With a career spanning over six decades, Haasan has established himself as an icon in Tamil, Hindi, and various other regional film industries.

However, alongside his cinematic success, his personal life has often been marred by controversies. One of the most talked-about scandals in his life was his affair with actress Sarika while he was still married to his first wife, Vani Ganapathy. Their relationship became the subject of intense media scrutiny, with Sarika facing severe backlash.

Despite his marriage to Vani, Kamal Haasan and Sarika's bond deepened over time. Haasan reportedly fell in love with Sarika first, and though she was hesitant at first, she eventually reciprocated his feelings. Their affair, however, was met with public outrage. Sarika was labeled the 'other woman' and a 'villain' in the equation, with many accusing her of being the reason behind Haasan's crumbling marriage.

Sarika's bold decision to keep the child despite the controversy

In a candid conversation on Rendezvous with Simi Garewal, Sarika revealed that she had decided to part ways with Kamal Haasan when she discovered she was pregnant with his child. Despite the circumstances, she chose to inform him before making any decisions about her future.

She recalled, "I just thought that it was right that he knows it. I was just informing him that I am carrying your child, that's all. I did not ask him to say that marry me, leave your wife, or move in with me." Sarika emphasized that Haasan was still in a marriage at the time and was not obligated to take responsibility for her or the baby.

Despite being harshly judged by society, Sarika stood firm in her decision to keep the child, stating that it was something she personally wanted. "I thought he had all the right to know I was carrying his child and I decided to keep the child because it was my need." She tried to end the relationship multiple times, but their love endured. Meanwhile, Haasan's failing marriage and public scrutiny pushed Sarika to consider moving to London to raise the baby alone.

Kamal Haasan & Sarika's life after the scandal

Ultimately, Kamal Haasan's marriage with Vani Ganapathy ended in divorce, and he went on to marry Sarika. Together, they had two daughters, Shruti Haasan and Akshara Haasan, both of whom followed their parents into the entertainment industry. However, their marriage, too, did not last, and the couple eventually separated. Despite the hardships, Sarika remains a respected actress in the industry, and her decision to embrace motherhood on her own terms stands as a testament to her strength and resilience.

The Kamal Haasan-Sarika saga remains one of Bollywood's most discussed love stories, not just for its controversy but also for Sarika's unwavering determination to take charge of her own life, despite societal backlash.