taken your kids out on a holiday?
No, last time the kids were in town, Niharika’s mom had invited us to Bangalore. But unfortunately, I was shooting and could not make it. When her mother is in town, we all go out for lunches and dinners. Niharika’s mother is a lovely person and we spend a lot of time together.
Do you still believe in love? Were you heartbroken after your divorce?
No, not really. Over a period of time, we realised that both of us are busy with our own lives and don’t have time for each other. It was just not happening despite our best efforts. When we decided to part ways, there was no yelling or howling. We simply called it quits.
There were reports of Niharika’s closeness to Amit Sadh having created trouble in your marriage...
I am sure any partner would get attracted to another person if his/her significant other is not around. It’s just human nature. If she got attracted, she didn't commit a criminal offence. If you like somebody, you need that person to be by your side whenever possible. As I said,we were never there for each other. So, we were only growing apart. Also, there were differences in opinions no doubt (pauses).
Please continue...
As you grow, you change as a person. Priorities change, point of view changes, lifestyle changes.When the partner can’t relate to all those changes, it becomes uncomfortable. But all this aside, Niharika is a great human being. She has a good heart and soul, and it’s fine if we are not together.
If there had been so many differences, didn't you see them earlier? You dated her for a long time...
I don’t blame the institution of marriage. It depends on the situation. Lifestyle and societal demands can be very challenging. If you can work it out, fantastic! If you can’t, you can always seek a divorce.
Are you saying in not so many words that you married Niharika in haste?
It was 16 years ago, why discuss it now? We have two beautiful children, I have a great friend in Niharika and I have good memories and moments.
Image Source: facebook/TheAmitSadh & Art8amby
Image Source: facebook/TheAmitSadh & Art8amby