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.

Saiyad Sana Khaan, who gave birth to a boy, Saiyad Tariq Jamil, on July 5, says breastfeeding has made the bond between her and her baby stronger. Talking about it during the World Breastfeeding Week (August 1 to 7), the former actor says, “Feeding your child is one of the most beautiful feelings in the world. It’s truly magical.”

The 34-year-old, who married Maulana Anas Saiyad in 2020, “doesn’t understand” why some new mums are apprehensive about breastfeeding: “A mother’s milk is healthy. It’s important for the child’s gut health, strengthens their immunity system and helps them grow.”

Besides benefitting the baby, breastfeeding helps a mum too. “Losing weight wasn’t on the top of my to-do list, but breastfeeding helped me lose almost 15 kg in a month,” says Khaan, who was seen in Toilet: Ek Prem Katha (2017). She adds that she tried to eat things that “help with lactation”. “I consume foods that are high in protein and drink Harira with lots of dry fruits and saffron,” 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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Just when the alleged molestation of a South actress opened a can of worms on the way women in showbiz are often treated disrespectfully, another actress, Varalaxmi Sarath Kumar found herself being propositioned by the programming head of a television chan nel last Saturday. BT spoke to a spectrum of people from the industry about the issue, which is known, but always brushed under the carpet.

'It's heartbreaking when a person you idolise comes up with an indecent proposal'
“The industry might seem glossy, but it is ugly from with in. Casting couch is a harsh reality. On the face of it, they talk about talent, craft and art, but who really wants talented people here? During my struggling days, I used to get depressed when I went through this. Even today, I don't know how to get work. It's a struggle every day. It's heartbreaking when a person you look up to or idolise comes up with such indecent proposals.“
- Sana Khaan, Actress

'I've heard horror stories even in arty circuit'
I've been lucky to have worked with international filmmakers and National Award winning directors, who are sincere about their work. I never worked in a commercial set-up per se so I never encountered this situation directly. But, indirectly, there is a lot of pressure. I've overheard people saying, 'Yeh toh outdoor mein degi nahi toh isko leke kya fayda? Yeh toh shoot ke baad apne room mein jaake so jayegi.' Way back, a TV actor-producer called me up and said he wants to meet. I met him assuming it was to discuss our show. He said, “You have to romance me onscreen, so off screen, chemistry toh badhani padegi.“ I walked out and I've never returned his calls. You have to take a stand. I've heard horror stories even in the arty circuit.
- Tannishtha Chatterjee, Actress


'If you do it once, you will be expected to do it again'
Sadly, casting couch exists but you don't have to fall in that trap to have a career. I don't mean to be judgemental but once you take that path, you have to live with the choice. I believe that you can survive in the film industry without succumbing to it. You just need to be patient. I am a living testament of that. It happened to me once, this filmmaker made a pass at me. I walked out and never saw him again. The star kids how ever, are much protect ed as almost everyone in the industry is their uncle, mama or chacha. As far as dealing with these creeps is concerned, they should be unmasked, shamed and boycotted if this needs to stop.
- Richa Chadha, Actress

'It's difficult to eliminate a one-to one meeting in any profession'
I've heard horror stories about casting couches. I know and I can vouch for the fact that it exists though I have neither experienced it first hand. It's an open secret. Sexual favours are asked from both genders and in every walk of life. It's an individualistic thing whether you want to do that or not, and whether you are in a position to say no. It's a debatable issue. It's very difficult in any profession to eliminate a one-to-one meeting, right? So what happens between two people also cannot be completely sanitised in that sense. At large we may not have a solution to this problem, but we can first set our priorities right at an individual level. That alone will make a huge difference.
- Abhinay Deo, Director


'People don't speak out as it could affect their career'
Somehow, it has never happened to me. My father, and now that I am married, my husband always accompany me whenever I go for a recording or a tour. But yes, I have heard from my peers that the casting couch does exist. Sometimes, people are too scared to talk about it lest it jeopardises their career. But it does happen.
- Harshdeep Kaur, Singer

