How divorce went from a big taboo to normality for Bollywood stars
By Asjad NazirApr 05, 2024
FOR many decades, divorce was such a taboo in Bollywood that many couples remained unhappily married – but that has all changed in spectacular fashion in the past 15 years.
Asha Bhosle and RD Burman
With actress Esha Deol recently separating from her husband of 11 years, Bharat Takhtani, Eastern Eye decided to dive into the fascinating history of Bollywood divorces and separations.
At one stage, divorce wasn’t legally an option, only permissible under very limited circumstances. In the 1930s, married actress Devika Rani had eloped with costar Najm-Ul-Hassan, but had to reluctantly return to her producer husband, Himansu Rai, because it was impossible for women in India to divorce their husbands, even in abusive relationships. She was only able to officially exit the marriage after Rai passed away in 1940.
In subsequent decades, there were many cases of deeply unhappy stars trapped in loveless or abusive marriages because divorce was not socially acceptable or legally viable.
In the 1950s, Bollywood icons Raj Kapoor and Nargis were deeply in love, but their relationship ended because he was unwilling to divorce his wife.
A similar story unfolded with legendary stars Guru Dutt and Waheeda Rehman, and it was the same with Ashok Kumar and Nalini Jaywant. In both cases, the married actors were not willing or able to divorce their respective spouses.
In 1952, a teenage Meena Kumari tied the knot with the much older filmmaker Kamal Amrohi.
By the 1960s, she walked out of her deeply abusive marriage, which included widely reported physical abuse. Despite having a series of high-profile relationships with co-stars, including Dharmendra, she never formally divorced. Even though some claimed the couple had undergone an Islamic ‘triple talaq’ separation, she remained legally married to him until her premature death in 1972.
Esha Deol and Bharat Takhtani
When iconic Bollywood beauty Zeenat Aman married failed actor Mazhar Khan in 1985, she also found herself in an abusive marriage, but stayed with him until his death in 1998. She famously said, “During the very first year of marriage, I realised I had made a huge mistake, but decided to live by it and make it work. I tried to make it work for another 12 years. There was no light at the end of the tunnel for me. There was not a single moment of happiness or joy during those 12 years. But I still tried making it work.”
Other leading ladies who bravely walked out of their respective marriages did not get officially divorced.
Popular actress Babita left her husband Randhir Kapoor, with her daughters Karisma and Kareena Kapoor, but the celebrity couple remained legally married. Randhir said, “Divorce for what? Why should we head for divorce? I don’t intend to get married again, and nor does she.” The couple would reunite years later, after living separately.
There were many cases of leading men reportedly cheating on their spouses and getting caught, but not divorcing, with Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan being the most famous.
Kamal Amrohi and Meena Kumari
But all that has changed in recent years, with perhaps more celebrity divorces in Hindi cinema than ever before.
Actors and actresses who have divorced during that time include Hrithik Roshan, Farhan Akhtar, Arbaaz Khan, Sohail Khan, Arjun Rampal, Dia Mirza, Imran Khan, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Mahima Chaudhry, Konkona Sen Sharma, Isha Koppikar and Manisha Koirala.
Karisma Kapoor, who had previously had a broken engagement with Abhishek Bachchan, divorced her husband Sunjay Kapur in 2016 after 13 years.
Director Anurag Kashyap divorced actress Kalki Koechlin in 2015.
Meanwhile, Aamir Khan divorced his second wife, filmmaker Kiran Rao, in 2021, after 15 years of marriage.
In 2023, Rani Mukerji tried to explain the rise in divorces in Indian society and suggested that her 2006 film, Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna, which revolved around an extramarital affair leading to separations, may have played a part.
“I think what happened with Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna was that, after the film (was released), there were a lot of divorces. There were a lot of people going to the theatre and watching the film in extreme discomfort. And I think that is the feedback Karan got for his film, and I think it opened the eyes of a lot of people and they took the decision of being happy,” she said.
Hrithik Roshan and Sussanne Khan
Meanwhile, actresses like Kareena Kapoor Khan, Shilpa Shetty, Raveena Tandon, Bipasha Basu and Rani Mukerji married divorced men, which previously would have been unheard of.
The latest star to divorce is Esha Deol. The actress married businessman Bharat Takhtani in 2012 and put a pause on her career to devote herself to family life.
But now, after having two children together, the two of them have separated.
