Sharmila Tagore connects with former daughter-in-law Amrita Singh after 14 years

14 Dec 2018

Funny, how children can wash away all the rancour and make the family come together like never before. The film debut of Saif Ali Khan and Amrita Singhs daughter Sara Ali Khan prompted Saras grandmother Sharmila Tagore to reach out to her former daughter-in-law Amrita Singh to congratulate the latter for Saras success. The two had not connected since Saif and Amritas divorce in 2004. Says Sharmilaji appreciatively, Really, the credit for bringing up Sara and Ibrahim (Saif Amritas two children) must go to Amrita. She has brought them up as such cultured poised children. The parting between Saif and Amrita had been anything but amicable. In a sensational post-breakup interview with me, Saif in 2005 had said, My leaving Amrita (Singh) was not overnight. It was on the cards for a long time, and another woman had nothing to do with it. When it (the separation) happened, it was like a very painful amputation. But it was also the best thing to do, given the circumstances. My son Ibrahim is such a chamcha of mine. He even does his hair like me; tries to walk and talk like me! While Sara (his daughter) understands the situation, Ibrahim (his son) thinks Im just out for a long shooting schedule. Once, he asked me very loudly in front of a hundred people, when I was coming back. I felt like sinking into the ground. I miss my children so much! Anyone who thinks Ive abandoned them doesnt know what its to be like an absentee parent. I dont have any answers for what has happened in my life. All I know is every penny I earn is for my children. I live for them. Id die for them. My wife and I have gone our separate ways. I respect my wifes space. Why am I being constantly reminded of how terrible a husband I was, and how awful a father I am? Ive my son Ibrahims photograph in my wallet. Each time I look at it, I feel like crying Im not allowed to meet my children. They arent allowed to come visit me, let alone stay with me. Ive settled for extravagant post-breakup financial arrangements. Im supposed to give Amrita Rs 5 crores, of which Ive already given her approximately Rs 2.5 crores. Also, Im paying Rs 1,00,000 per month until my son becomes 18. Im not Shah Rukh Khan.I dont have that kind of money. Ive promised her Ill pay up the rest of the money, even if Ive to slog till I drop dead. Whatever Ive earned from doing ads, stage shows, and films is for my children. Ive no money. Our bungalow is for Amrita and the kids. Also Read: Birthday Special: Sharmila Tagore talks about films, granddaughter Sara Ali Khans debut Kedarnath and Taimur Ali Khans super stardom