Known for her candid presence on Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives, Seema Sajdeh opens up about rediscovering herself after divorce with actor Sohail Khan—the challenges, the healing, and the journey back to self-worth and self-love. She’s joined by Avantika Malik, who also speaks about her separation from actor Imran Khan for the first time, in a heartfelt conversation led by Janice Sequeira on the first episode of The Healing Circle, powered by coto—an emotional wellness platform, that offers 24/7 live consultations with experts in mental health, holistic wellness, and relationships. The episode dives deep into reclaiming identity after divorce, finding strength in vulnerability, and growing into a better version of oneself.
Seema Sajdeh reflects on her post-divorce transformation. “In a way, the divorce was a catalyst—it forced me to learn and grow. You become so complacent in a marriage that you start blaming your partner for everything. But relationships are hard, they require work every single day. There’s so much I’ve had to figure out on my own—like something as basic as health insurance after I had surgery. I had to learn it all. I think I’m blossoming now, not because of the divorce alone, but because I’ve grown up. I’m independent, I can support myself, take care of myself. I have the confidence to walk into a restaurant alone, eat a meal, travel solo—and feel complete. We become so co-dependent that we end up blaming the marriage. But the truth is, I just hadn’t learned how to be by myself.”
Avantika Malik shared the emotional weight of her divorce, explaining it wasn’t about societal stigma but the perception of a “golden couple” falling from grace, and how she coped with the journey of change. “I was so co-dependent that I didn’t even know how to book a flight or do phone banking—I hadn’t done anything on my own when I was married. I was a half-human. I lacked confidence in myself and I thought I couldn’t survive a day after my marriage. I wasn’t even earning a living at the time. Therapy threw up a lot of awareness, and secondly, spirituality helped, because there was a lot of awareness that therapy brought up, and spirituality gives it perspective. It’s only when perspective shifts, you can transform from within.” She added, “Different things work for different people—if one isn’t spiritual, lean towards meditation. The goal is to focus on being the best version of myself.”
Just like Seema, Avantika also found solace in Buddhist practices during her journey to healing. The Healing Circle, powered by coto aims to bring often-hidden conversations into the open—sharing real stories and emotions to help us feel less alone. The first episode delves into deep emotional truths that resonate with many but are seldom discussed.
Breaking the Silence: Seema Sajdeh and Avantika Malik spoke about their Divorce, Empowerment, and the Importance of Female Friendships
FKnown for her candid presence on Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives, Seema Sajdeh opens up about the strength she drew from her inner circle during her divorce from actor Sohail Khan. Sharing a similar experience, Avantika Malik reflects on how her family became a vital source of support during her separation from actor Imran Khan. In the debut episode of The Healing Circle, powered by coto — an emotional wellness platform — the conversation is enriched by Dr. Ayushi Gajghate, psychologist and holistic healer at coto, who underscores the importance of a non-judgmental support system. Together, they explore how simply being heard can be a powerful step toward healing.
“I think I’m blessed to have an amazing band of women around me — my mom, my sister… even my brother has been a huge support. But truly, I wouldn’t have gotten through this without the women in my life. There’s just no way. With that kind of support, you can move mountains. We are privileged. People can’t always afford therapy. You need reliable communities and support groups like coto. You need a place for women to come and pour their hearts out. It’s when you have those cathartic conversations that heal you,” shares Seema Sajdeh, reflecting on the strength she found in her inner circle.
They discussed the need for a supportive communities and a platform like coto for people seeking emotional wellness, connection, and community. For those lacking immediate support or access to therapy, coto offers a vital space to be heard, understood, and empowered to heal. It stands as a lifeline for anyone facing life’s toughest challenges alone.
Emphasizing the importance of support groups in India, Dr. Ayushi Gajghate said, “The best thing that happens on coto is that women openly talk about their problems and trauma. What I love is that everyone is supporting and giving hope to that person, even if they don’t know them, without being judged. I think it’s beautiful. Plus, the ability to discuss things anonymously gives women the freedom to share openly without fear of stigma or judgment. In a world where everyone needs someone to listen, coto provides that safe space. It welcomes men and women from all cities and backgrounds to share their challenges, whether it’s parenting, divorce, relationships, or mental health. With 24/7 live consultations and communities dedicated to these topics, help is always within reach, from the comfort of your home.”
The Healing Circle is exclusively on Janice Sequeira’s YouTube channel, with new episodes every Tuesday and Friday
