After keeping a low profile for a year, Sidharth Sagar is back where he belongs. However, returning to the fold wasn’t as easy as one assumes. The comedian, who has had a history of substance abuse, hit rock bottom before he managed to overcome his addiction. He shares, “I have been clean for the past year. What many people don’t understand is that addiction is a disease. By God’s grace, I have learnt to curb the urge now. During that dark phase in my life, I committed many mistakes, but I look at it as my learning period. I may have had hordes of friends earlier, but after this phase, I have been left with just four. Now, what else other than life can teach me to find good people from opportunists? Life is the greatest teacher. Isn’t it? (smiles)”
A few years ago, Siddharth was in the news when he went missing for a while and later for his troubled relationship with his parents, especially his mother, Alka Sagar. In 2017, the comedian accused his mother of siphoning off money from his bank accounts and forcefully keeping him in rehab. But today he is happy to have been reunited with his family. He says, “I was not in a good state at that time. I wanted to be alone, and that pushed me into further darkness. I had stopped eating, and sleeping and my weight plummeted to 40 kilos. Things spiralled out of control when I relapsed in September last year. That phase was life-threatening. A few close friends informed my mother and she took charge of the situation, and slowly I returned to normalcy. I had left my mother, but she never left me. She healed me physically and mentally. My mother is the only reason I am alive today. It’s her love, care, and prayers that have helped me in my battle against addiction.”
Despite going through a rough patch, Sidharth has no regrets. He says, “I was destined to face these adversities. I have lost many things in life… almost everything, but what I have gained is priceless. I value the experience because it has made me stronger and more resolute.” he concludes.
Today, he is in a happy space and is currently seen portraying various characters in The Kapil Sharma Show. He joined the show soon after the news of Krushna Abhishek quitting it surfaced. Talking about his latest stint on TV, he says, “Krushna is a great artiste. He is like an elder brother to me, and I love his work. Krushna called me after my first episode to wish me luck. I try not to get bogged down by expectations. I believe in putting my best foot forward in every act. The feedback has been encouraging and positive.”
