Neelima Azeem, mother of actors Shahid Kapoor and Ishaan Khatter, has once again spoken openly about her personal life and the criticism she has faced over the years. In a recent interview with Zoom TV, the actress discussed her three marriages, online trolling, and how social media comments still affect her emotionally.
Neelima was first married to actor Pankaj Kapur, with whom she has son Shahid Kapoor. She later married Rajesh Khatter and became the mother of Ishaan Khatter. Her third marriage was with Ustaad Raza Ali Khan.
Talking about the harsh comments she receives online, Neelima said, “Just the other day, someone commented that ‘sharaab pee kar kya haal ho gaya hai (see what condition she is in due to drinking)’. I don’t even drink. Social media makes statements without any truth.”
Speaking about being blamed for her failed marriages, she said, “I married very simple men who had no money, but who I thought were great people and very talented. I never married for material or riches. I never sought a relationship in my life where they would build my career for me or invest money into my businesses; this is not my way of life. I did whatever I could in my capacity, I did theater, TV, I have hosted, danced, as an actress, I have 27 best actress awards, I have worked with the finest actors, I never talked about it or blew my own trumpet.”
Neelima also said that she now feels it is important to speak openly because silence often allows others to change facts and spread false narratives. She said, “But now I feel I have come to a place where I must speak because if you don’t tell your truth, people suppress your voice, change your facts. As time passes, you realize that you are being defamed. What’s sad is that another woman is doing it. How do women do this to each other? I didn’t want to end my marriage, but when things happen, there is a reason. It’s very easy to blame the person.”
In an earlier interview with Vickey Lalwani in December last year, Neelima had spoken about her separation from Pankaj Kapur. She said, “I separated from Pankaj Kapur when Shahid was three, when I was a very young girl. I have stopped overanalyzing and intellectualizing things, but introspection is always there to evolve. As you grow older, there are quite a few moments when you reflect on things. Unfortunately, it wasn’t meant to be; nobody gets married to separate, they get married to stay together forever.”
She had also spoken about her second marriage with Rajesh Khatter in a 2021 interview with Bollywood Bubble. Reflecting on difficult phases in life, she credited her sons Shahid and Ishaan for giving her strength and emotional support during tough times.
In her latest interview, Neelima said she has now learned to accept herself and stop carrying guilt for every mistake. She said, “I love myself the most besides my kids. I have never been tough on myself; I have been made to feel ashamed. I fought against it, and finally caved in. If I made mistakes in my life, I didn’t make them consciously, I didn’t do them to harm anybody, I slipped up, and you cannot be beating somebody up for life for that. Who is perfect?”