Ironically, when Esha’s legendary actress mother Hema Malini married her superstar father Dharmendra, he didn’t officially divorce his first wife.
Their marriage in 1980 still remains mired in mystery and controversy because getting married twice without a divorce is illegal in India.
Legend has it that Dharmendra had converted to Islam for the marriage to be legalised because Muslim men are permitted to marry more than once, but both have denied the accusation.
Esha’s elder half-brother Sunny Deol has reportedly been estranged from his wife for decades, but never officially divorced. Sunny has famously been in a relationship with Dimple Kapadia for decades, and she remained legally married to Rajesh Khanna until his death in 2012, some 30 years after they had separated.
Randhir and Babita Kapoor
Asha Bhosle recently questioned why there were so many divorces and revealed that after her first marriage broke down, she didn’t file for divorce.
She said, “I am a 90-year-old woman. I got married, had three kids. I’d take the kids to my mother’s house when things became difficult in my marriage, but I never filed for divorce. But nowadays, every month I hear about divorces. Why is this happening?”
The legendary singer remained married to the much older Ganpatrao Bhosle until he died despite the separation and then later married for a second time to music director RD Burman.
He had married a fan (Rita Patel) in 1966 and took the rare step of divorcing her five years later before eventually marrying Bhosle in 1980.
The rise in divorces has shown that Hindi cinema stars now have the freedom not afforded to previous generations and are perhaps inspiring others to leave unhappy marriages, which means more separations are likely on the way.
Actress Neena Gupta tried to sum it up when she said, “Today, young girls are financially independent and thus won’t take anything from a man. This is why divorces are happening. Earlier they had no option but to silently suffer.”
A London street has been turned into Privet Drive for the new Harry Potter series
Locals in Upminster say they were not told filming was for the HBO remake
Some residents fear being “bombarded with wizards” while others are thrilled
Cast includes Arabella Stanton, Dominic McLaughlin and Alastair Stout
A quiet street in east London has been transformed into Privet Drive for the new Harry Potter series, but locals are unhappy they were not properly informed about the filming. Springfield Gardens in Upminster, chosen to double as the boy wizard’s childhood home, has left neighbours divided, with some welcoming the attention while others worry they will be “bombarded with wizards.” The HBO production, part of a major reboot, has already brought cameras, drones and fans to the area.
The new Harry Potter series stars Arabella Stanton, Dominic McLaughlin and Alastair Stout Instagram/harrypotterhbonotofficial
Why is Harry Potter filming in London’s Upminster?
The new Harry Potter series, commissioned by HBO, is reimagining J.K. Rowling’s story for television. Springfield Gardens, a 1930s Tudor-style street in Upminster, was selected to represent Privet Drive, where Harry spent his early years with the Dursleys.
Filming began in June, with drone shots and cameras set up across the residential area. While residents received letters about filming, many say they were not told it was for Harry Potter, which has fuelled frustration given the global scale of the franchise.
What have residents said about the Harry Potter filming?
Local mother Katie, 42, said she was shocked to discover her home featured on Harry Potter fan pages without her consent. “We just saw some cameras outside, they never said what it was for. We are going to get bombarded with wizards,” she told the Telegraph.
Her husband Wayne added that he only realised their house was being used after work colleagues showed him press coverage. “Some guys from my work were like ‘look, they have picked the new Harry Potter house’ and it was my home. At no point did they say it was Harry Potter, so it was a bit of a shock,” he said.
Some neighbours, however, welcomed the project. Sue Baldwin, 63, a self-confessed superfan, said: “I am Harry Potter mad. We love to go to Disneyland to see all the Harry Potter stuff. My grandkids love the films so when I called my daughter to tell her, she thought it was amazing.”
The Harry Potter reboot becomes the most expensive TV show ever Amazon
Who stars in the new Harry Potter series?
The television reboot has introduced a new cast to play the beloved trio. Arabella Stanton takes on the role of Hermione Granger, Dominic McLaughlin will play Harry Potter, and Alastair Stout has been cast as Ron Weasley.
British actor Nick Frost has also been spotted during filming, transformed into Hagrid. The production is expected to run for several years, with each season covering one book from the seven-part saga.
How are residents preparing for Harry Potter fans?
Since the news broke, fans have already started visiting Springfield Gardens to take photos outside the houses. Some residents have joked about selling Harry Potter merchandise, while others worry about safety and privacy as crowds grow.
