"the way they kept themselves strong was a big thing"
Javed Sheikh recently revealed that the biggest regret he felt in life was divorcing his first wife and the mother of their children Shehzad and Momal.
Appearing on Subh Ka Samaa, Javed was questioned by host Madeha Naqvi about the time ex-wife Zeenat Mangi took their two children and moved to another country.
He revealed that he was remorseful about the divorce and commended his children for their bravery and strength as they grew up as part of a broken family.
Javed stated: “Unfortunately, I didn’t want separation from my wife and our kids. Shehzad and Momal suffered a lot because of it.
“However, even in a broken family, the way they kept themselves strong was a big thing and this was just because of their mum.”
He praised Zeenat for allowing their children to take part in his family get-togethers and said that she deserved to be acknowledged for her kindness.
He continued: “My kids, Saleem’s [Sheikh] kids, Behroz [Sabzwari], and my other siblings’ kids used to get together at our place.
“She would send them to have a family day with their dad. The credit for a family bonding despite the broken family goes to my ex-wife.
“My divorce is my biggest guilt. It should not have happened, and I wish it didn’t happen.
“My kids were away from me for three years while I was married to Salma Agha.”
Although he feels regret for his actions, Javed Sheikh stated he was grateful for the relationship he has with his children, and that he was lovingly called ‘Bani’ by his grandchildren.
He told Madeha he was called Bani because it made him feel young.
“It’s a mix of Dada, Baba and Nana. When I think of a Nana or a Dada, I see an old man with a long beard holding a stick. So, I’m Bani for them.”
Talking about his grandchildren, Javed said that they loved knowing that their grandfather was an actor. He continued:
“Shahmir has watched Teefa in Trouble at least 200 times. He knows all the dialogues and my actions.”
“Since it’s on Netflix, he flexes it in front of his friends that my Bani is an actor and a hero.”
Alongside being a talented actor, Javed is also a producer and director. He has worked in Bollywood on films such as Om Shanti Om and Namastey London.
He made his debut in Pakistani film Dhamaka and has appeared in over 100 films since.