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Split wide open

What happens when a relationship of eleven years ends in a separation? Jaya Bhattacharya talks about her break-up

Back to Section Stories Posted On Wednesday, May 23, 2007


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Renu Bhatnagar

Jaya Bhattacharya

Jaya won kudos as Payal in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi. Known for her devil-may-care attitude, she found her anchor in Mazahir Rahim when she came to Mumbai 11 years back. The couple fell in love and started living together. But there came a time in Jaya's life when she started feeling restless and "very unhappy".

Jaya speaks about her state of mind for the first time. She says, "This realisation happened a long time back but I did not know what I was unhappy about! I was constantly angry about every thing not knowing what I was angry about! I was just over the relationship… I knew it in my heart of hearts."

After living together for 11 years, Jaya and Rahim decided to part ways peacefully. What caused the rift? Says Jaya, "People change with time, and I also grew up. When I realised that I was unhappy I told Rahim that I couldn't live with him… He did not like the idea but he gave me time to think again and he went abroad for a holiday."

Even after his return Jaya had not changed her mind. Was the final separation easy? Says Jaya, "When a long-term relationship breaks down there is bound to be some bitterness but there was no showdown. Initially there was the regular blame game but after a while we just sat back, looked at each other and started laughing. The decision was already taken. We parted peacefully."

Rahim has, since, moved into his bungalow in Malwani. The two meet sometimes if only to sort out things.

Before Jaya broke the news to Rahim, she was plagued by umpteen doubts. Confesses Jaya, "It was a difficult step for a person who has lived a sheltered life, I was scared but not in two minds! I wasn't sure whether I was doing the right thing. Was it a passing phase?"

Mazahir Rahim

Is there some one else in your life? She laughs her famous laugh and says, "No, not at all! I'm just taking a break and am very happy. I'm learning the ropes - for the first time I have to do everything myself. I'm much at peace now. Every one I know comments that I've changed so much. I'm shouldering my own responsibility and am far more vigilant about things. I'm proud that I'm not dependent."

Having said this Jaya wishes to convey that if it weren't for Rahim, she would not have survived in Mumbai. "I'm indebted to him for making my life easy! He was always supportive of my work and my best critic. When I did a bad job I would pray that he didn't watch that episode… But I could not live with him any more… Recently he watched one episode and called up to say that he loved it!" she says.

So what's the equation now? "Just because we are not together doesn't mean that we will not stand by each other in times of crises." Jaya is so busy working that she doesn't have the time for any thing else - not for another two years at least. Says Jaya, "I'm too busy getting back on my feet. I'm shooting for Karam Apna Apna, Kasamh Se and Thodi Si Zameen Thoda Sa Asmaan. I'm looking for challenging roles."