Madhur Jaffrey is an Indian-born British-American actress, author, and chef who has been married twice. Her first husband, with whom she shares 3 kids, is Saeed Jaffrey and they were married for about a decade before going their separate ways. Following her divorce from Saeed, the actress moved on with Sanford Allen in 1969 and he remains her husband to date.
Meet the Men Madhur Jaffrey Has Been Married to
Her First Husband, Saeed Jaffrey was an Actor
Madhur’s first husband, Saeed Jaffrey was a British-Indian actor who was born on January 8, 1929, and died on 15 November 2015, aged 86. He died in London after collapsing from a brain hemorrhage at his home.
Before his death, Saeed had a career in entertainment that covered film, radio, stage, and television for over six decades. Furthermore, because of his leading roles in works like The Jewel in the Crown (1984), Little Napoleons (1994), and Andoori Nights (1985–1987), he was regarded as Britain’s most famous Asian actor during the 1980s and 1990s.
Meanwhile, Saeed has said that he was 19 when he got married to Madhur Jaffrey who was 17. Their marriage was blessed with three kids, including Sakina Jaffrey, Zia Jaffrey, and Meera Jaffrey.
Unfortunately, the couple’s relationship began to nosedive after Saeed claimed Madhur was his exact opposite. He said as he grew up, he became fascinated by the British culture in colonial India. He also learned to speak English fluently, wore suits with grace, and developed impeccable etiquette. But Madhur grew to become his complete opposite and only wanted to be a typical housewife.
Furthermore, he maintained that Madhur’s fundamental nature could not be altered by any of his counsel or rebukes. She continued to be a wonderful and submissive housewife and he did not like that.
According to Saeed, the more he tried to change her, the more they drifted apart. Gradually, she moved from being a cheerful affectionate young lady into a quiet insecure woman.
Meanwhile, he later started getting attracted to a co-actor who he claimed had all that he wanted in a wife. The pair parted ways in 1966 and Madhur left with their 3 kids.
Saeed Jaffrey married Jennifer Sorrell in 1980
After he went separate ways with Madhur, Jaffrey decided to tie the knot with Jennifer Sorrell in 1980. According to him, his relationship with Sorell went well for about 6 to 7 months. After that, he started realizing, that his new wife was not so caring and affectionate. He also claimed that Sorell was only concerned about her beauty, her ambitions, her wants, and desires.
Jaffrey further claimed that sometimes he missed Madhur’s care and concern for his welfare.
He said he later came across an article about his ex-wife and how she had become famous. But by that time, she had already remarried and changed her maiden name.
Jaffrey said he tried to reconnect with his ex-wife but she refused to see him. However, his kids granted him an audience and told him that their mother’s new husband, who is now their legal father knows the meaning of true love.
Sakina, Madhur Jaffrey’s last daughter with Saeed is also an actress
Sakina is the most famous of all Madhur Jaffrey’s children. She was born in New York City, on February 14, 1962. Her parents divorced when she was just three years old.
When she turned 17, Sakina made her professional acting debut in the play Marie and Bruce by Wallace Shawn at the Public Theatre in New York City. She also appeared with her father in the film Masala (1991) and with her mother in The Perfect Murder (1988). She has also been featured in several movies and TV series.
Sakina is married to Francis Wilkinson and the pair share two kids; Cassius and Jamila.
Madhur Remarried Sanford Allen in 1969
After her first marriage failed, Madhur Jaffrey moved on with Sanford Allen in 1969 and the pair have remained an item ever since.
Meanwhile, Sanford Allen is a talented American violinist. He began playing the instrument at a young age and became the first African-American regular member of the Lewisohn Stadium Concerts Orchestra.
Additionally, he joined the New York Philharmonic as the first African-American violinist on a full-time basis. Following his departure from the Philharmonic in 1977, Allen went on to work as a soloist, educator, and consultant in the arts. In addition, he did a lot of work in cinema music recording.
SEE ALSO: Eva Marie Saint Husband And Kids: Where Is She Today?
At 91, Madhur Jaffrey maintains her career as an actress, writer, and professional cook
In addition to acting, Jaffrey is a writer who has written several cookbooks on Indian and South Asian cuisines.
Some of her recent screen works are Pantheon (2022), Mira, Royal Detective (2020-2022), and And Just Like That… (2022).
She is recognized for bringing Indian cuisine to the Western Hemisphere with her debut cookbook, An Invitation to Indian Cooking (1973). Moreover, she has written over a dozen cookbooks and has appeared on several related television programs. Moreover, in 1986, she opened her restaurant, ‘Dawat’ in New York City and the restaurant runs to date.
Madhur resides in Manhattan, New York.
