Archana Puran Singh and Parmeet Sethi open up about their parenthood journey; son Aaryamann says, “I have had the worst depression, won’t wish it on anyone”

Archana Puran Singh recently shared a YouTube video where she spoke about her parenthood journey with Parmeet Sethi and their sons, Aaryamann and Ayushmaan. They discussed personal struggles, childhood, depression, and more. Aaryamann also opened up about his injury and trauma. Here’s what they revealed:

Aaryamann shared, “The tough part was leaving home. I decided I wanted to play football in England, and you guys made it happen. I left home at 14. I stayed there for three weeks and just as I settled in, I broke my leg. It became very difficult. I came back to India, was hospitalized, got crutches, and had surgery.”

Ayushmaan said, “Until I was about 14, Dad was very strict. Mom was strict about beliefs, rules, and ethics. She was clear that being a good human being matters. Once, when I was young, I stole a small toffee from a shop. Mom made me return it.”

Speaking about his struggles, Aaryamann added, “I experienced racism, but I didn’t care because you made me confident. Once someone said, ‘Did you come on a donkey to train?’ I replied, ‘Yes, the donkey has a Mercedes sign. What will you do about it?’ As my dream faded, I fell into depression. I still deal with it. I had panic and anxiety attacks; my hands would shake. There were times I wouldn’t leave my room all day. London was tough. Reassurance doesn’t help in depression — spending time does, and you all did that. Mom has been the most supportive.”

Aaryamann said, “I went back the next year. It was 10th standard, so I had to focus on studies too. I wasn’t playing properly because I was still recovering. While others were growing stronger, I felt like I was going backwards. It wasn’t one moment it was a slow realization that my dream was breaking. Because of the stress, I developed eczema. I cried a lot, even on the pitch. People would look at me and think, ‘How did he come here?’ But before the injury, I played very well.”

Ayushmaan added, “She told me if I ever stole again, she would never forgive me. That stayed with me. She instilled strong values. Dad focused on hard work. He would say football or anything is 99 percent hard work and 1 percent talent. I wasn’t the most talented, but he pushed me to work harder than everyone else.”

Archana said, “The taboo is gone now. Earlier, people thought going to a mental doctor meant you were crazy. That’s not true. You benefit from therapy. Everyone can. Whatever your problem is big or small you will get help. Even a little help makes a difference.”