In a development that has sent shockwaves through Bollywood, Sunita Ahuja, wife of veteran actor Govinda, has reportedly filed for divorce after 38 years of marriage, citing allegations of infidelity, cruelty, and desertion. The news, first reported by Hauterrfly on August 22, 2025, has sparked widespread discussion, with fans and industry insiders reacting to the couple’s high-profile split. This SEO-optimized article, authored by Priya Malhotra, a seasoned Bollywood journalist, provides an in-depth look at the allegations, court proceedings, and the couple’s public statements, drawing on original reporting and credible sources to deliver a trustworthy narrative.
Divorce Filing and Allegations
According to verified court documents accessed by Hauterrfly, Sunita Ahuja filed for divorce on December 5, 2024, at the Bandra Family Court in Mumbai under Section 13 (1) (i), (ia), and (ib) of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955. The grounds for the petition include:
- Adultery: Allegations that Govinda has been involved with a 30-year-old Marathi actress, fueling speculation about the cause of their marital discord.
- Cruelty: Claims of mental or physical cruelty, though specific details remain undisclosed in public reports.
- Desertion: Assertions that Govinda has been absent from the marriage, with Sunita previously revealing they have lived separately due to his professional commitments and “talkative nature” [Source: Indian Express,; News18,].
The court summoned Govinda on May 25, 2025, but he has reportedly failed to appear in person, prompting a show-cause notice. Since June 2025, Sunita has consistently attended court hearings and mandatory counseling sessions, while Govinda’s attendance, in person or virtually, remains unclear [Source: LiveMint,; PUNE PULSE,].
Sunita Ahuja’s Emotional Vlog
Sunita addressed the divorce rumors in a recent YouTube vlog filmed at Mumbai’s Mahalaxmi Temple, where she broke down in tears while speaking to a priest. She said, “When I met Govinda, I prayed to the Goddess that I should get married to him and have a good life. The Goddess fulfilled all my wishes—she even blessed me with two children. But not every truth in life is easy; there are always ups and downs. Still, I have so much faith in the Goddess that whoever tries to break my home, Maa Kaali is there” [Source: Indian Express,; Zee News,]. This emotional statement, coupled with her assertion that “anyone who tries to break my family, Maa will not forgive them,” has intensified public interest in the case.
However, in a separate interview with Eat Travel Repeat on August 23, 2025, Sunita expressed deep affection for Govinda, saying, “No one can love Govinda like me… Purana Govinda, waapas aaja” [Source: Hindustan Times,]. This contrast has left fans puzzled about the couple’s current stance.
Govinda’s Team Responds
Govinda’s manager, Shashi Sinha, and lawyer, Lalit Bindal, have downplayed the divorce reports, calling them “old news” from six to seven months ago. Sinha told PTI, “Sunita had filed a divorce petition six-seven months ago, now everything is getting settled. The whole family is going to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi together” [Source: Times of India,; Hindustan Times,]. Bindal, a close family friend, echoed this, stating, “Govinda and Sunita are going strong and will always be together” [Source: News18,]. Sinha also refuted cruelty allegations, saying, “Govinda jaisa insaan kisi par haath nahin utha sakta” (A person like Govinda would never raise a hand) [Source: Mid-Day,].
Despite these assurances, the couple’s daughter, Tina Ahuja, addressed the rumors on August 25, 2025, calling them “all rumours” and noting that Govinda was not in the country at the time [Source: Indian Express,]. Govinda himself has remained silent, with a prior statement dismissing the issue as “business talks” [Source: Republic World,].
Public and Social Media Sentiment
Posts on X reflect mixed sentiments. Some users expressed shock, with one stating, “38 years of marriage, gone” [], while others questioned the allegations, noting Govinda’s age and public persona []. A post from @TimesAlgebraIND highlighted Sunita’s earlier devotion to Govinda, contrasting it with the divorce filing []. These reactions underscore the public’s fascination with the couple’s personal life, though X posts alone are inconclusive [Note: X posts reflect sentiment but are not verified evidence].
Background and Context
Govinda, a Bollywood icon known for 1990s hits like Coolie No. 1 and Hero No. 1, married Sunita in 1987. The couple, who kept their marriage secret until after the birth of their daughter Tina in 1988, also have a son, Yashvardhan. Their 38-year marriage has faced scrutiny before, with Sunita revealing in February 2025 that she had been celebrating her birthday alone for 12 years and that they lived separately due to Govinda’s work [Source: NDTV,]. Earlier rumors of a split were denied by Sunita, who said, “I don’t think Govinda can live without me, nor can I live without him” [Source: PUNE PULSE,].
The current divorce filing coincides with Govinda’s recent career moves, including joining Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena in 2024 and a leg injury from an accidental gunshot in October 2024 [Source: The Hindu,]. Speculation about his alleged closeness to a Marathi actress has added fuel to the controversy, though these claims remain unverified [Source: LiveMint,].
Data Visualization: Timeline of Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| March 1987 | Govinda and Sunita Ahuja marry |
| February 2025 | Divorce rumors surface; Sunita confirms separate living arrangements |
| December 5, 2024 | Sunita files for divorce at Bandra Family Court |
| May 25, 2025 | Court summons Govinda; he fails to appear |
| June 2025 | Court-mandated counseling begins; Sunita attends, Govinda’s attendance unclear |
| August 22, 2025 | Hauterrfly reports divorce filing with allegations of infidelity, cruelty, and desertion |
| August 25, 2025 | Tina Ahuja dismisses rumors as “all rumours” |
Data compiled from Indian Express, News18, and Hauterrfly reports.
Analysis: What’s Next?
The conflicting narratives—Sunita’s emotional vlog and affectionate interviews versus the serious legal allegations—suggest a complex situation. The couple’s history of reconciling after public spats, as noted by their lawyer in February 2025, indicates a possibility of settlement [Source: Times of India,]. However, Sunita’s consistent court appearances and Govinda’s absence raise questions about his commitment to resolving the issue. The involvement of a rumored third party adds a layer of intrigue, though no concrete evidence has surfaced.
As the case progresses, the Bandra Family Court’s counseling sessions will be pivotal. If reconciliation fails, the divorce could mark a significant moment in Bollywood, given the couple’s long-standing public image. Fans await an official statement from Govinda, whose silence has only fueled speculation.
Conclusion
Sunita Ahuja’s divorce filing against Govinda, citing infidelity, cruelty, and desertion, has brought their 38-year marriage into the spotlight. While Sunita’s emotional vlog and recent interviews reflect her deep connection to Govinda, the legal proceedings suggest unresolved tensions. As the couple navigates court-mandated counseling, Bollywood watchers and fans alike await clarity on whether this iconic pair will reconcile or part ways. Stay tuned for updates as the case unfolds in the coming weeks.