'It's a business proposal bereft of love'
It's a murky space as we're dealing with good looking people who are ambitious. What is a casting couch? It's a business proposal bereft of any love or emotion. One is asked to sleep and get the assignment. The filmmakers I have assisted have never done this. There are people who do it and it's wrong. But there's another side to it. I don't think sleeping around is a recipe for success. We can't do anything about this menace where boys and girls are exploited. There's a flip side here also. I've heard of good-looking youngsters who have used their charm cards to make their way ahead. What do you do about that? It's difficult to snip this area out of any industry today. I can just say between a man and a woman, it's love that has become a rarity .
- Vikram Bhatt, Director-writer


'Ex-girlfriend was thrown out of a film for resisting'
I've personally never been through anything as all my work is taken care by my manager.But my ex-girl-friend did. She was told to go to Lonavala over the week end for a 'script reading' with a certain director, which she politely refused. She was thrown out of the film due to reasons best known to the team.
- Sahil Salathia, TV actor


'It's a bigger problem for boys today'
“Some actors approach me and give indirect hints, but I reject them. They should have faith that there is new breed of film makers who prefer going the clean way. I think the casting couch is a bigger problem for boys today.
- Ravindra Gautam, TV producer

'Stories of exploitation in are more spoken about the glamour industry'
There are grey areas that exist, not just in the glamour business but in every other business. Even cops complain about powerful pervert seniors who're mentally sick to ask sexual favours when one merits a promotion or a pay hike. Exploitation stories are more spoken about in glamour industry for obvious reasons. That's why after so many years in the business, I decided to take the digital route for casting and streamlining the process of scouting talent in numerous departments like art direction, direction, production...the works. There are hundreds of illegitimate casting agents, who by flashing photos with actors dupe youngsters. They promise them work for money, sexual favours or both. Those who fall prey to it are the ones who can't figure another route to pursue their dreams. We first need to educate them about the stream of work they plan to jump into. We have to stop them from shooting wrong or suggestive portfolios that give a wrong impression. If we can success fully do that, stories of casting couches will automatically reduce.
- Suniel Shetty, Actor who runs a digital casting agency


'I've been in uncomfortable situations'
I've heard from a couple of my model friends about how they've been propositioned for work. I've been in a couple of uncomfortable situations where I felt the need to leave a meeting. I leave if I feel that the statements being made aren't related to the film that is being narrated to me, or the project that I am discussing.
­ - Amyra Dastur, Actress

'I faced it seven years ago'
“I have found myself in this sticky situation seven years ago. A coordinator asked me how I would respond in three situations: 'Will I work smart or hard?', 'How would I react if I was propositioned by an older woman?', and 'What would happen if a man touched me?'. He got a little touchy feely with me while asking the last question. I was shocked and furious. He told me of actors who relented and are successful today.“
- Karan Tacker, TV actor

'No one can guarantee a role in exchange of favours'
A few actresses have shared their horror stories with me. My advice to them was that predators prey on the weak and vulnerable. Besides, filmmaking is an expensive affair and involves many heads to confirm the cast. No one can guarantee you a role in exchange of favours. Unless you suit the part and are a good actor, nobody will give the role to you. Period.
- Shahid Hassan, Casting director

Legal point-of-view
Those subjected to casting couch should come forward and say what has happened so the accused can be exposed and booked and it can be deterrent for others. Often, women don't come forward as they feel it's a lost battle as they are bringing up charge that's so big and that the accused may get away as he is powerful. Currently, the law will take cognizance only with evidence. Here everything happens in the closed four walls of an office ­ so no one knows the allurement, offer made etc. It's tougher because what happens under such circumstances may not be evidence, though there is scope for presumption, which also can't be ignored. It should be a collective effort by the film industry to ensure this does not happen. There must also be a body to support these victims as in most cases, it's a lonely battle for them as they are up against big names.
- Kranti Sathe, Lawyer

After titillating the audience with the erotic thriller, Wajah Tum Ho, Sana Khaan is now gearing up for a rather conservative outing with Akshay Kumar in his next, Toilet: Ek Prem Katha, which also features Bhumi Pednekar opposite him.

