Archana Puran Singh and Parmeet Sethi, a beloved couple on the small screen, have been married for 33 years, but their journey hasn't always been easy. In a candid conversation with her son, Aaryamann Sethi, Archana revealed that she and Parmeet experienced a difficult phase in their marriage, marked by mistakes and ego clashes. Despite these challenges, Archana made a conscious decision to not divorce Parmeet, and her reason was deeply rooted in her children's well-being.
Archana realized that Parmeet was an exceptional father to their sons, Aaryamann and Ayushmaan. She recognized the strong bond between Parmeet and their children, acknowledging that "nobody could be a better father than him". This realization became a pivotal point for Archana, solidifying her resolve to keep the marriage intact for the sake of her children's upbringing and happiness. "Somebody who has loved you guys more than me is your father, and I thought to myself, I cannot let this marriage fail," she said.
The couple's challenges stemmed from misunderstandings and ego, creating a rift between them. Archana admitted that they "made mistakes in understanding each other, and sometimes ego gets in the way". She also noted that "When both people in a marriage become weak, then that marriage struggles". Despite these issues, their commitment to each other and their family never wavered.
In an effort to navigate their marital problems, Archana and Parmeet turned to meditation and the Art of Living Foundation. Archana encouraged Parmeet to join, and although he was initially reluctant, he agreed. Parmeet shared that the course helped him release suppressed emotions and address unresolved traumas. He described how emotions and pain he had suppressed finally surfaced, allowing him to grieve deeply. This emotional release not only lifted a heavy weight from his heart but also gave him a renewed sense of emotional freedom and physical well-being. He even experienced unexpected physical benefits, like imagining himself eating rich foods during meditation, which led to the resolution of some physical ailments.
Archana noted that meditation helped them resolve their differences and appreciate each other's true nature. It allowed them to look at things differently, and the things that irritated them about each other became less significant. Parmeet expressed that after a meditation session during a fight, he saw Archana as "the most beautiful woman in the world," a moment that helped them realize the depth of their love for each other.
Even today, Archana says that they fight at least "15 times a day," but they can't imagine life without each other. Their journey has taught them the importance of understanding, forgiveness, and the strength of family bonds.
Their love story began after Archana's first marriage ended in divorce, making her reluctant to marry again. However, her connection with Parmeet was undeniable, and despite a seven-year age gap, their bond deepened quickly. They lived together for four years before eloping and secretly marrying in 1992. They kept their marriage private due to concerns over Archana's acting career and initial disapproval from Parmeet's parents, who were worried about Archana's age and profession. Eventually, Parmeet's parents accepted Archana with open arms.
The couple has also found success in family vlogging, sharing their candid chemistry and light-hearted banter with their audience. Parmeet feels that their YouTube channel has become a second, more fruitful career for him, allowing them to connect with millions of people. Together, they have shown resilience, commitment, and the importance of working through challenges to build a lasting and loving marriage.
