Former actor dismisses ‘brainwashing’ claims, says leaving showbiz was her personal choice
January 17, 2026: Former actor Sana Khan, known for films like Toilet: Ek Prem Katha and her appearance on Bigg Boss 6, has once again spoken openly about her decision to quit the entertainment industry. In a recent conversation on Rashami Desai’s YouTube channel, Sana reflected on her 2020 exit from Bollywood and the speculation that followed, especially after her marriage to Mufti Anas Saiyad. She revealed that her wedding was kept extremely private and coincided with a deep personal transformation she was already undergoing.
Addressing claims that she was “brainwashed” into changing her lifestyle and adopting the hijab, Sana firmly rejected the narrative. She said her decisions were entirely self-driven and rooted in a search for inner peace rather than external influence. According to Sana, fame, money and status cannot replace mental calm, and her shift away from showbiz was a conscious choice aligned with her evolving beliefs and values.
Sana also spoke about how her earlier environment influenced her past decisions and why stepping away felt necessary for her well-being. Reflecting on her life before quitting films, she recalled a painful relationship that ended in allegations of abuse. In October 2020, Sana publicly announced her departure from Bollywood, saying she wanted to serve humanity and follow her faith. She married Anas a month later in a small ceremony in Surat, and the couple is now parents to two children, embracing a life far removed from the spotlight.