Former actor and Bigg Boss 6 fame Sana Khan, who quit the film industry in 2020 and married Muslim cleric and businessman Mufti Anas Saiyad a month later, has spoken about the perception that she was “brainwashed” into leaving Bollywood after marriage.

In a recent interview with actor Rashami Desai, Sana said that she was already undergoing a personal transformation at the time. “When our marriage was arranged, it was a top secret. Nobody except my mum and dad even knew the groom’s name. Even when the mehendi artist asked for his name, I didn’t reveal it. I was going through a major change in my life. I was transforming into a whole new person. This is something that I wanted, and he is the one who guided me,” she said.

Sana added that people drew conclusions after seeing her adopt the hijab and step away from the industry. “People think, ‘oh she used to roam without a hijab, and suddenly she’s become so this that. So maybe this guy has brainwashed her’. It’s never like that; nobody can brainwash you until and unless you want it. I wanted peace. A person might find fame, money and status, but at the end of the day, everyone wants inner peace,” she said.

She also stated that she left films because “when your surroundings aren’t right, your decisions are often wrong”, adding that she now deeply values her relationship with her husband. Sana and Anas are parents to two children.

Recently, on their return from Umrah in Mecca, Saiyad Sana Khan, her husband Anas Saiyad and son Saiyad Tariq Jamil were papped at the airport. In a video posted online, an angry Anas can be seen warning the paps not to click or share the photos of their baby. The former actor has never shown her child’s face in public.

She laments that when big stars want privacy for their kids, their wishes are respected, but the same courtesy wasn’t extended to her and her baby: “Yahi agar koi bade log hote and unko privacy chahie ho, toh unke baby ki photo nahin dikhaate. Their baby’s face is covered with an emoji. If we haven’t posted our baby’s face, why would you? I will decide when I want my child to be seen.”

As a parent, wanting to protect your child is natural. “My husband was mad at them because they were clicking photos. When I saw the video online, I was very angry, too, that after telling them many times, they still uploaded the video. Ab voh hogaya; I expect them not to click my baby’s pictures again,” she ends.

Sana Khan, who quit showbiz in October 2020 and married Surat-based businessman, Maulana Anas Saiyad, delivered her first child on July 5. The couple has named their baby Saiyad Tariq Jamil. Sana shares, “We wanted a name that signifies piousness, gentleness, care and honesty. Jamil means beauty and Tariq means pleasant.”

Talking about motherhood, the former actress says, “It’s one of the best feelings in the world. Bringing a new life into the world is unimaginable. It’s a lifetime responsibility and you are accountable for everything good or bad happening in the child’s life.”

Husband Anas, too, is on cloud nine. She says, “He gets so emotional while looking at the baby that he sometimes has tears in his eyes.”

Sana has an interesting take on the pressure of losing weight soon after delivery. She says, “I get so paranoid when people talk about weight loss after pregnancy. Of course, everyone wants to lose weight, and so do I, but not at the cost of compromising on my health or not eating what’s required for my child’s growth. A new mother shouldn’t be made to believe that losing weight is more important than enjoying motherhood. I would rather promote the idea of being healthy. My child is my priority and weight loss can happen anytime.”

Sana Khaan, who quit showbiz in October 2020 and married Surat-based businessman, Maulana Anas Saiyad, is expecting her first child. The 35-year-old actress, who participated in Bigg Boss 6 and featured in films like Jai Ho, Halla Bol, Wajah Tum Ho and Toilet - Ek Prem Katha, is due in June. 

Sharing her excitement with us, she says, “We are ecstatic and looking forward to welcoming our baby. Imagine something growing inside you made of your flesh and blood. Having children is the most beautiful part of life.”

Talking to us about the initial days of pregnancy, Sana, who is in her third trimester, says, “The initial days were tough. I couldn’t get out of bed because of severe aversions, fever and vomiting. There were times when I would sit and cry because of hormonal changes. I still feel nauseous at times. I have a newfound respect for mothers. When the body is transforming, weight is the first thing that comes to your mind, but I am not bothered about it because it is important that the baby gets vital nutrients and is healthy. Aise hi upar wale ne maa ka darja itna bada nahi kiya hai. I can feel my baby playing and moving at full speed inside me throughout the night. My child is definitely giving me sleepless nights (laughs!). I am most excited about shopping for baby clothes.”

Sana hopes to have more children. She says, “I regret marrying late, as that has delayed everything. However, finding my soulmate was most important. If I had a choice, I would love to have a nursery full of kids! For now, Anas and I can’t wait to hold this bundle of joy in our arms.”

In October, actress Sana Khaan, who participated in Bigg Boss 6 and featured in films like Jai Ho, Halla Bol, Wajah Tum Ho and Toilet - Ek Prem Katha, among others, took everyone by surprise when she announced her decision to quit showbiz to “serve humanity and follow the order of my Creator,” in her words. More than a month later, on November 20, she came up with another surprise — her marriage to Surat-based businessman, Maulana Anas Saiyad. In a candid chat with BT, the actress, who now calls herself Saiyad Sana Khaan, talks about the recent turning point in her life. Excerpts...

We first met in 2017 in Mecca. It was a brief meeting on the day I was returning to India. He was introduced to me as an Islamic scholar; he is an Alim. I contacted him towards the end of 2018, as I had some questions about religion. Then, after more than a year, we reconnected in 2020. I was always inclined towards learning more about Islam.

Getting married to Anas wasn’t an overnight decision. I have prayed for years for a man like him in my life. What I liked best about him is that he is shareef and unn mein haya hai. He is not judgmental. He had said this to me, ‘Agar koi achhi cheez gutter mein gir gayi hai toh uske upar aap 10 baalti bhi paani daal do, woh saaf nahi hoti hai. Par aap usko gutter se baahar nikaal kar ek glass paani daal do, woh saaf ho jaati hai’. That had a lasting impact on me.

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