Mumbai: Actor Archana Puran Singh and her husband Parmeet Sethi have spoken candidly about a challenging phase in their marriage, shedding light on how financial imbalance and career pressures affected their relationship in the early years. The couple made the revelations during an honest conversation on their YouTube channel, where they reflected on their struggles, misunderstandings and eventual growth as partners.

Known today as one of Bollywood’s most stable celebrity couples, Archana and Parmeet did not shy away from admitting that their journey together was far from smooth. Their discussion offered a rare glimpse into how societal expectations, gender roles and professional uncertainties can strain even the strongest bonds.

Archana on being the primary breadwinner

Archana Puran Singh spoke openly about being the main earning member of the family during the initial phase of their marriage. While she projected confidence outwardly, she admitted that internally she was dealing with emotional conflict and confusion.

“When I married you, I was like, ‘Yes, I am the one who is earning’. But somewhere I had repressed my feminine side, which wanted someone to provide, which wanted me to lean on someone and look up to him, just like my mother looked up to my father,” Archana said during the conversation.

She explained that at the time, she did not fully understand these feelings herself, which led to mixed signals in her behaviour. On some days, she felt it did not matter that she was earning more, while on others, she found herself pushing Parmeet to take up more work.

“Sometimes I would be like, it doesn’t matter that I am earning, but sometimes I would nudge you to earn and prod you for rejecting projects,” she admitted, adding that the emotional contradictions created tension between them.

Professional compromises for survival

Archana also reflected on the professional choices she made during that period, acknowledging that financial responsibility forced her to prioritise income over creative satisfaction. She revealed that she adopted a mindset of never refusing work, irrespective of the quality of the project.

“Another mantra of mine was that I never said no to work. The result of that was that I did very bad films. I did C-grade films,” Archana said candidly. “My mindset was to put bread and butter on the table.”

She explained that survival in Mumbai’s highly competitive film industry was her top priority, especially as she felt responsible for running the household. However, this came at a personal cost, as she later felt resentment creeping in.

“At that time, I felt that if you had stepped up, I wouldn’t have had to do that work,” she confessed, highlighting how unspoken expectations can slowly erode emotional harmony in a marriage.

Parmeet Sethi on career insecurity

Parmeet Sethi, meanwhile, shared his side of the story, explaining why he was reluctant to accept certain projects during that phase. He pointed out that he was seven years younger than Archana and was still in the process of establishing himself in the industry.

“At that time, my point of view was that your career had already played out, but my career was forming,” Parmeet said. “I felt that if I took one misstep, I would be completely out of the industry.”

He added that his long-term goal was to become a leading actor and that taking on roles he did not believe in could have derailed his aspirations. “I was trying to become a hero for the longest time,” he said, emphasising how fear of failure influenced his decisions.

When Archana pointed out that she too had dreams of being a heroine, Parmeet responded by highlighting the difference in their professional timelines. “But you were seven years older than me and ahead of me in your career,” he said, underlining how age and opportunity shaped their perspectives differently.

Navigating differences as a couple

Despite the tension and contrasting viewpoints, Archana and Parmeet acknowledged that they managed to navigate those difficult years together. Their discussion reflected a maturity that comes from hindsight, with both actors recognising where misunderstandings arose and how communication could have been better.

The couple married in 1992, at a time when conversations around gender roles and financial equality were far less common in Indian society. Archana noted that societal conditioning also played a role in shaping her expectations, even though she was financially independent.

Over the years, both have carved out successful careers in their own ways. Archana became a household name through her work in films, television and comedy shows, while Parmeet transitioned into acting, directing and hosting.

Conclusion

Archana Puran Singh and Parmeet Sethi’s candid conversation serves as a reminder that marriages, even those in the public eye, are built through negotiation, compromise and understanding. By openly discussing their struggles with money, ambition and expectations, the couple has offered a relatable narrative that resonates beyond celebrity life. Their story underscores the importance of honest communication and empathy in sustaining a long-term partnership.