Sanjeeda Shaikh says her five-year-old daughter, Ayra, has transformed her in ways she had never anticipated. On the joy motherhood has brought her, the actor says, “I feel stronger than any man on this planet. I’m motivated to do good work and give [Ayra] the best in life.”

With all her focus on Ayra, Shaikh, who rang in her 40th birthday on December 20, finds that her view on companionship has changed. “My companions are my child and my family. I’m lucky to be surrounded by great energy. You need to have people in your life who keep you motivated.” She also addresses recent statements where she mentioned partners who “try to demotivate you”. The comment provoked a response from her ex-husband, actor Aamir Ali, who said discussing personal matters publicly was “not his class”.

Shaikh admits, “I’ve matured since then. I’ve realized that not every situation requires a reaction. Dimaag jitna saaf rakhoge, utna khush rahoge.” Shaikh and Ali divorced in 2021, after nearly nine years of marriage.

Ask if she’s open to a new relationship and Shaikh, who was linked to actor Harshvardhan Rane, has a lighthearted response: “Main toh normal ladki hoon, toh why not? Any normal person should be open to a relationship. You have good and bad phases, but what is important is how you bounce back.” Having earned praise for her turn as Waheeda in Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar earlier this year, Shaikh turns reflective on the years she spent juggling work and motherhood.

“After working for so many years, I’ve realized that it’s so important to spend time with your family,” she tells us, adding, “With work, we sometimes forget to do that.”