Directed by Shree Narayan Singh, the film will see Sana playing Akshay's girlfriend. Informs a unit hand, “It's a cameo extremely crucial to the plot. Sana shot her portions recently during a schedule. She will be seen in a completely desi avatar in the film.“ The actress remained unavailable for comment.

Toilet: Ek Prem Katha is a social satire that deals with the menace of open defecation, common in the interiors of the country.

Cricketer Mohammed Shami recently became a victim of social media bullying after he posted pictures of his wife in a sleeveless gown. Shami and his wife were accused of being un-Islamic by some, and he was told to “ensure that she wears hijab and modest clothes.“ Shami, however, stood his ground, posted more pictures and made it clear that “he knows what he should or shouldn't do.“ He also got support from other cricketers and celebs like Farhan and Javed Akhtar. This is not the first time that a celeb has been targeted by certain quarters for being 'un-Islamic'. In 2005, a cleric issued a fatwa, ordering the then 18-year-old Sania Mirza to stop wearing “indecent“ clothes while playing. Celebrities share their views on the issue:

KANEEZ SURKA, STAND-UP COMEDIAN
What bothers me most is a comment made to Mohammed Shami, which says, 'you shouldn't let your wife wear this'. What is this about him 'allowing or not allowing' her to do something? Why does a man in a woman's life decide what she should wear? The burkini issue was just like this. I think a woman should dress any way she feels and it's up to her to make her choices. This kind of social media bullying is wrong and unnecessary.

 
SARA KHAN, ACTRESS
Every woman has the right to dress according to her choice. I don't see any debate here; Mrs Shami was not wearing anything flimsy. For me, religion is personal, it is not right to impose your view on anyone. I can't understand why so much attention is paid to women's clothing when we have more serious issues like dowry and female infanticide to deal with.


SANA AMIN SHEIKH, ACTRESS
Through my experience, I can only say that there is a certain section whose thinking you can't change, unless they try and change their own views. Till then, it's best to ignore them. I was criticized for wearing sindoor even after finishing shooting for Krishnadasi (it goes away only after I wash my hair). But even if I wear it by choice, does it make me less of a Muslim? My nani and mother wore mangalsutras, does this make us any less Muslim?


FALAQ NAAZ, ACTRESS
I'm very active online and I post pics in sleeveless tops or hot pants, but this has never happened to me. However, during Ganpati festival, I uploaded a pic of a girl in a burqa, taking a Ganpati home, for which I faced backlash. Bahut logon ne bola ki main Muslim nahi hoon, par mera khuda mere dil mein basta hai. The incident with Shami's wife is nothing but nonsense. You can't tell anyone to dress or live a certain way. I wear sleeveless, go to temples, churches, put sindoor, but I respect my religion more than anything.


SANA KHAAN, ACTRESS
These comments are proof of the sick mindset that is prevailing among people, who fail to understand the true meaning of their religion. If a husband is fine with what his wife wears on a public platform, I don't see any reason why outsiders should object. These detractors are cowards who bring you down with their scathing remarks on social media. Besides, a hijab is no guarantee of a strong connect with God. One should be allowed to lead her life the way she wants to.


TASNEEM MEHTA, HERITAGE CONSERVATION EXPERT
I agree with Mohammed Shami. What you wear is no indication of what kind of person you are. What counts is the kind of human being you are, definitely not what you choose to wear. I'm very comfortable understanding and appreciating other cultures. I think religion is a way of making you good human being. It's also the way you look at a woman's body that matters. It is a man's gaze that is wrong. If he has a wrong nazar and looks at a woman that way, he is at fault, not her. A woman must always be treated with respect.

