Bollywood playback legend Kumar Sanu has issued a legal notice to his ex-wife Rita Bhattacharya following explosive allegations she made in a recent interview, accusing him and his family of depriving her of food, medical care, and basic necessities during her third pregnancy. The singer, through his lawyer Sana Raees Khan, has formally challenged the claims, describing them as “hurtful lies” and a deliberate attempt to malign his reputation and family honour.
The controversy erupted after Bhattacharya’s detailed account of her marital struggles with Sanu resurfaced in a televised interview, where she alleged emotional and financial neglect during a critical phase of her life. The legal notice, served on October 2, 2025, marks a significant escalation in a decades-old personal dispute that has now entered the public domain.
Kumar Sanu vs Rita Bhattacharya – Timeline of Events
| Year | Event Description | Commentary |
|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Kumar Sanu and Rita Bhattacharya get married | Pre-fame phase of Sanu’s career |
| 1994 | Couple divorces after 14 years of marriage | Rita left with custody of three sons |
| 2005 | Rita alleges neglect during Mumbai floods | Claims Sanu didn’t check on missing children |
| 2025 | Rita’s interview reignites controversy | Legal notice served by Sanu’s lawyer |
In her interview, Rita Bhattacharya claimed that during her third pregnancy, Sanu and his family denied her access to food and medicine. She alleged that deliveries were stopped, and she was left to fend for herself with two young children. “He ran away. He even took the microwave and the fans with him. After that, he stopped milk and medicine deliveries to the house,” she said.
She further accused Sanu of giving her only ₹100 during the divorce proceedings and claimed she had to sell all her jewellery to survive. “I have seen the highest of highs and the lowest of lows in life,” she added.
Rita Bhattacharya’s Allegations – Key Points
| Allegation Category | Specific Claims Made | Impact on Public Sentiment |
|---|---|---|
| Pregnancy Neglect | Denial of food, medicine, and basic care | Sparked outrage and sympathy online |
| Financial Abandonment | Only ₹100 given during divorce | Raised questions about spousal support |
| Emotional Abuse | Isolation, mistreatment by family members | Triggered debate on celebrity marriages |
| Child Neglect | No concern shown during 2005 floods | Damaging to Sanu’s paternal image |
Responding to the allegations, Kumar Sanu’s legal team issued a strongly worded statement defending the singer’s legacy and character. “For over 40 years, Mr. Kumar Sanu has poured his soul into music, giving joy to millions and earning love and respect across the world. 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,” said advocate Sana Raees Khan.
She 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 honour. No individual or media platform has the right to malign a father’s honour or trade his family’s respect for sensationalism.”
Legal Response – Kumar Sanu’s Stand
| Legal Action Taken | Statement Highlights | Lawyer’s Commentary |
|---|---|---|
| Defamation Notice | “Malicious attempts to defame will be challenged” | Focus on protecting legacy and family |
| Reputation Defense | “Lies cannot erase a lifetime of music” | Emphasis on public image and career |
| Media Accountability | “No platform has right to trade family honour” | Warning against sensational coverage |
The legal notice has reignited public interest in Kumar Sanu’s personal life, which has remained largely private despite his decades-long career. After divorcing Rita Bhattacharya in 1994, Sanu was linked to actor Kunickaa Sadanand, though that relationship did not last. He later married Saloni Bhattacharya in 2001, with whom he has two daughters.
Rita’s interview also touched upon her experience living with Sanu’s sister, who allegedly shared a room with the singer while Rita slept separately with her children. She described Sanu as “very insecure” and claimed he restricted her movements and social interactions.
Kumar Sanu’s Relationship Timeline
| Partner Name | Relationship Period | Notable Events |
|---|---|---|
| Rita Bhattacharya | 1980–1994 | Marriage, three children, divorce |
| Kunickaa Sadanand | Mid-1990s | Live-in relationship, no marriage |
| Saloni Bhattacharya | 2001–present | Marriage, two daughters |
Social media platforms have been flooded with reactions to the legal notice and the allegations, with fans, legal experts, and media personalities weighing in on the implications. Hashtags like #KumarSanuLegalNotice, #RitaBhattacharyaAllegations, and #BollywoodControversy have trended across Twitter/X, Facebook, and YouTube.
Public Sentiment – Social Media Buzz on Kumar Sanu Legal Notice
| Platform | Engagement Level | Sentiment (%) | Top Hashtags |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twitter/X | 1.4M mentions | 78% divided | #KumarSanuLegalNotice #RitaBhattacharya |
| 1.2M interactions | 80% emotional | #BollywoodControversy #SingerScandal | |
| 950K views | 85% analytical | #CelebrityLegalCases #PublicImage | |
| YouTube | 890K views | 82% reflective | #KumarSanuExplained #FamilyDispute |
Legal experts suggest that the outcome of the case will depend on the evidence presented and the extent to which the allegations can be substantiated. While defamation cases are notoriously complex, the public nature of the dispute may influence reputational outcomes more than legal verdicts.
In conclusion, Kumar Sanu’s decision to send a legal notice to ex-wife Rita Bhattacharya marks a significant moment in the intersection of celebrity, personal history, and public accountability. As the case unfolds, it will test the boundaries of privacy, legacy, and media ethics in India’s entertainment landscape.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available legal statements, media interviews, and verified news reports. It does not constitute legal advice or confirmation of any judicial outcome. All quotes are attributed to public figures and institutions as per coverage. Readers are advised to follow official legal updates for verified information.
