Television actor Erica Fernandes recently shared her painful experience of being in a physically abusive relationship. In a candid conversation on Shardul Pandit’s podcast, she spoke about how the trauma of her past resurfaced while watching Shaheer Sheikh and Kriti Sanon’s film Do Patti.
Reflecting on her past, Erica revealed that the relationship reached a point where physical violence became a harsh reality. She recalled, “I have gone through a very violent relationship. It was physically abusive as well.” Despite the severity of the situation, Erica chose not to report it at the time. She explained how being an actor complicated the decision, fearing media scrutiny and a possible trial by the public.
She expressed her doubts about seeking legal help, admitting that she had little faith in the system. “If you go to the police, it’ll be all over the media, leading to a media trial. I don’t trust the judicial system that much,” she said, emphasizing her hesitation.
Erica also highlighted the stigma faced by women who speak out about abuse, particularly when they choose to break their silence after years. She explained how people often question the timing of the revelations. “This is why women don’t speak out. They get targeted and questioned: ‘Why did you stay silent all this time?’” she remarked, shedding light on the harsh judgment survivors endure.
The trauma she experienced left lasting emotional scars. Watching portrayals of abuse on screen often brought back painful memories. Do Patti in particular had a significant impact on her. She described the emotional toll it took, stating, “When I watched Do Patti, it took me back to those days. This is the first time I’m speaking about it.”
Erica further shared how she dealt with the trauma alone, struggling to cope. “To deal with it was a different thing. Main khud hi apne aap se deal kar rahi thi, apne situation se. Main kaise is cheez ko or apne aap ko handle karu,” she said, recalling her efforts to find strength during her healing process.
Confiding in a few trusted individuals helped her endure the difficult times. She said, “I spoke to a few people who knew about it, the moment it happened.” Despite the support, the memories lingered, resurfacing during triggering moments. “That incident left a scar on me and at times, when I see films where there is physical abuse, a man abusing a woman, I get flashes of those,” she shared, emphasizing the lasting impact of the trauma.
Although years have passed, Erica acknowledged that healing has been a long journey. She expressed how it took considerable time to find the courage to open up about her experiences. “It took me a couple of years to come out of it and talk about it,” she said, marking the conversation as a significant step in her healing process.
On the professional front, Erica was last seen in the short film The Haunting. Since then, she has maintained a low profile, residing in Dubai. Her fans, who admire her strength and resilience, continue to support her as she embarks on her next chapter, both personally and professionally.