Sohail Khan reveals facing sexual harassment as a child, later confided in his father Salim Khan: ‘For years, I kept it within me’ |
Actor Sohail Khan who is currently on the show ‘Alliance’ recently made an emotional and personal revelation about his childhood. Sohail said that he was sexually harassed as a child and has been quiet about it for years. He spoke about the incident while discussing his firm opposition to ragging and bullying, explaining that it has greatly influenced how he raises his sons, Nirvaan and Yohan.Speaking to his fellow contestants, Sohail shared that he has always encouraged his children to approach him without hesitation if they ever face bullying or feel uncomfortable in any situation. “I am very against ragging. Main hamesha Yohan ko aur Nirvaan ko yeh poochta tha, ‘Beta, don’t feel shy or don’t feel embarrassed to come and tell me that if somebody is bullying you,’ kyunki yeh mere saath hua hai,” he said.Sohail explained that his own childhood experience is the reason he constantly reminds his sons that they should never remain silent if they are ever in distress.“I just keep on telling my children, boss, kuch bhi ho jaye…” he said, urging them never to suffer in silence. He further said, “I was sexually harassed by somebody when I was young and I kept that within me for years. Jab main bada hua… when I actually became an adult, I went and confided in my father. I told him, ‘Daddy, yeh mere saath hua hai.’ He said, ‘Beta tune yeh itne saalon tak?’ I said, ‘I am so sorry, but I was so embarrassed to say it.’ Galti meri nahi thi. But at that time, you feel the shame.” Following his heartfelt revelation, Sohail received support from his fellow contestants, who embraced him and described him as “damn brave” for speaking openly about such a painful experience.Earlier in the show, after his former wife Seema Sajdeh entered as a wildcard contestant, Sohail reflected on their marriage and admitted that his own actions had played a part in their separation.Looking back at that phase of his life, he said, “At that time, kaam theek nahi chal raha tha (my work wasn’t going well), so I wasn’t in the right frame of mind. Because of my behaviour, I lost someone I really loved.”He also spoke about the respect they continue to share despite their divorce, saying, “Live civil, be happy. She is the mother of my two beautiful children, so more than love, I have immense respect for Seema. This will always remain a memorable show for me. Though we are separated, this show has brought us back together to talk and confide in one another. There was a missing link between us, and this show helped reconnect it.”Sohail Khan and Seema Sajdeh ended their 24-year marriage in 2022 but have maintained a cordial co-parenting relationship for their sons, Nirvaan and Yohan.Speaking earlier with Zaid Darbar about how they manage parenting after their separation, Sohail had said, “We don’t get into each other’s lives. When the kids come together, we come together. Both the kids stay with me, so she comes home to meet them three to four times a week. I have given her the keys; she can come whenever she wants. Being cordial is nice. Otherwise, it gets stressful for the kids. We have told both of them that they have the best of both.”The former couple had eloped before tying the knot in 1998 and officially parted ways in 2022. Seema is now in a relationship with Vikram Ahuja, to whom she had been engaged before marrying Sohail.