Sayantani Ghosh on parental conflict's silent toll on children in Jagadhatri
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Actress Sayantani Ghosh, who plays Maya Deshmukh in the Zee TV show 'Jagadhatri', has spoken candidly about how unresolved parental conflicts can leave lasting emotional scars on children — drawing directly from her character's ongoing storyline on the show.
The Storyline Striking a Chord
The current track of 'Jagadhatri' follows Maya (played by Sayantani Ghosh) and Sharad (played by Ajay Singh Chaudhary), a couple living separately though not officially divorced. Their emotional estrangement is quietly devastating their daughter Gunjan, a specially-abled child who is neither able to speak nor hear, making it harder still for her to articulate the pain she carries.
The narrative adds another layer of complexity: Maya partly holds Sharad responsible for Gunjan's condition, a resentment that deepens the rift between them. Meanwhile, Gunjan silently yearns for both parents — missing her father when with her mother, and longing for her mother's warmth when with her father.
What Sayantani Ghosh Said
Reflecting on the storyline's real-world resonance, Sayantani Ghosh said, 'Separations and divorces do happen, and sometimes they are unavoidable too. But I strongly feel parents need to be extremely careful about how their personal chaos affects their children. Kids learn everything from what they see around them, and many times, unknowingly, we end up setting examples that leave a deep emotional impact on them. Emotional trauma experienced during childhood often stays with a person for life.'
She added, 'That is why parents must be sensitive and responsible while dealing with their differences. No child deserves to grow up in an environment filled with constant emotional distress and confusion. Childhood is such a delicate and beautiful phase, and every child deserves love, security, warmth, and happiness.'
Gunjan as a Mirror for Silent Suffering
Ghosh further elaborated on what Gunjan's character represents beyond the plot. 'Maya and Sharad may be living separately, but somewhere their emotional distance is deeply affecting Gunjan. She is a very sensitive child and, being special, she cannot always express what she feels,' she said.
'That emotional confusion silently affects a child. Gunjan's character beautifully reflects how children quietly absorb every emotion happening around them, even when they are unable to express it openly. Kids like her are even more emotionally vulnerable because they feel everything deeply but often struggle to communicate it. It becomes extremely important for parents to ensure that their child does not suffer emotionally because of their personal issues,' she added.
Why This Narrative Matters
Child psychologists have long noted that parental conflict — even when not directed at children — can contribute to anxiety, emotional withdrawal, and developmental challenges in young ones. Specially-abled children, who may have limited verbal outlets, are considered particularly vulnerable to ambient emotional stress. The 'Jagadhatri' storyline taps into this rarely addressed dimension of family dysfunction on Indian primetime television.
This comes amid a broader trend of Indian TV dramas incorporating socially relevant themes around mental health and child welfare, signalling a gradual shift in how mainstream entertainment engages with sensitive family issues. 'Jagadhatri' continues to air on Zee TV.