When Kamal Haasan's ex-wife Sarika decided to give birth to their child despite being called the 'other woman’: 'I did not ask him to marry me, leave his wife...'

Love, choices, and public scrutiny often collide in the lives of celebrities—and few stories illustrate this better than that of Kamal Haasan and Sarika. Their relationship, which began under the shadow of controversy, tested boundaries, hearts, and societal judgment. Yet, even amidst criticism and difficult decisions, Sarika made a life-changing choice that would shape their family forever.

How their relationship began

On the show Rendezvous With Simi Grewal, Sarika shared that it was Kamal Haasan who fell in love with her first. Although she was initially hesitant, she eventually returned his feelings. Their relationship, however, was controversial because Haasan was still married to his first wife, Vani Ganapathy, at the time.

Facing criticism and societal judgment

Sarika faced harsh criticism, being labeled a ‘villain’ and the ‘other woman,’ creating a very negative environment for her. She tried ending her relationship with Kamal Haasan several times, but their love remained strong. Meanwhile, Haasan’s marriage with Vani Ganapathy was deteriorating, and he wanted to move on and be with Sarika. Yet, due to the mounting public scrutiny, Sarika chose to end the relationship, even though it left her deeply hurt.

Deciding to keep the child

During this time, Kamal Haasan learned that Sarika was pregnant with his child. The Hari Puttar actress explained that she felt he had the right to know before she planned to move to London and raise the baby. She clarified that she wasn’t asking him to leave his wife or marry her, but simply wanted him informed. Sarika chose to keep the child because it was her decision, noting that Haasan was still married and not responsible for her choice.



Eventually, Kamal Haasan chose to be with Sarika and embrace fatherhood. He divorced Vani Ganapathy and married Sarika in 1988. The couple welcomed their first daughter, Shruti Haasan, in 1986, followed by their second daughter, Akshara Haasan, in 1991. However, their marriage didn’t last, and they filed for divorce in 2002.

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