ZAREEN KHAN, ACTRESS
I honestly don't know what the whole trolling is about. If it's because someone wore something, which according to others wasn't covered enough, then remember, that person has the freedom and the sensibility to wear what she feels is right. Others have no right to say things about it. I don't understand how these trollers even have the time to do things of no significance. If they really want to make themselves heard or troll something, then I'm sure there are more important issues that need light to be thrown upon, than someone's choice of clothes.

Looks like love has blossomed on the sets of Wajah Tum Ho. Buzz is that director Vishal Pandya and his leading lady Sana Khaan have grown close to each other during the course of the film.

Insiders say that the two are quite serious about each other. “They are constantly in touch and often hang out together. Vishal even gifted Sana her portrait on her birthday. They really care about each other, but don't want to come out in the open as they fear people will cast aspersions. This relationship means a lot to both of them,“ says the source.

However, Sana insists that she and the filmmaker are 'just friends'. “Vishal is one of the few people who is a part of my inner circle. We talk a lot and hang out, but there isn't anything brewing between us. He is good-looking and the best part is that he is very respectful towards women,“ she says.

Vishal, on the other hand, is more forthcoming. “Anyone can make you happy by doing something special, but Sana can make you happy even without doing anything. She is someone who can make you smile even when she is not around,“ the director says.

Hmm... we are reading between the lines. Are you?

She is spunky and out spoken, but extremely emotional, too. Sana Khaan doesn't mince her words when talking about the dark side of the industry, but her eyes well up while recalling her struggle in Bollywood. The actress, who is equally anxious and excited about her lead role in the erotic thriller, Wajah Tum Ho, gets candid about Salman Khan, sex scenes and surviving in the industry with out a godfather. Excerpts:

How did you bag Wajah Tum Ho?
I knocked on T-Series' door asking for a role. I had previously been considered for Hate Story 3, but back then, I wasn't ready for a bold film. When I met them for Wajah Tum Ho, they said they didn't approach me because they thought that I would turn down the offer. I told them that I had changed my mind  -everyone is doing bold roles and I can't be so selective. Also, this is not a film that's being made by a D-grade director, which will release in nondescript theatres. So, after the narration, I agreed to work.

You debuted with Jai Ho, which was a big project. Didn't that help you get more roles?
Jai Ho gave me a platform, but I was barely visible in it. There was a joke that my presence in the film was as good as India's in the FIFA World Cup. I still laugh at the thought. How creative! But it's a downer, right?

Did that professional lull disillusion you?
This industry can disillusion any newcomer who doesn't have anyone to endorse her. Why just me? I know so many actors who get films only because an influential 'friend' is constantly recommending their name to everyone who matters. When I am asked which camp I belong to, I say that I am my own camp because there is no one to promote me. After a spell of being disheartened, I feel proud that I stood my ground and came this far.

That phase must have been a learning experience...
I've learnt that in this industry, you have to be emotionally strong, because people will always try to break you. On many occasions, I was told that I can't be cast because I am not a star. But, weren't the stars newcomers at some point? I look decent and I can act and dance well. I used to wonder why I can't get a big project. Then I realised that you need bundles of luck. The day I'm a star, even the b****t I dish out will be appreciated. Before I bagged Jai Ho, I was on the verge of hitting depression with thoughts like, 'Will I ever get something here?' and 'Should I look at another profession?' No naming people here, but I knew that even after Jai Ho, I was being unceremoniously replaced in several projects.I had no standing and no one in the power corridors. It happened so often that I sometimes wished I had someone to endorse me.

Didn't Salman Khan recommend you for roles?
Nope. Salman only recommended me for Jai Ho. And, I don't take his name to become popular or get work. I don't even bring him up in my conversations unless asked specifically. Look, no one chooses to struggle, everyone likes to be endorsed. But if the latter doesn't happen, you have to work your way up the ladder.

