Pune/Mumbai: Former Miss India Earth 2019 winner Sayali Surve has said she has returned to Hinduism after alleging prolonged harassment during her marriage to businessman Aatif Tase. Now living in Pimpri-Chinchwad, she underwent a purification ritual and changed her name to Aadya Surve.
Surve, born in Mumbai and raised in Pune, holds a master’s degree in aviation, according to her profile on the Mrs India Earth website. She married Tase, a businessman from Mira-Bhayandar, in 2019 despite reported opposition from her family.
Following the marriage, Surve converted to Islam and was renamed Ateja Tase. However, she later described the period after the wedding as deeply painful, alleging harassment and claiming that she had been forced to convert. Speaking to the media, she said marrying Tase was the biggest mistake of her life and that the difficulties began soon after the wedding.
She said she approached the police several times seeking help but felt she did not receive meaningful support. As the situation worsened, Surve said she felt increasingly isolated and distressed.
After months of what she described as mental and emotional strain, she sought guidance from Hindutva organisations and decided to return to her original faith. A ceremony was organised in Pimpri-Chinchwad where rituals including a havan and chanting of mantras were performed as part of the reconversion process.
In an appeal to other women, Surve urged those facing similar situations not to suffer in silence. She said she remained in the marriage for many years mainly for the sake of her children, hoping they would grow up with both parents.
Surve said she eventually decided to leave when she felt the environment was no longer healthy for her children. She described the situation as a case of “love jihad” and said she had taken the decision earlier without fully understanding the consequences.
According to her, she had converted before the marriage as it was required for the nikah ceremony. Over time, she claimed the relationship became troubled and alleged that she faced verbal abuse and physical violence.
Surve said she tried for years to adjust and maintain the marriage, but eventually felt compelled to walk away for her own wellbeing and that of her children. She added that she has also changed her children’s names so they know the religion they belong to.
She said she has filed several FIRs and will soon record her statement. Because of safety concerns, she said she cannot travel to Mumbai, though police officials have assured her that arrangements would be made for her statement to be recorded in Pune.
During the interaction with media, Surve became emotional and said she has more details and evidence but prefers not to make personal attacks. She concluded by urging women facing abuse or coercion to seek help and speak up rather than continuing to endure such circumstances. (Agencies)
