Daljeet Kaur: Today, I Have To Save Money For My Baby's Milk

Having separated from her husband Shaleen Bhanot, Daljeet Kaur is facing a severe financial crisis. Domestic violence, infidelity - Daljeet has seen it all
(Shaleen is a violent man involved with a married woman, June 27).

Life has clearly dealt her a tough hand and the TV actress is slowly but surely picking up the pieces of her life. Daljeet, who has not been able to get work yet, opens up on the hardships she has faced after her failed marriage.

Read on for this heart-rending copy which will make you wonder what stuff Shaleen is made up of:

We hear, you are extremely low on finance...
That's right. I have cut down on all my expenses. I don't even take my car out unless and until I really need to.

So you don't shop?
Shop? I have to wait for my 2-year-old baby to outgrow his clothes before I buy him new ones. I would have loved it if I could afford him even five outfits and a short holiday. Alas! Today, I have to save money even for my baby's milk.

Have you put him in play school?
Yes, I won't compromise on his education. I will ensure that he grows up into a strong man. I too am fighting to get stronger by the day.

You were offered Bigg Boss 9...
That's right.

That would have paid you a bomb...
But how do I leave my baby for such a long period? Who will look after him? I had a premature delivery. My kid doesn't keep too well. A few months ago, he had to be admitted to the hospital. And he has been unwell since the last 15 days.

Was stress one of the reasons why you had a baby much before the due date?
That was the only reason.

Has Shaleen not offered you any money after you two started staying separately?
No, he is very busy with his girlfriend. I still can't forget that I had caught him red-handed cheating on me. He has not even bothered to call and check if I need money for our child's food, milk, clothing and education. The only thing I have from him is perhaps some insurance policy.

And his parents?
They have chosen to side him. God forbid but if I was in his place, my parents would have slapped me in front of everyone and asked me to mend my ways. His parents didn't even look after me when I delivered.

So, would you say Shaleen is a shameless man?
Absolutely. He is also so fake (her voice rising). He is going around telling the world now that he misses his baby. If he was indeed missing his baby, wouldn't he have connected with us and seen our plight?

Are you getting work in the TV industry?
I am in talks for some projects but nothing is finalised yet. I will take up the first assignment which falls in place.

Have there been days when men tried to take advantage of you being a single mother and your financial duress?
Thankfully, no. I have supportive friends and family, so I have the support system around me. It's just that I have decided not to take money from my father who is living on his pension, and from my sisters who are also barely managing their married life. I wish I hadn't spent all my earnings when Shaleen and I were staying together.

So why did you?
Arre, who expected aisi haalat hogi meri? Shaleen said not to worry even when we were planning our baby, he said he has secured support from his parents.

How important is money to you today?
Immensely. But I will fight this battle alone with dignity and God-willing, emerge a winner. I think God gives hardships to those who can bear them.