Veteran actor Mumtaz has opened up about her daughter Natasha Madhvani’s separation from actor Fardeen Khan, sharing that while the couple has been living apart, they haven’t legally ended their marriage.
In an interview with The Times of India, she said, “They are saying they are separating, but they still aren’t divorced.” She added that she has a lot of love for her son-in-law as he was born in front of her. “They are still husband and wife,” Mumtaz added, reflecting on how marriages evolve over time and expressed her hope that Natasha and Fardeen don’t proceed with a divorce.
“Nothing serious has happened. Maybe they don’t get along anymore. Every marriage has ups and downs,” she said, noting that the two are “too old” now to heed advice. Mumtaz emphasised that divorce might not be the best solution, especially because the couple has children. “Even if they divorce, they won’t be separated due to their kids,” she said.
But can choosing to stay legally married for the sake of children, even while living separately, offer emotional stability?
Sonal Khangarot, a licensed rehabilitation counsellor and psychotherapist, tells indianexpress.com, “Choosing to stay legally married for the sake of children, even while living apart, can offer a sense of structure and emotional stability if parents maintain clear communication and mutual respect. Children often feel safer when there’s predictability. However, if the separation is marked by tension, silence, or dishonesty, it can only confuse them further. They might sense something is wrong but not have the language to understand it, which can lead to anxiety or self-blame. What truly matters is how emotionally safe the environment feels — whether married or not. Clarity, honesty, and emotional presence matter more than legal status.”
Temporary rough patches vs. deeper incompatibilities
Khangarot believes that Mumtaz is right; every marriage has its ups and downs. “But when rough patches feel constant, emotionally draining, or start to affect your sense of self, it may signal deeper issues. Temporary struggles often involve external stressors—such as work or parenting—and can be resolved through open communication and time. But deeper incompatibilities show up as repeated patterns: feeling unheard, walking on eggshells, emotional disconnection, or fighting over the same things without resolution,” notes the expert.
Psychology refers to this as “negative sentiment override”—when even neutral interactions are viewed through a negative lens. If empathy fades, intimacy drops, and resentment builds, it’s worth seeking help. Therapy provides a neutral space to uncover the root of the conflict, rebuild trust, and determine next steps. Waiting too long can cause emotional scars not just for the couple, but the whole family system. Intervention isn’t a sign of failure—it’s a sign of care.
Family involvement in decisions about divorce or separation
In long-term marriages, especially with children, extended family influence — like a parent’s opinion — can carry a lot of weight. “In Indian families, decisions are rarely made in isolation. While elders often mean well, their views may come from personal values or fear of social judgment rather than the couple’s emotional reality. This can lead to guilt, self-doubt, or staying in unhealthy dynamics. Psychologically, when decisions are driven more by obligation than emotional clarity, it can harm both partners and children. Listening to family is natural, but the final decision must reflect your well-being, not just others’ expectations,” suggests Khangarot.
