Divorce can be a tumultuous process, especially for high-profile individuals in India where celebrity culture and wealth intertwine. The emotional and financial fallout from these separations can lead to staggering settlements that capture public attention. Here, we explore the top 10 most expensive divorces in India, revealing the significant sums involved and the stories behind these high-stakes breakups.
1. Gautam Singhania and Nawaz Modi
Settlement Amount: ₹8,700 crore The divorce between Gautam Singhania, the chairman of Raymond Group, and Nawaz Modi, daughter of prominent lawyer Nadar Modi, is considered the most expensive divorce in Indian history. The couple’s split was marked by allegations of domestic issues, with Nawaz reportedly demanding a jaw-dropping 75% of Singhania’s fortune, which was estimated at ₹11,600 crore. Their ongoing legal battle continues to draw media attention as they fight over the settlement terms.
2. Hrithik Roshan and Sussanne Khan
Settlement Amount: ₹380 crore Bollywood actor Hrithik Roshan and interior designer Sussanne Khan were once seen as a picture-perfect couple. After 14 years of marriage, they announced their separation in 2014. The divorce settlement was one of the costliest in Bollywood history, with Hrithik reportedly paying around ₹380 crore to Sussanne. Despite their split, the couple has maintained a cordial relationship, co-parenting their two sons.
3. Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Naga Chaitanya
Settlement Amount: Estimated around ₹200 crore The divorce of Telugu cinema’s beloved couple Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Naga Chaitanya shocked fans when they announced their separation in 2021 after four years of marriage. Reports suggest that Samantha was offered ₹200 crore as alimony but allegedly turned it down, opting for a more amicable resolution instead. Their split highlighted the pressures faced by couples in the public eye.
4. Aamir Khan and Reena Dutta
Settlement Amount: ₹50 crore Aamir Khan’s first marriage to Reena Dutta ended in 2002 after 16 years together. The actor paid ₹50 crore in alimony as part of their divorce settlement. Despite the end of their marriage, Aamir and Reena have maintained a respectful relationship, co-parenting their children, Ira and Junaid.
5. Malaika Arora and Arbaaz Khan
Settlement Amount: Estimated around ₹10-15 crore Malaika Arora and Arbaaz Khan were one of Bollywood’s most glamorous couples until their separation in 2017 after nearly two decades together. Their divorce reportedly involved a settlement of ₹10-15 crore, along with joint custody of their son, Arhaan. Both have since moved on but continue to co-parent amicably.
6. Karisma Kapoor and Sanjay Kapur
Settlement Amount: Estimated around ₹14 crore Karisma Kapoor’s marriage to businessman Sanjay Kapur ended after a tumultuous relationship marked by allegations of infidelity and harassment. After a lengthy legal battle, Karisma was granted a divorce in 2016 with a settlement reportedly involving bonds worth ₹14 crore for their children’s welfare. The couple’s split highlighted the challenges faced by women in high-profile marriages.
7. Farhan Akhtar and Adhuna Bhabani
Settlement Amount: Estimated around ₹35 crore Farhan Akhtar’s divorce from Adhuna Bhabani was finalized in 2017 after nearly 16 years of marriage. While specific figures regarding alimony were not disclosed, reports suggest that the settlement was substantial, estimated at around ₹35 crore. The couple has remained friends post-divorce, focusing on co-parenting their two daughters.
8. Saif Ali Khan and Amrita Singh
Settlement Amount: Estimated around ₹5 crore Saif Ali Khan’s first marriage to Amrita Singh ended in 2004 after over a decade together. The divorce settlement reportedly involved payments of about ₹5 crore, along with shared custody of their children, Sara and Ibrahim. Despite their split, Saif has maintained a good relationship with Amrita for the sake of their children.
9. Rani Mukerji and Aditya Chopra (Speculative)
While Rani Mukerji is still married to Aditya Chopra, speculations about potential future settlements have placed them on this list due to their high-profile status in Bollywood. Should they ever part ways, the financial implications could be significant given both parties’ wealth and influence within the industry.
10. Prabhudeva and Latha
Settlement Amount: Estimated around ₹10 lakh Choreographer-turned-director Prabhudeva’s divorce from Latha involved significant property settlements rather than cash alimony alone. Reports indicate that he provided Latha with two cars, houses, and an estimated ₹10 lakh as part of their settlement. Their split drew attention due to Prabhudeva’s celebrity status and subsequent relationships.
Conclusion
The financial implications of these divorces reflect not only the wealth accumulated by these individuals but also the complexities involved in high-profile relationships under public scrutiny. Each case reveals personal stories intertwined with significant financial negotiations that often become public spectacles.
These expensive divorces serve as reminders that love can sometimes come at a steep price, especially when fame and fortune are involved. As societal attitudes toward marriage evolve, it remains to be seen how future celebrity divorces will unfold in India’s dynamic cultural landscape.