Archana Puran Singh recalls husband Parmeet Sethi’s tough years after his business shut down. She became the sole breadwinner. Did she ever resent him?

Archana Puran Singh and Parmeet Sethi are often seen today as one of the most stable and warm couples in the entertainment industry. With decades of marriage behind them, their easy banter and friendship stand out. But as the couple recently revealed, their journey together was not always smooth. Behind the smiles were years of uncertainty, financial stress and emotional adjustment that tested their relationship in its early phase.

In their YouTube series Pyaar Dosti Hai, Archana and Parmeet have been opening up about their marriage with rare honesty. The show gives viewers a glimpse into how two very different individuals learned to grow together while navigating love, careers, money and personal insecurities.

Archana opens up about Parmeet's business

In one episode, the couple spoke at length about a difficult period when Parmeet’s business collapsed, and Archana became the sole earning member of the family. Despite a seven-year age gap, Archana and Parmeet chose to marry secretly at a time when their careers were moving in opposite directions. Archana was already a familiar face on television and in films, while Parmeet was still finding his footing.


Soon after their marriage, Parmeet ventured into an export garment business, which initially showed promise. However, things took a sudden turn when international orders were abruptly cancelled, leading to the business shutting down almost overnight.


Recalling that phase, Parmeet shared that the loss left him shattered. He remembered calling Archana from a public phone booth, overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. According to him, Archana’s response was simple but powerful, she asked him to come back home. That support, he said, helped him survive one of the lowest points of his life.

Archana, on her part, explained that at the time, she did not immediately see Parmeet’s lack of income as a failure. She believed that if one partner was earning, the household would still run. She also spoke about how she had always challenged traditional ideas of patriarchy and did not think financial responsibility had to fall on the man alone.

Did she ever resent Parmeet not earning?

However, Archana admitted that emotions were not always that straightforward. Over time, being the sole breadwinner did create moments of resentment. She revealed that it became difficult when Parmeet, despite not earning then, wanted to spend freely or enjoy expensive outings. There were moments when she felt he should take on the role of a provider, even if she did not say it out loud.

Parmeet later talked about this behaviour, connecting it to his childhood. He shared that he grew up in a financially strained household and never had luxuries growing up, not even toys or regular pocket money. Studying in a school where classmates came from wealthy families only deepened his desire for a better life. He said that hunger for comfort and stability stayed with him into adulthood.


Archana also spoke about her own past, revealing that she entered the industry after a painful breakup at a young age. Coming from a background where patriarchy was deeply ingrained, she felt driven to prove herself and become financially independent.

The couple eventually found balance, understanding and mutual respect. Their story, as shared on Pyaar Dosti Hai, states that long-lasting relationships are built not just on love, but also patience, empathy and honest conversations through difficult times.