However, coming back meant leaving his kids Diani and Azarius back in London. During an exclusive interview with Filmfare’s Editor-In-Chief Jitesh Pillaai, as a part of In The Ring With Filmfare, Fardeen opened up about the struggles as a long-distance parent. When asked whether it is tough to co-parent from a distance, he said, “Yes, it is tough.” While getting emotional, Fardeen also revealed that being a father was important to him. “Not being a part of their everyday life is difficult. It’s tough. You’ve got holidays and phones. Thank God for Facetime and Zoom. Fortunately, I have a very strong bond with my children. That’s special.”
Fardeen also shared details from his addiction to drinking during his younger years, specifically the ’90s. He noted that he quit drinking to raise his kids better and become his authentic self. “I had to grow up very quickly, due to the dysfunction in which I grew up in. There were aspects of myself I had to shut down. I compensated and distracted myself. There was alcohol and hedonism. I lived a risqué life and was on the edge. My dad said I was burning the candle from both ends. I wanted these distractions but it all catches up. That’s what I have learnt. You can’t escape it,” the actor added.
Fardeen also said that he wouldn’t drink at all, if he was given a chance to relive his life differently. He said, “I have been sober for four years now. I started drinking at the age of 15… It was also the culture at the time. When people celebrated, they drank. When people were sad and upset, they drank. It was very normalized. My home was very liberal in that sense. I was officially allowed to start drinking at the age of 18. I enjoyed it too much. I didn’t know when to stop. That is something I take responsibility for but I realize how costly it was.”
He further added, “I didn’t know the difference because I started so young. Every joyous moment was always under the influence of something. It’s only after becoming sober, I can think, feel and act with absolute clarity.”
Catch the full episode here:
