Sana Saeed Opens Up About Her Years-Long Battle With Bulimia: ‘I Thought I Was Completely Alone’

Mumbai: Actor Sana Saeed, best known for playing young Anjali in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, has spoken candidly about her years-long struggle with bulimia, revealing that she silently battled the eating disorder for years before understanding what she was experiencing.

In a recent interview, the actor reflected on how body image pressures, societal expectations and a lack of awareness delayed her recovery, while emphasizing the importance of seeking help and speaking openly about mental and physical health.

‘I Didn’t Even Know What I Was Going Through’

Sana recalled that when she first moved to Los Angeles in 2016 to study acting and filmmaking, she sensed something in her life needed to change, even though she could not yet identify the emotional and health challenges she was facing.

According to the actor, she spent nearly six years believing her unhealthy relationship with food was simply a personal habit rather than a medical condition.

She said the lack of understanding left her carrying deep feelings of shame and isolation.

Eventually, she discovered a recovery-focused book that introduced her to the term bulimia, helping her recognize what she had been experiencing.

Sana said that moment marked the beginning of her recovery, which she described as a process that took approximately four years.

Why She Decided to Share Her Story

Now fully recovered, Sana said she chose to speak publicly because she hopes her experience will encourage others facing similar struggles to seek support.

She explained that if sharing her journey helps even one person feel less isolated, the vulnerability of discussing such a personal chapter is worthwhile.

The actor also believes she may have recovered sooner had she understood earlier that she was dealing with a recognized eating disorder rather than a personal failing.

Pressure to Be Thin Shaped Her Relationship With Food

Sana reflected on growing up during an era when being extremely thin was widely celebrated.

She described a culture in which dieting, rapid weight loss and appearance were often prioritized over overall health and well-being.

According to the actor, conversations about balanced nutrition, long-term health and building physical strength were largely absent, while compliments were frequently tied to weight loss.

She added that working in the entertainment industry intensified those pressures because appearance is constantly scrutinized.

A New Chapter in Los Angeles

After relocating permanently to Los Angeles in 2021, Sana began building a new personal and professional life.

She now runs Beyond Magic Studios, a production company she founded with her husband, Csaba Wagner.

Sana described her husband as both her life partner and creative collaborator, saying they share a commitment to pursuing meaningful projects and embracing new opportunities.

Looking Toward the Future

Sana also shared that thoughts about marriage and future parenthood became powerful motivations during her recovery.

She said she wanted to develop a healthy relationship with food before entering the next stage of her life and hoped to avoid passing unhealthy attitudes about body image on to future generations.

For her, recovery became not only a personal goal but also an investment in the future she wanted to build.

Who Is Sana Saeed?

Sana Saeed began her acting career as a child artist and became widely known for portraying Anjali, the daughter of Shah Rukh Khan’s character in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998).

She later appeared in films including:

• Student of the Year (2012)
• Har Dil Jo Pyar Karega (2000)
• Badal (2000)

Her television work includes:

• Babul Ka Aangann Chootey Na
• Lo Ho Gayi Pooja Iss Ghar Ki

She has also participated in reality shows such as:

• Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 6
• Nach Baliye 7
• Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi 7

Understanding Bulimia

Bulimia nervosa is a recognized eating disorder characterized by repeated episodes of binge eating followed by behaviors intended to prevent weight gain, such as self-induced vomiting, misuse of laxatives or excessive exercise.

Common warning signs may include:

• Frequent binge eating followed by purging
• Intense concern about body weight or appearance
• Excessive dieting or exercise
• Swollen salivary glands or cheeks
• Dental erosion caused by repeated vomiting
• Fatigue and dehydration
• Electrolyte imbalances

If left untreated, bulimia can lead to serious complications affecting the heart, kidneys, digestive system and overall physical and mental health.

Health experts recommend seeking professional medical and mental health support if symptoms are present.