One father living on the street said: “We have already had people outside after dark when we have two young kids, which is very strange. I think it is a mixed bag, some people are excited, and some are concerned.”
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Farhan Akhtar confirms Jee Le Zaraa is not shelved but cast uncertain
Farhan Akhtar says Jee Le Zaraa has been delayed but not shelved
Significant work including music and location scouting already completed
Director cannot confirm if Alia Bhatt, Priyanka Chopra and Katrina Kaif remain attached
Project first announced in 2021 as a female-led road trip film
Filmmaker-actor Farhan Akhtar has clarified that his highly anticipated film Jee Le Zaraa has not been shelved. Speaking about the much-discussed project, Akhtar said the film is simply “on the back burner” due to scheduling conflicts. The clarification comes after years of speculation that the all-female road trip film, originally announced with Priyanka Chopra, Katrina Kaif and Alia Bhatt, might have been abandoned.
Farhan Akhtar confirms Jee Le Zaraa is not shelved but cast uncertain Instagram/priyankachopra
Is Jee Le Zaraa cancelled?
During an interview, Akhtar addressed whether the film had been dropped altogether. He said:
“I would hate to say that it’s shelved. What I will say is that it’s put on a back burner. It is a film that will happen. I don’t know when it will be. But it’s too delicious a script.”
He added that extensive pre-production work, including location scouting and music recording, had already been completed, confirming that the creative groundwork for the film is in place.
When asked about the previously announced cast, Akhtar admitted that he could no longer comment. “I can’t comment on the cast on that anymore,” he said, hinting that the lineup featuring Chopra, Kaif and Bhatt may not be final. The uncertainty around casting has been one of the biggest reasons behind the prolonged delay.
Industry reports previously suggested that the global work commitments of Chopra and the packed schedules of Kaif and Bhatt created significant challenges in aligning dates for the shoot.
The delay has been attributed primarily to calendar clashes. In an earlier interview, Akhtar explained that conflicting schedules were the main hurdle, especially after the Hollywood actors’ strike disrupted Chopra’s availability. “We just have issues with dates,” he said, adding that the film seems to have “a destiny of its own.”
Since then, speculation has grown over whether the trio of stars originally attached will still be part of the project, but Akhtar’s recent remarks confirm that while the cast may be uncertain, the film itself remains in motion.
Fans await clarity on whether Priyanka Chopra, Alia Bhatt and Katrina Kaif will reunite on screen in Jee Le ZaraaGetty Images
What is Jee Le Zaraa about?
Jee Le Zaraa was announced in 2021 to mark the 20th anniversary of Akhtar’s debut film Dil Chahta Hai. It was promoted as a female-led road trip drama, echoing the friendship themes of Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara. The script has been co-written by Akhtar, Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti, with production under Excel Entertainment and Tiger Baby Films.
When it was first revealed, Chopra described the film as “a celebration of sisterhood and friendship,” sharing that the idea emerged from her desire to create a Hindi film headlined by three women. The initial announcement, featuring Chopra, Kaif and Bhatt together, created huge excitement among fans.
While Jee Le Zaraa remains on hold, Akhtar is currently focusing on Don 3, which will star Ranveer Singh. The film is expected to begin production once Singh completes his current projects.
Akhtar is also preparing for the release of 120 Bahadur, a war drama in which he plays Major Shaitan Singh Bhati, who led Indian troops at the Battle of Rezang La in 1962. The film is slated for release on 21 November.
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Fifth Harmony reunite on stage in Dallas after seven years
Normani, Ally Brooke, Dinah Jane and Lauren Jauregui perform together in Dallas
Surprise appearance happened during Jonas Brothers’ concert stop in Texas
Group’s social media accounts updated with new logo and merchandise
Camila Cabello absent as she continues solo tour in Australia
US pop group Fifth Harmony’s reunion has sent fans into a frenzy after the chart-topping girl band returned to the stage for the first time in seven years. Their surprise appearance at a Jonas Brothers concert in Dallas on Sunday, 31 August, also came with new merchandise and updated social media branding, signalling that the quartet may be preparing for a bigger comeback.
Fifth Harmony reunite on stage in Dallas after seven years Getty Images
What happened at the Fifth Harmony reunion performance?
