Kumar Sanu Files Defamation Suit Against Ex-Wife, Rita Bhattacharya, Seeking Rs. 30 Lakh In Damages

Kumar Sanu is one of the most legendary singers of the 90s. With a huge discography featuring hit songs like Yeh Bandhan Toh, Maine Apna Dil De Diya, Tu Kon Hai Tera Naam Kya, and more, the singer is known to often catch the media's and the audience's attention. In recent news, however, he has found himself in the headlines not because of his songs but rather for a defamation suit that he filed against his ex-wife, Rita Bhattacharya, in the Bombay High Court, reportedly seeking a whopping Rs. 30 lakh in damages.  

Bollywood singer, Kumar Sanu takes legal action against his ex-wife 

For those unversed, veteran playback singer Kumar Sanu married his ex-wife, Rita Bhattacharya, in the late 1980s. Their marital bliss did not last long, and they got divorced in 2001. During their time together, the couple had three sons, including one named, Jaan Kumar Sanu, whom you might recognise as a participant in Season 14 of the hit reality show, Bigg Boss. Now, almost two decades after the couple's divorce was finalised, Kumar Sanu has reportedly sued Rita for defamatory content against him, seeking up to Rs. 30 lakh in damages.  

According to the petition filed by the singer, Rita gave several interviews in which she allegedly made various not-so-nice allegations against her former husband. As per The Hindu, Rita reportedly claimed that while she was pregnant with her son, Kumar Sanu starved her. Not only this, to make matters worse, he also allegedly locked the kitchen, denied her milk and medical care, which are all essential for an expecting mother.  

Adding to her claims, she said that Kumar Sanu mainly focused on his legal battles during her pregnancy, and later, he also had multiple extramarital affairs, which led him to neglect his family. In September 2025, these interviews, which Rita gave to Viral Bhayani and Film Window, circulated widely on social media and garnered a lot of public attention.  

Rita Bhattacharya's statements reportedly violated the divorce agreement with Kumar Sanu  

According to reports, Kumar Sanu's petition against his ex-wife, Rita Bhattacharya, states that her remarks violate the terms they previously agreed upon. These consent terms were allegedly recorded during their divorce at the Bandra Family Court, which took place way back on February 9, 2001. If what Kumar Sanu is claiming is true, then among the clauses in their agreement, there is one clause in particular that specifies that neither party involved in the divorce would make any allegations against the other in the future.  

The recent petition also argues that Rita's statements have not only caused reputational harm to the renowned singer but also a whole lot of mental distress. Taking all of this into account, Kumar Sanu sent a legal notice to both his former wife and the media outlets on September 27, 2025, warning of criminal prosecution if the interviews were not removed. The notice stated: 

“Our client emphasises the grave nature of the defamatory statements made by you and the serious legal consequences that may follow if immediate remedial action is not taken. You have alleged, inter alia, that Our Client failed to provide you food during pregnancy and that his family members are ‘ill-mannered’ and ‘uncultured’ and have even questioned the adoption process that Our Client undertook. These derogatory remarks have created false impressions within social and professional circles among neighbours and in potential business opportunities, resulting in substantial monetary and reputational loss.” 

Disclaimer: The information in this article is based on third-party reports, and the details provided are not proven facts but claims made by the involved parties. The case is still ongoing, and a verdict has not been reached yet.

What are your thoughts on the defamation suit Kumar Sanu filed against his ex-wife? Let us know.  

Also read: 'Survivor 50': Billie Eilish, Mr. Beast And Jimmy Fallon To Appear On The Show, What To Expect?

AWESOME NEWS! Now you can download BollywoodShaadis app and never miss a story. Get App

AWESOME NEWS! Now you can download BollywoodShaadis app and never miss a story. Choose your device Android or IOS (Apple)