In the tinsel town, we often hear celebrity couples getting separated and divorced. It’s not easy to be a single parent after a divorce, be it the woman or man. One such TV and Bollywood actor is Ghajini fame, Khalid Siddiqui. (Also Read: Ranbir Kapoor Believes In The Institution Of Marriage, Hopes To Have His Own Children Soon)
In an interview with the Times of India, Khalid admits that it’s a blessing to raise his kids- Ariana and Ilhaan Siddiqui, all alone. The model-turned-actor was earlier married to Raahat but the couple got divorced in the year 2013. Khalid says, “Every day, you have to take decisions that impact the future of two young children, but it’s a beautiful challenge, and I feel blessed to be a single father”.
Khalid was given the custody of his two children after his divorce with Raahat. Saath Nibhana Saathiya actor admits that initially, it wasn’t easy to raise his children without a mother. Khalid can be quoted as saying, “Today, my daughter is 14 years old and my son, seven. But back then, my son was only two years old. It was difficult to suddenly raise two children without a mother. The motherly instinct I will not have. I cut out on my social life and also stopped accepting projects that had hectic shoot schedules. So, I just did a few ads every month”. (Suggested Read: 'Baahubali' Actor Prabhas Reacts To The Rumours About His Marriage With Co-Star Anushka Shetty)
He says that initially when the kids would visit their mom, it would be difficult to get them back home. Khalid adds, “My kids meant the world to me, and I felt that I had to be around them. In the early days, whenever my children visited their mother during weekends, it would be difficult to get them to return to my home on Monday morning. My son would never understand why he had to shuttle between the two houses”.
He adds more and says, “I then changed their schedule and made them go to school from my ex-wife’s home. That gave them some time away from both parents, and helped them adjust to the fact that they will be staying with me for the next five days. My daughter is very mature and has understood the changes in our lives”. (Don't Miss: Manveer Gurjar Celebrates Birthday With Alleged GF Kamya Punjabi, Cuts The Most Unusual Adult Cake)
When asked about remarriage, Khalid replies, “My marriage was good till it lasted, and I still believe in the institution. But right now, my focus is my children. I have my kids and a great set of friends, and I don’t feel lonely. I want to dedicate my life to bringing up Ariana and Ilhaan. From changing diapers, cleaning their potty and feeding them to making them sleep, I have done it all and I feel proud of it”.
On being asked if there is any challenge in being a single father, Khalid says, “Never. When Ilhaan got his report card, it was written that he is a happy child. This made me feel proud. The fact that I have my children sleeping next to me every night, instills hope and inspiration to look forward to the next day”.
Currently, Khalid is doing the TV serial, Mariam Khan Reporting Live in which he plays a father to three girls. He admits that he chose this show as he could connect it with his real life. He retorts, “Essaying the character comes naturally to me. I love the way they have portrayed the father-daughter relationship because I can relate to it in many ways. I have taken up this show only because my kids have grown up”.
Well, we are so proud and happy for Khalid Siddiqui. It’s never easy to be a single parent but what he has done is really commendable.
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