Normani, Ally Brooke, Dinah Jane and Lauren Jauregui appeared at the Jonas Brothers’ Jonas20: Greetings from Your Hometown tour stop at Dos Equis Pavilion in Texas. Dressed in coordinated black outfits, they performed two of their best-known singles, Worth It and Work From Home.
The reunion marked the first time the group has performed together since their 2018 “indefinite hiatus.” The Jonas Brothers hugged the members on stage, and the official Fifth Harmony account later thanked them on X, writing: “Felt amazing to be back.”
Camila Cabello, who left the band in December 2016, did not take part in the reunion. On the same night as the Dallas concert, she was performing her own solo show in Sydney. Since her departure, Cabello has enjoyed major solo success with hits such as Havana and Señorita.
Her absence has not dampened the excitement among fans, but it suggests that the current reunion is focused on the four remaining members rather than a full five-piece comeback.
The Fifth Harmony reunion generated immediate buzz online. Earlier in the day, the group’s long-inactive X account posted “#FifthHarmonyFollowSpree,” its first update in over seven years. Their website was refreshed with new branding and merchandise featuring a redesigned logo, further fuelling speculation.
Fans expressed their excitement on social media, with one writing: “I CANNOT BELIEVE MY EYES FIFTH HARMONY IS BACK.” Others noted that the new activity hinted at more announcements, possibly a documentary or reunion tour, as reported by industry outlets earlier this year.
Although no official reunion tour or album has been announced, the Dallas performance, merchandise drop and social media updates strongly suggest future plans. Industry sources previously indicated that the four members were “in talks” for a documentary and possible live dates.
Since their X Factor USA debut in 2012, Fifth Harmony have sold millions of records worldwide and achieved international chart success with songs such as Worth It and Work From Home. Their 2015 debut album Reflection and 2016 follow-up *7/27* cemented them as one of the most successful girl groups of the 2010s.
— (@)
The Dallas concert has renewed that legacy, with particular growth in their back catalogue and spikes in streaming numbers reported after the show. For now, fans will be watching the group’s online updates closely to see if this one-off reunion grows into a long-term comeback.
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Heidi and Leni Klum pose together in co-ordinated Intimissimi gowns at the Venice Film Festival
Heidi Klum and daughter Leni walked the Venice Film Festival red carpet in matching corset-style gowns.
The supermodel opted for a blush pink silk design, while Leni wore an inky black version.
Both gowns were created by Italian lingerie brand Intimissimi, for which they are ambassadors.
The mother-daughter duo previously fronted a controversial campaign for the same brand.
Heidi Klum's Venice Film Festival appearances always generate headlines, but this year she doubled the impact by walking the red carpet with her daughter Leni. The pair stunned in co-ordinated gowns from Italian intimates brand Intimissimi, bringing high fashion and red carpet glamour together in one of the festival’s most talked-about moments. Their matching corset silhouettes highlighted the duo’s modelling credentials and added a striking family twist to the opening night of the prestigious event.
Heidi and Leni Klum pose together in co-ordinated Intimissimi gowns at the Venice Film Festival Instagram/heidiklum
What did Heidi Klum wear at the Venice Film Festival?
For the opening night on 27 August, Heidi Klum chose a blush pink silk gown featuring corseted boning, a plunging neckline and a sheer bodice. The dress also showcased a dramatic thigh-high slit and hip cut-out, adding a lingerie-inspired edge. She paired the look with diamond chokers and styled her hair in rocker-style waves with new bangs, completing a striking combination of Old Hollywood glamour and modern sensuality.
Arriving at the festival by boat, Heidi shared behind-the-scenes photographs on social media showing her preparation at her Venetian hotel. Her posts included affectionate moments with Leni, with the caption that she was “having the best time with my baby” at the festival.
At just 21, Leni Klum is following closely in her mother’s modelling footsteps. On the red carpet she mirrored Heidi’s gown in a bold black version, also by Intimissimi. The design featured the same sheer corsetry and plunging neckline but offered a slightly younger twist, with symmetrical hip cut-outs and strappy sandals.
Leni accessorised her look with an emerald and diamond necklace, contrasting the darker gown with a pop of colour. She wore her hair in soft waves, echoing her mother’s style while adding her own youthful touch. Together, the pair created a co-ordinated but distinctive appearance that quickly became one of the highlights of the Venice Film Festival’s first night.
Leni Klum mirrors her mother’s red carpet style in a striking black corset gown at VeniceInstagram/heidiklum
Why is the Heidi and Leni Klum appearance significant?
