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21 March 2025

Yuzvendra Chahal And Dhanashree Verma Finalize Their Divorce

The couple's separation sparks discussions on alimony and evolving marriage norms in India.

Cricketer Yuzvendra Chahal and choreographer Dhanashree Verma's divorce has officially been finalized after a brief marriage that has captured the attention of fans and the media alike. On March 21, 2025, at the Bandra Family Court in Mumbai, the couple concluded an intense four-year relationship with a court decree confirming their separation.

Chahal and Verma first grabbed headlines when they married in December 2020. Initially, their relationship flourished in the public eye, especially through social media, where they shared glimpses of their lives together, embodying the essence of joy and togetherness. However, whispers of their separation began circulating as early as June 2022, when the couple reportedly started living apart.

Despite the claims of separation, their public interactions raised eyebrows. For example, during the IPL 2023 season, a visibly happy Dhanashree was often spotted cheering for Yuzi as he played for the Rajasthan Royals. She was more than just a fan; Chahal publicly expressed how her presence made him feel stronger. “I feel more confident when she is with me... She gives me strength and positive vibes... I love seeing her in the stands. She even observes my bowling closely – and sometimes predicts where I’ll bowl,” he said during interviews, painting a complicated picture of their relationship.

Yet, while such appearances continued, both parties made a joint decision to file for divorce by mutual consent on February 5, 2025, as confirmed by Chahal's lawyer, Nitin Kumar Gupta. The court granted the decree on March 20, 2025, effectively solidifying their separation. As part of the settlement, Chahal has agreed to pay Dhanashree ₹4.75 crore in alimony, a figure that has ignited discussions about prenuptial agreements in India.

Critically, this highly publicized divorce reflects broader societal shifts. The perception of marriage in India is changing, with more individuals openly discussing divorce—especially among high-profile couples. Experts suggest celebrities like Chahal and Verma are influencing these changes, demonstrating to the public that it’s okay to walk away from unsatisfactory relationships.

“Divorce is not wrong if two people are not happy in the marriage,” emphasized Dr. Alpes Panchal, a consultant psychiatrist. Changes stemming from pandemic experiences have also prompted individuals to reconsider traditional commitments. This reevaluation is particularly relevant, as divorce rates in India are currently on the rise. Reports suggest that this transformation is fueled by various factors, such as financial independence, shifting age-old values, and the impact of social media.

The release of Dhanashree's new song “Dekha Ji Dekha Maine” on the same day as their divorce further complicated public perceptions. The song, which addresses themes of infidelity and domestic abuse, has been seen as a direct commentary on her experiences during the marriage. Although she described the song as an emotionally charged performance, fans couldn't help but speculate if it was inspired by her relationship with Chahal. In the music video, she portrays a woman ensnared in a toxic marriage, openly depicting the struggles with infidelity and betrayal.

As Dhanashree shared her artistic expression, social media exploded with mixed reactions to both the song and the divorce. Many considered her decision to release such a poignant song at this time as part of her defiance and strength in sharing her story.

However, the divorce and Chahal's alimony payment have exposed the couple to further scrutiny and backlash. In the age of social media, individuals often become victims of cyberbullying during high-profile controversies. As netizens took to various platforms to express their opinions, many harshly criticized Dhanashree for accepting a lucrative alimony deal, questioning her financial independence despite her successful career as an influencer and choreographer. Overlapping narratives suggest that her financial gain from the marriage through her newfound fame and opportunities raises questions about traditional notions of alimony and fairness.

The legal system in India still grapples with the legitimacy and practicality of prenuptial agreements. Rohini Musa, a senior advocate at the Supreme Court of India, stated that while prenups aren't broadly recognized under Indian law, there's a growing acknowledgment of their potential benefits in reducing conflict during divorces. Citing recent court decisions, she noted, “The legal landscape may be shifting,” which is particularly significant as conversations surrounding alimony and divorce become increasingly mainstream in Indian society.

Little did these two realize that their separation would spark considerable debate. Marriages are inherently complex, often complicating societal norms surrounding loyalty, commitment, and personal happiness. Dhanashree and Chahal have unwittingly found themselves in the eye of the storm, their divorce highlighting the tensions in contemporary relationships as society re-evaluates traditional views on marriage.

As both parties prepare to move on with their lives—Chahal gearing up to play for the Punjab Kings in the IPL 2025, reportedly sold for ₹18 crore—this chapter of their lives closes, leaving significant conversations in its wake. For many, this public divorce is an icon of the changing dynamics of love, partnership, and independence in modern marital relationships.