Okay, so cut to the trailer launch of Wajah Tum Ho. Why were you crying there?
When I saw the trailer in the morning, it had garnered only 25,000 hits. Eventually, it shot up to 10 million. Even a lot of known names don't get such hits. Thankfully, people loved the content and those 30 seconds of love making didn't overshadow it. It's an illusion that sex scenes can fetch great numbers online - people can watch porn if they want that. Also, it was an overwhelming feeling to see myself on the big screen.

The film's bold content has drawn a lot of reactions. Do you think you have outdone Zareen Khan and Surveen Chawla from Parched and the Hate Story series?
I don't think my scenes have gone past what you saw of Surveen in Parched. As a beginner, I keep tabs. And there is no comparison with Zareen's scene either because they are different. Vishal had given me a freehand to decide how I'd do the scene. I was particular that my expressions in the scene should be subtle. The make-up was subdued. I also opted for white inners, because they make a woman look angelic. Some women have actually asked me about the brand I wore for the scene because they're getting married (laughs). Frankly, I don't want to enter a zone where people only remember me for my lovemaking scenes.

Sometimes, bold scenes and exposure on screen can get you typecast...
I am aware of that. But I often tell Vishal (Pandya, director) that many actresses wear cholis that are the size of hairbands, which can be passed off as underclothes. And no one makes a noise. Just because my bra popped out of my shirt, eyebrows are raised. How can such people then judge others?

Given a choice, would you have really done the intimate scenes?
No. I don't even like being skimpily clothed. Sometimes, when I look back, I just want to hide somewhere because I didn't want to do intimate scenes.It takes a lot of mental preparation.

Do you think the Censor Board will pass them?
I don't know what will happen on the CBFC table, but while shooting, I had asked everyone, including assistants, to stay away from the set. It was just the director, the DoP and the guy pushing the (camera) trolley. And, those who were on the set treated me with a lot of respect.

How did your family react?
I don't know if it will eventually pay off, but I had to take this risk. My mother is very upset with me - I don't discuss these things with her since they can affect her health. I hope she comes around.

You were toying with another film while taking up Wajah Tum Ho. What happened to that?
Thankfully, it didn't work out. I was considering it only because it didn't have a lovemaking scene. But thanks to this film, I have found a friend in Vishal. He is unlike the directors, or the men we meet socially. He rebooted the actress in me, taught me to be a better person and made me understand what respect is. I hope we work together again. I don't want to lose him as a friend.

Are you nervous?
Yes, but I am also confident and proud. After long, I'm the heroine in a film, so I am obviously anxious. I have been the lead actress in the films down South too, but I had a language barrier there and I couldn't do anything beyond what was told. Here, I can bring so much more to the table.

Sana Khaan tells us that she gave co-actor Gurmeet Choudhary a tough time while shooting intimate scenes for their upcoming thriller, Wajah Tum Ho. Guess why? She feared it'd mess up her costume and make-up! Sana laughs, “It's a stupid phobia I've always had - even my friends are wary of coming near me when I'm dressed for a shoot or an event. I hate creases on my costumes. The film has a few romantic songs, which required us to get intimate. I'd irritate Guru by saying, 'Don't come too close to me, I don't want to get bronzer on my costume or spoil my curls'. He had a tough time putting up with me.“ She adds, “Of course, I kept aside my worries and had a great time shooting.“

Have you ever watched a murder being committed live on television? The upcoming film, Wajah Tum Ho, shows just that. An erotic crime thriller featuring Sana Khan, Sharman Joshi, Gurmeet Choudhary and Rajniesh Duggall, the project will see T-Series, the producer of Hate Story 2 and Hate Story 3, team up with director Vishal Pandya yet again.

Vishal says, “Most people say that they don't like watching TV, but it's like hating peanuts -once you start eating them, you can't stop. According to a survey, 94 per cent people in India watch TV. That's how I came up with a concept where people witness a murder, live on the small screen.“

While the film releases on December 2, the trailer is out today