On March 20, 2025, Indian cricketer Yuzvendra Chahal and choreographer Dhanashree Verma finalized their divorce in a hearing at the Bandra Family Court in Mumbai, following a tumultuous legal battle that began with their separation in June 2022. The couple, who tied the knot in December 2020, had developed a high-profile relationship that garnered significant media attention, particularly during their pandemic-era romance which started on social media.
Their divorce was granted by mutual consent after the Bombay High Court waived the usual six-month cooling-off period typically required under the Hindu Marriage Act. According to Nitin Kumar Gupta, Chahal's advocate, "The court has accepted the joint petition of both parties. The parties are no longer husband and wife." As part of their settlement, Chahal agreed to pay Dhanashree ₹4.75 crore in alimony, of which ₹2.37 crore has already been transferred.
The day following their divorce, March 21, Dhanashree released her new music video titled “Dekha Ji Dekha Maine,” which centers on themes of infidelity and emotional strength. Featuring the vocals of Jyoti Nooran and composed by Jaani, the song's lyrics reflect a woman grappling with betrayal. The poignant timing of the release has led many fans to speculate if the song mirrors her personal experiences during her marriage.
Twitter and Instagram were abuzz with reactions as fans of Dhanashree connected the themes of her music video to her recent separation. One user commented, “You deserve so much better, ma’am,” while another pointedly noted the song's release during such a pivotal moment in her life: “Perfect time to release this.” Users even attributed deeper meanings to the video's narrative, which shows Dhanashree's character confronting her husband over his infidelity—an artistic expression that many suggest reflects her real-life challenges.
The divorce proceedings had seen their share of twists, particularly regarding the court's decision to waive the cooling-off period. The couple had submitted their mutual consent petition on February 5, 2025. Initially, on February 20, the family court refused to waive the mandatory cooling-off period, but the Bombay High Court's intervention expedited the process due to Chahal’s upcoming commitments with the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he would be representing the Punjab Kings.
Both Dhanashree and Chahal arrived separately at the court on the day of their hearing, with Dhanashree seen wearing a casual outfit with a face mask. Chahal, on the other hand, donned a T-shirt with the phrase “Be your own sugar daddy,” which sparked discussions online about its implications—interpreted by some as a potential jibe at his ex-wife.
As the media captured moments of Dhanashree post-divorce, a video surfaced showing her expressing frustration towards an aggressive group of paparazzi while leaving the court. After a woman in the crowd fell due to the mobbing, Dhanashree was caught on camera venting her ire, “What is this behaviour?” This moment added another layer of intensity to her recent public appearances.
Speculation about their split had begun to swirl even before the formal proceedings. The couple had unfollowed each other on Instagram, igniting rampant rumors about the state of their marriage. Furthermore, conflicting statements about their relationship timeline emerged; while their official documents indicated they separated in June 2022, Dhanashree had publicly celebrated “730 days” with Chahal on Instagram as a sign of their enduring bond.
Amidst the swirl of emotional turmoil and public scrutiny, Dhanashree now seems to channel her inner strength through her music and her newly single lifestyle. Her latest endeavor has been characterized not only as a reflection of her healing journey but also as an assertion of her empowerment following a challenging relationship.
In light of these developments, both Yuzvendra Chahal and Dhanashree Verma navigate new chapters in their lives. As Chahal prepares for the IPL season, aiming to continue his legacy as one of the league's leading bowlers—having taken 354 wickets in 305 matches—Dhanashree's artistic pursuits are focusing on expressing her experiences and recovering from her past. It will be intriguing to see how each will redefine their respective futures now that their marriage is officially over.
