Malayalam actor Bhagat Manuel has opened up about his struggles with alcoholism following his divorce, revealing that he felt he had reached the brink of death. In a candid interview, he shared how friends played a crucial role in helping him overcome his addiction during one of the darkest periods of his life.
Bhagat, who was previously married to Dalia, welcomed their son in 2017. However, as differences arose between the couple, they decided to part ways. In 2019, he remarried Zumba trainer Shellyn Cherin and currently expresses happiness in his second marriage. Reflecting on his first marriage, Bhagat stated, “We never imagined we would get divorced. I couldn’t digest the breakdown of our relationship, which led me to start drinking.”
Taking responsibility for his son, Bhagat described how, during the tough times, he felt isolated while friends assumed he was busy with his life. “I was sitting alone and drinking, feeling like life was slipping away from my hands. I even wished for death,” he admitted. It was his friends who recognized his distress and supported him for eight consecutive months, ensuring he was never alone during this challenging phase.
Bhagat’s journey through the film industry has not been without its obstacles. He recalled the difficulties faced during the pandemic when his mother’s health deteriorated, leading to financial struggles. He credited his friends for helping his mother survive through that tough period. “Now, I don’t even have a car; I travel to shoots in an auto or bus,” he said, reflecting on the changes in his life.
The actor, known for his roles in films like “Mararwadi Arts Club,” “Masters,” “Ustad Hotel,” “Aadu 2,” “Goodalochana,” “Mandaram,” “Uyaare,” “Phoenix,” and “Get Set Baby,” is now focused on rebuilding his life and career. Bhagat expressed gratitude for the support of his current wife, who has stood by him through thick and thin.
As he moves forward, Bhagat Manuel hopes to inspire others facing similar struggles, emphasizing the importance of friendship and support in overcoming life’s challenges. His story is a poignant reminder that recovery is possible and that the strength to rebuild one’s life can often come from the connections we nurture with others.
