Mumbai: Lataa Saberwal and Sanjeev Seth, well-known for their roles as Akshara’s parents in the popular TV show Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, have officially parted ways after 16 years of marriage. Lataa took to Instagram stories on Saturday to confirm their separation and requested that people respect her and her family's privacy during this difficult time.

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A screengrab of Saberwal's Instagram story announcing her divorce from husband Sanjeev Seth. Photo: Instagram@lataa.saberwal

The news came as a shock to many fans, who had long admired their on-screen and real-life bond. Reactions poured in online, with one user saying, “Just when you feel a couple is perfect, news of their divorce surfaces. You two were one of my favourites.” Another remarked, “At this age, what made you take this step? In India, divorce and suicide seem to have become a trend.” Many expressed heartbreak and disbelief, with one fan commenting, “You both looked so happy in your videos... this really breaks my heart.”

Saberwal and Seth met on the sets of Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai and got married in 2009. It was Seth’s second marriage; he was previously married to actress Resham Tipnis from 1993 to 2004. He shares two children, Aarav and Rishika, with Tipnis.

Saberwal has had a notable career in Indian television, featuring in shows like Shaka Laka Boom Boom, Woh Rehne Waali Mehlon Ki, Ishq Mein Marjawan, and of course, Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai. In 2021, she stepped away from acting in daily soaps to focus on lifestyle and health-related content creation and digital projects. Meanwhile, Seth, widely popular for his role as Vishambharnath in Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, has maintained a relatively low profile in recent years.