‘People say I was the common person in both divorces': Chahatt Khanna opens up about being blamed for two failed marriages; why women are held accountable
Actor Chahatt Khanna, known for her roles in popular TV shows like Bade Acche Lagte Hain, has often been vocal about her personal experiences and the societal judgment that follows.
In a recent episode of The Male Feminist hosted by Siddhaarth Aalambayan, Chahatt opened up about her two failed marriages and how they've shaped her perception of societal bias. 'People have many preconceived notions, and sometimes we also have to give them the benefit of the doubt. People presume that because not one but two of her marriages failed, the girl would be the problem. Because people say that I was the common person in both divorces, so I might be the problem. So, because of this, I have to constantly make people understand, and now I am tired of doing it.'
Having married at the age of 19 to her first love — someone she met when she was just 16 — Chahatt recalled how her family was concerned about her young age. 'It was my first love, and then we got married. It was very old-school, and we met on the street. I was 16, and at 19, I got married… Family was not happy because I was too young, and now that I look back at it, they were right to think so. The marriage lasted for 4 months, and we got divorced after that. There was harassment of all sorts.'
Today, the actor says she has grown tired of constantly explaining her side to people. 'But now I am like, okay, bring it on, I am the bad guy. How many people would you convince at the end of the day?' she said.
Psychologist Rasshi Gurnani tells indianexpress.com, 'As a psychologist, I've seen time and again how women are disproportionately held accountable when a marriage ends. There's a cultural expectation that women should be the caregivers, the problem-solvers, and the emotional anchors in relationships. So when things fall apart, the assumption is often that she must have failed in her duty. Men, on the other hand, are rarely subjected to the same level of blame or interrogation, which reflects the larger gender bias that still exists around marriage and divorce.'
Marrying at such a young age comes with significant psychological and emotional implications. Gurnani states, 'At 19, most individuals are still in the process of forming their identity. The brain's emotional regulation and decision-making faculties are still developing, which makes it difficult to fully grasp the responsibilities and long-term consequences of marriage.'
Young marriages often emerge from idealism, societal pressure, or emotional impulse, rather than a deep understanding of compatibility and life goals, she stresses. 'When these relationships become difficult, young individuals may lack the tools, emotional maturity, or support to navigate them healthily, leading to isolation, confusion, and distress.'
Chahatt courageously shared that she experienced harassment in her first marriage and emphasized the importance of awareness. Gurnani mentions, 'Comprehensive education around consent, boundaries, and abuse needs to start early, both in schools and at home. Additionally, accessible support systems — such as mental health resources, helplines, legal support, and community-based networks — are crucial. These create safe spaces where women can seek help without fear of stigma or blame.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Indian Express
an hour ago
- Indian Express
‘It takes less than 2 minutes to make': Alaya F starts her day with this gut-cleansing detox water, suggests having it on an empty stomach
Alaya F is a self-proclaimed health and wellness enthusiast, and her social media is a journal of her experiments and tips. In a recent Instagram post, the Jawaani Jaaneman actor shared her go-to morning detox drink, which promises great benefits. 'What if I told you that this little morning drink helps my gut, clears my skin, boosts my metabolism, and gets rid of bloating?🤔🌸✨ (And it takes less than 2 minutes to make!!) I have this drink every single morning and I swear by it!🤍,' she said in a video. Here's how you can make it: Ingredients: warm water 2 tsp soaked chia seeds 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice 2 tsp apple cider vinegar 1 tsp honey 'Pour some warm water in a glass, add a tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice, 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar, 2 teaspoons of soaked chia seeds, and a teaspoon of honey. Stir it and enjoy,' she walked us through the recipe in the video. Mentioning three critical points to remember, Alaya added: – Have it on an empty stomach, first thing in the morning – Make sure the water is warm, not boiling – Consistency is key, have this regularly for the best results reached out to health experts to understand the benefits of starting your mornings with this concoction: Kanikka Malhotra, consultant dietician and certified diabetes educator, tells 'Drinking honey-lemon water in the morning can support weight loss, aid digestion, and promote hydration. Replacing high-calorie drinks with honey-lemon water can reduce overall calorie intake, potentially leading to weight loss.' Increased water intake can boost metabolism and create a feeling of fullness, which helps shed pounds, she added. According to her, lemon juice encourages the production of digestive juices, and honey acts as a prebiotic, supporting beneficial gut flora. Moreover, the drink's hydrating properties can prevent constipation and promote regular bowel movements. According to Dr Bimal Chhajer, Cardiologist, former consultant at AIIMS, and founder of SAAOL Heart Institute, consumption of raw honey, instead of added sugar, can help lower fasting blood glucose and the amount of bad cholesterol present in the blood because honey is a natural substance found in nature. It is unprocessed, without any preservatives or chemicals. 'Consuming 35-45 grams of unprocessed honey in a day, be it through tea, raw, or any other way, can lead to several beneficial effects on the human body,' he added. Malhotra said chia seeds are full of fibre, which helps keep the stomach healthy. 'Eating chia seeds daily can help regulate your bowel movements if you struggle with constipation. Chia seeds provide a slow release of energy, keeping you active throughout the day,' she said, adding that they contain protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates, which help maintain energy levels. These seeds also expand in your stomach and make you feel full for a longer time, which can prevent overeating and help with weight control. According to her, it is always a good idea to kick-start your day with some apple cider vinegar. It helps balance the pH of the gut and aids in digestion. It also helps flush out toxins from the body. Adding a pinch of honey enhances the flavour and nutritional benefits of the drink. DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
