Kumar Sanu sends notice to ex-wife Rita over 'torture' claims
What's the story
Veteran playback singer Kumar Sanu has reportedly sent a legal defamation notice to his ex-wife Rita Bhattacharya. This comes after she recently accused him of depriving her and their children of food and basic necessities during her third pregnancy. The allegations were made during interviews with Film Window and with Siddharth Kannan, where she also claimed that Sanu denied their children medical care.
Legal response
'Hurtful lies may create noise...': Sanu's lawyer
Sanu's lawyer, Sana Raees Khan, has now sent a legal notice to Bhattacharya, accusing her of making defamatory statements. Defending the veteran singer's career and reputation, Khan said, "For over 40 years, Mr. Kumar Sanu has poured his soul into music... Hurtful lies may create noise for a moment but they can never erase the legacy of an artist who has given a lifetime of music and memories to generations."
Statement
'No individual or media platform has right to malign...'
Khan further added, "We will ensure that malicious attempts to defame him are met with the full force of the law to protect his dignity, legacy and family honor. No individual or media platform has the right to malign a father's honor or trade his family's respect for sensationalism."
Allegations
Recalling Bhattacharya's allegations against Sanu
In her interview with Kannan, Bhattacharya spoke about her struggles during her third pregnancy (with Jaan) while raising two young kids (Jiko and Jassi) amid divorce proceedings with Sanu. She alleged that he and his family "tortured" her, and denied their children food and medical care. "He denied them milk. He denied them medical care. You don't know how much this man has tortured my children," she claimed.
Financial hardship
Financial difficulties during divorce, claims ex-wife
Bhattacharya also spoke about the financial difficulties she faced during the divorce. "During the divorce, I received only ₹100 from Sanu and had to sell my jewelry to survive. I have seen the highest of highs and the lowest of lows in life," she said. She also recalled how Sanu showed no concern when their sons Jiko and Jaan went missing during the 2005 Mumbai floods.
Relationship history
A look at Sanu's marriage and relationships
Sanu and Bhattacharya got married in the 1980s, years before he became one of Bollywood's most popular singers. The couple divorced in 1994 after a turbulent marriage. During this period, Sanu was also linked to actor Kunickaa Sadanand. He later married Saloni Bhattacharya in 2001, with whom he shares two daughters.