This Venice outing is not the first time the duo have collaborated with Intimissimi. In 2022, Heidi and Leni starred together in a lingerie campaign for the Italian brand, which received mixed reactions. Their latest red carpet moment is seen as an extension of that partnership, bringing the lingerie-inspired designs into a high-profile international film setting.
For Heidi, the event underlined her ongoing relevance in fashion, while for Leni it marked another high-profile step in her rising career. Their joint appearance shows the generational handover in the modelling world, with Leni carving her own identity while still closely linked to her mother’s legacy.
Which other stars were spotted at the Venice Film Festival?
The 82nd Venice Film Festival, which runs from 27 August to 6 September, attracted global stars to Italy’s most glamorous red carpet. Cate Blanchett, Tilda Swinton and Julia Roberts were also photographed arriving for premieres, with Roberts making headlines for her quirky cardigan covered in portraits of Italian director Luca Guadagnino.
The festival opened with the premiere of Paolo Sorrentino’s La Grazia, a drama exploring political and personal dilemmas in Italy. With its combination of star power, fashion statements and cinematic showcases, Venice once again affirmed its position as one of the world’s most influential cultural events.
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Ahaan Panday says years of blind optimism kept him going before Saiyaara
Ahaan Panday opens up on being ‘wronged’ before his Bollywood debut
Actor admits he spent years in ‘blind optimism’ waiting for launch
Saiyaara has become the highest-grossing love story in Indian cinema history
The Mohit Suri directorial collected £53 million (₹563 crore) worldwide
Bollywood newcomer Ahaan Panday has revealed that he felt “wronged” by people in the industry before finally making his long-awaited debut with Mohit Suri’s Saiyaara. The 27-year-old actor, who comes from the well-known Panday family, said he lived in “blind optimism” for four to five years as projects kept falling through. Despite setbacks, Ahaan maintained that he never became bitter and channelled his struggles into his performance.
Ahaan Panday says years of blind optimism kept him going before Saiyaara Instagram/ahaanpandayy
Why was Ahaan Panday’s debut delayed for so long?
Ahaan was initially expected to be launched much earlier under Yash Raj Films, but several projects were shelved before they could take off. Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter India, he admitted:
“Have I felt wronged by people? Yes, I have. It wouldn’t be right for me to get personal about that, but as an actor, that’s where you take inspiration from. I just kept putting myself into different things. The first four-five years, I was entirely delusional, and people around me could sense it.”
The actor revealed he worked as an assistant director on The Railway Men while waiting for his break, using the experience to keep his morale intact.
Ahaan Panday revealed he worked as an assistant director before landing his debut role Instagram/ahaanpandayy
Did personal struggles affect Ahaan Panday’s journey?
Alongside professional delays, Ahaan also dealt with a personal tragedy; the passing of his grandmother, whom he called his “backbone.” He said she was the only person who called him a hero every day at home and losing her left him shattered.
He recalled: “My confidence started to break after that. The only way I could deal with it was to keep working. To even be on a film set was a privilege. I was never bitter because millions dream of this opportunity.”
This resilience, he said, helped him stay focused until the right opportunity arrived.
How did Yash Raj Films and Mohit Suri shape his launch?
Eventually, YRF head Aditya Chopra reached out to Ahaan’s parents, assuring them he would be launched under the banner. That led to Saiyaara, directed by Mohit Suri and co-starring fellow newcomer Aneet Padda.
For Ahaan, joining YRF was also deeply personal. His grandmother, who nicknamed him “Raj,” had dreamed of him becoming a Yash Raj hero. “It was instinctive for me to say yes. I grew up on this cinema. My Hindu name is Yash, my sister’s name is Chandni, we were filmy YRF lovers. Somewhere, I did this for her,” he explained.
Released earlier this year, Saiyaara has become a record-breaking success. The romantic drama is now the highest-grossing film headlined by newcomers and the biggest love story in Indian cinema history.
The film has grossed an estimated £53 million (₹563 crore) worldwide, making it the second-highest-grossing Indian film of 2025 so far. Its success has firmly established Ahaan as one of Bollywood’s most promising new actors.
Though the actor has not announced his next project yet, industry watchers believe Ahaan’s grand debut has positioned him strongly for future big-ticket films. With Saiyaara breaking records and his candid reflections on the struggles behind the glamour, Ahaan has become a name audiences are eager to follow.