Kumar Sanu, one of the most loved playback singers of Bollywood, has been a household name for over four decades. With his melodious voice, he defined the sound of the 1990s and gave timeless hits that continue to be cherished by generations. Behind the music, however, his personal life has often drawn attention and now the singer finds himself in the spotlight once again but this time for deeply personal reasons.
The 67 years old singer has sent a legal notice to his ex-wife Rita Bhattacharya after she made fresh allegations against him. Rita claimed that Kumar Sanu and his family deprived her of food and basic needs during her third pregnancy, accusations that the singer has firmly denied.
His lawyer, Sana Raees Khan, released a strong statement defending him, noting that while hurtful lies may gain attention, they cannot overshadow a lifetime of music and memories that Kumar Sanu has given to his fans. She emphasised that any attempts to malign his dignity, legacy or family honour would be met with full legal action.
Rita, however, has stood by her allegations. In a recent interview, she spoke of struggles during her marriage, alleging that her children were denied essentials like milk and medical care. She recalled how, during their divorce, she was left with almost nothing and had to sell her jewellery to survive. She also brought up the traumatic experience of the 2005 Mumbai floods, when her sons Zico and Jaan went missing for hours. According to Rita, even then Kumar Sanu showed no concern for their well-being.
Their story goes back decades. Kumar Sanu and Rita got married in 1980, before his rise to fame. Their marriage, however, was troubled and ended in divorce in 1994. During that period, Kumar Sanu was also linked to actress Kunickaa Sadanand and later in 2001, he married Saloni Bhattacharya, with whom he has two daughters.
For now, the dispute between Kumar Sanu and Rita has shifted to the legal front, with both sides holding their ground. While Rita recalls pain and hardships from the past, Kumar Sanu seeks to protect his reputation as an artist and a father.
What is your take on this matter? Share your views with us.