While 2017 was a great year for actor Piyush Sahdev professionally, it was quite the opposite on a personal front. While his performance as the psychotic Samay in Beyhadh, grabbed eyeballs and was appreciated very much, his ugly separation from wife Akangsha Rawat and his arrest in the rape case of a 23-year-old model, were all over the news. And now, almost a year and a half later, actress and Piyush’s estranged wife Akangsha Rawat has opened up about her ordeal to Mumbai Mirror. Piyush Sahdev, Shiney Ahuja and List of Other Bollywood & TV Celebrities Who Are Accused of Sexual Assault

Akangsha and Piyush tied the knot in 2012 and the former revealed that the harassment started soon after. She also went on to reveal that she tried her best to work out her marriage and that she and Piyush also took counselling session, but to no avail

Akangsha was quoted as saying, “After five years, I filed a case of domestic violence and harassment and another case of cheating (finance) and one of adultery. My parents and I were cheated of our money, he has also taken money from others. From 2014 to 2017, Piyush worked on and off because he was bedridden and out of work after a knee surgery and frequent slip disc attacks.” Opening up about how her health deteriorated, she revealed, “I tried to make the marriage work and it took its toll. I was once hospitalised for panic attacks due to all the stress. Both of us went for counselling in Bandra family court but things didn’t improve.” Teachers Day Special: When TV Stars Devoleena Bhattacharjee, Kunal Jaisingh and Piyush Sahdev Remembered Their Gurus

While professionally Akangsha made her comeback with Star Bharat’s RadhaKrishn, the actress is putting on a strong face personally. After initiating her divorce proceedings, Piyush was arrested on charges of raping a 23-year-old model and the lady was bombarded with questions about her husband’s conduct. And around the same time, the actress’ mother fell ill and eventually passed away last year.

Said Akangsha, “My mom passed away in 2018 just when I returned to work. To date, I haven’t cried for her. I will not rest till I get justice. It was mom’s last wish too that I should not run away from my karma. I guess she knew that only if I fought would I gain courage in the true sense.” The actress also told the tabloid that she was adviced by many people to drop the court cases and start afresh post her TV comeback, but she refused. “But I refused. What kind of message would I give if I took the easy way out? My work and my legal battle is the only focus I have in life, I have no time for, or space in my life for love right now.” The paper also got in touch with Piyush Sahdev for his side of the story. But stating that the matter was still in court, the actor refused to comment, but said, “The cases are in the court and the matter is sub-judice. The truth will come out very soon. Even I can put a hundred allegations on her but I will let the court decide.”

Akangsha has been a part of shows like Solah Singaarr and Palampur Express and Piyush, has amassed critical acclaim for his negative portrayals in shows like Beyhadh and Ishq Subhan Allah.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 29, 2019 08:58 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).