Shahana Goswami spoke candidly about her evolving views on love, open relationships, multiple partners and physical intimacy after her breakup with Milind Soman. During a recent conversation, the actress reflected on heartbreak, emotional freedom, and unconventional relationship dynamics.
“I was living the life I wanted to live”
Speaking about how long it took her to move on after heartbreak, Shahana told Siddharth Kannan: “In a sense, immediately, because I was living the life I wanted to live.”“Right after that, I also thought at that time: I don’t think relationships are for me because the formula of relationships doesn’t work for me,” she added.The actress then revealed that her understanding of relationships has evolved over time. “We were in an open relationship where you don’t make these rules but you’re still rooted in each other,” she said.
“Why put everything in the contract?”
In explaining her philosophy on love and commitment, Shahana questioned society’s traditional approach to relationships.“If you trust life, let life happen. Why put everything in a contract? If it has to happen, it will happen,” she said.The actor also added, “I have seen people who never got married but stayed together for 20 to 30 years. So if marriage is not necessary for love, why should I commit myself?”According to Shahana, her definition of love has gradually changed over the years.
“For me, love is more and more freedom over a period of time. Whether it’s friendship, parents or romantic relationships, you have to give people the space to be themselves,” she said.She added, “I don’t believe in the need for control or rules in love.”
“I have several people with whom I share long-term dynamics.”
When asked to define open relationships, Shahana emphasized the importance of honesty and communication.“Open communication, honesty and consistent clear communication.
You have to really understand what kind of person the other person is. Two people are never the same. “You have to accept each other as they are,” she explained.The actress also admitted that she no longer believes in the idea of having one “primary” partner.“At this point, I don’t even have one primary partner like that. I have several people that I have long-term dynamics with. But none of this is incidental to me,” she said.Using friendships as an analogy, she explained: “Every friendship is different because every person is different. You only focus on the relationship you have with that person.”
Shahana Goswami talks about physical intimacy in open relationships
During the interaction, she was asked whether open relationships involved emotional and physical contact with multiple people.“Sometimes it remains friendship, and other times it can get physical as well,” Shahana said candidly in her response.She further explained: “Maybe after three months with this person, you feel the desire to have physical contact with him, and that’s what you do.”The actress also revealed that transparency is important in such dynamics. “Nothing in my life is hidden. They know if I’ve ever been physically intimate with someone else. It’s not a reporting system, but yeah, everyone knows,” she said.
“Heartbreak happens even in open relationships.”
Shahana admitted that unconventional relationships are not without emotional pain.“Of course there is great sadness. If someone says this setting doesn’t work for them anymore, your heart will break too. But that’s part of the experience,” she said.The actress also spoke about the emotional work required to maintain such relationships. She added: “You have to deal with your jealousy, insecurity, loneliness and rejection. It’s not easy. People think freedom is easy, but you have to work a lot on yourself.”
“I have so much love to give”
Speaking about criticism of her views on exclusivity, Shahana said that many people misunderstand her point of view.She explained: “People think that this choice comes from a loss of confidence in love. But for me, it is the opposite.”“I have so much love to give, why should I give it to just one person?” She concluded.