Indian Express
21 hours ago
- Indian Express
Best ways to consume tulsi for weight management
Tulsi, or holy basil, has been a staple in Ayurvedic remedies for centuries, known for its ability to boost immunity, reduce stress, and aid digestion. But can it actually help burn belly fat? Many believe tulsi's metabolism-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties may support weight loss, especially when combined with a balanced diet and exercise. While natural remedies like tulsi are often considered safe, using them effectively requires the right approach. Kanikka Malhotra, consultant dietician and certified diabetes educator, tells 'Tulsi, or holy basil, is a powerful herb that can enhance metabolism by improving lipid profiles and reducing blood glucose levels, making it a valuable addition to any weight management plan. Its antioxidant properties support detoxification and stress reduction, indirectly aiding in weight loss efforts. While tulsi does not directly target abdominal fat, its metabolic benefits can contribute to overall weight loss, including around the abdomen, when combined with a balanced diet and regular exercise.' She adds that for those seeking to incorporate tulsi into their weight loss strategy, it's essential to understand that specific research on its direct impact on abdominal fat is limited. Therefore, using tulsi as part of a comprehensive weight management approach is recommended. By leveraging tulsi's benefits, individuals can boost their metabolism, improve digestion, reduce stress, and balance blood sugar levels, all of which are crucial for achieving and maintaining a healthy weight. Each consumption method offers unique benefits, as mentioned by Malhotra: Tulsi Tea: Steeping 8-10 fresh leaves or 1 teaspoon of dried leaves in boiled water for 10 minutes effectively boosts metabolism and aids digestion. Drinking it once or twice daily, preferably on an empty stomach, can help curb appetite and improve metabolic processes. Raw Leaves: Adding fresh tulsi leaves to salads or using them in cooking can provide antioxidant benefits and support digestive health. However, the bioavailability of active compounds might be lower than that of tea. Supplements: Tulsi capsules can be a convenient option, especially for those who find it difficult to incorporate the herb into their diet. A typical dosage is 1-2 capsules (500-1000 mg) per day, but it's essential to consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. 'The best way to consume tulsi for weight management is by drinking tulsi tea. This method is effective because it allows for the extraction of tulsi's active compounds, which can boost metabolism, enhance digestion, and reduce stress levels, all of which support weight loss efforts,' informs Malhotra. While generally safe, Malhotra stresses that tulsi may cause: 'If you have any of these conditions, it's important to consult with a healthcare provider before adding tulsi to your diet,' the expert says. DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Indian Express
‘I went to a bakery, polished off half of their products': Adnan Sami on the turning point that led to his sudden 120 kg weight loss
Singer and music composer Adnan Sami recently revisited his transformational journey on Aap Ki Adalat, where he opened up about the pivotal moment that pushed him to change and lose significant weight. Recalling his father's concern for his deteriorating health, he said, 'My father was suffering from pancreatic cancer. He took me to Cromwell Hospital in London, where the doctor, after the checkup, told me, 'Mr Sami, your results are on the borderline. If you continue with this lifestyle, I will not be surprised that your parents will find you dead in a hotel room six months from now.' It was a shock to me. But I was nonchalant.' Even after receiving that warning, Sami admitted to momentarily brushing it off, adding, 'That evening, I went to a bakery, polished off half of their products, including pastry, and my father told me angrily, 'tumhe khuda ka khauf nahi hai?' That night, he told me with tears in his eyes, 'Beta, make a promise to me: I will not lay your body in a grave; you shall lay my body in a grave.' From that day onwards, I went on a weight-loss drive.' Adnan lost 120 kg in just six months in 2006 through lifestyle changes. He also addressed long-standing speculation about surgical intervention: 'There was no bariatric surgery or liposuction. A good nutritionist in Houston prepared a high-protein diet for me, and I started losing weight.' Dr Gunasekar Vuppalapati, senior reconstructive, aesthetic plastic surgeon at GVG Invivo Hospitals and Apollo Hospitals, tells 'Losing such a significant amount of weight, 120 kg in six months, is highly uncommon and would not typically be considered medically advisable under normal circumstances. A safe, sustainable weight loss rate is generally around 0.5 to 1 kg per week, depending on the individual's starting weight and health profile.' However, he adds that in certain extreme cases, under strict medical supervision, rapid weight loss can occur through a combination of very low-calorie diets, structured high-protein intake, intensive physical activity, and close metabolic monitoring, without any surgical intervention. 'It is rare and requires immense discipline, exceptional metabolic response, and professional guidance to ensure organ function, muscle mass, and nutritional needs are not compromised,' Dr Vuppalapati asserts. He mentions that while not impossible, such cases are outliers. 'For most people, a slower, more gradual approach yields safer, more sustainable outcomes and is generally preferred in aesthetic and medical practice.' Dr Vuppalapati says that it's not uncommon for individuals to overlook medical warnings, especially when the changes required feel overwhelming or when weight issues are intertwined with emotional eating or low self-worth. Some common psychological barriers include denial, fear of failure, a sense of helplessness, or even emotional attachment to food as a coping mechanism. 'Addressing these requires a multi-pronged approach. Psychosocial support, access to counselling, and non-judgmental medical guidance can make a significant difference. It's also essential to validate the person's experience rather than shame them. When individuals feel seen and supported, they are more open to making changes and sticking with them,' mentions the expert. DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
