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.”

Sanjeeda Shaikh is in a happy space in life, both personally and professionally. The actress, who became popular as a TV actress, has successfully made the transition to other mediums. And on the personal front, she is enjoying every moment of motherhood, raising her almost five-year-old daughter Ayra.

Sanjeeda, who got divorced from Aamir Ali in 2021, talks to us about raising her child as a single mother.

She shares, “My daughter is my friend. She’s someone who’s very involved with what I am doing. She loves that I work and understands how demanding my work can be. She takes pride in the fact that I have to go for shoots and travel for work. She brags to her friends about my work. As understanding as she is, she also demands that I get something for her when I come back home (laughs). Kids are too smart these days.”

The actress who ventured into the digital space a few years ago, feels that Ayra has been lucky for her. 

She says, “She’s a blessing. She has made me the woman I am today. She has made me confident and aware about myself. I am blessed to be her mother. Sometimes Ayra acts like she is my mother! My mother has been my best friend and now my daughter is too. My daughter is the one who gave me the courage to work. I will do anything to give her everything she wants in life.”

Sanjeeda began her journey in showbiz with Baghban in 2003, post which she did a few South films before venturing into television with Kyaa Hoga Nimmo Kaa in 2006.

Looking back at her journey, she says, “It was quite a smooth ride for me; I really didn’t have to struggle. I began as a choreographer and then joined the entertainment industry. I worked in television for a decade. I had no time to dream about Bollywood back then because TV kept me occupied. I had surrendered myself to TV and then I took a conscious break. But yes, I can be choosy about the work I take up. It’s thanks to TV that I have managed to secure myself financially. I am an independent woman and today, if required, I can sit at home without worrying about kal kya hoga.”

She has essayed lead roles in TV shows, but today what matters most to her is how important her part is in a project. The actress, who was recently seen in Heeramandi, explains, “Seven years ago, I only wanted to play lead roles. Things have changed, and now, it’s about doing that one scene, cracking it well and being spoken about for it. And that’s what happened to me with Fighter. People talk about my scene with Hrithik Roshan.”

The actress, who is now focusing on web shows and films, says, “I feel I have finally arrived. I am glad that people are taking me seriously as an actor now. Thoda sa waqt lag gaya lekin it is never too late.”