The Divorce That Caught Everyone’s Attention
Yuzvendra Chahal and Dhanashree Verma tied the knot in December 2020 in Gurugram, during the Covid-19 pandemic. Their love story began when Chahal approached Dhanashree for online dance lessons, eventually leading to a relationship and marriage.
However, by June 2022, cracks had appeared, and the couple decided to part ways. On February 5, 2024, they filed a joint petition for divorce by mutual consent. The family court granted their divorce in March 2024, officially ending their marriage of over three years.
Dhanashree’s Emotional Breakdown in Court
Speaking on the Humans of Bombay podcast, Dhanashree revealed the intense emotions she experienced during the final hearing.
“I still remember when I was standing there, waiting for the verdict. Even though we were mentally prepared, I broke down completely. I was howling in front of everyone. I just couldn’t control my emotions. All I remember is crying, while he (Chahal) walked out first.”
Her candid confession highlighted the vulnerability and pain she endured in those final moments of closure.
The Viral ‘Be Your Own Sugar Daddy’ T-Shirt
While the divorce itself drew media attention, what truly went viral was Chahal’s choice of attire on the day of the hearing. His T-shirt, boldly displaying the phrase “Be Your Own Sugar Daddy,” became an internet sensation. Many perceived it as a subtle jibe, sparking endless debates on social media.
Dhanashree addressed the matter directly: “You know people are going to blame you. Before I even knew about the T-shirt, we were aware that fingers would point at me. Later, when I saw the videos, I thought, ‘Are bhai, WhatsApp kar deta. T-shirt kyun pehna hai?’ (You could have just sent it on WhatsApp. Why wear it as a T-shirt?)”
Her remark revealed her disappointment that such a personal matter was turned into a public spectacle.
Rumours of ₹60 Crore Alimony Demand
Amid the proceedings, speculation arose that Dhanashree had demanded an alimony of ₹60 crore. However, her family categorically denied these claims through an official statement.
The statement clarified: “We are deeply outraged by the baseless rumours about an alimony figure. No such amount was ever asked, demanded, or offered. Such reckless and unverified reporting not only harms the parties involved but also drags families into unnecessary speculation. We urge the media to respect privacy and verify facts before spreading misinformation.”
This strong rebuttal aimed to put an end to unfounded gossip surrounding their settlement.
Chahal vs. Dhanashree: Public Silence vs. Open Confession
Interestingly, Chahal had already spoken about the divorce a month earlier, while Dhanashree chose to remain silent until now. Her recent revelations provide a clearer picture of the emotional challenges she faced. While Chahal’s T-shirt sparked humorous memes and controversy, Dhanashree’s words highlight the deep pain behind the headlines.
Life After Divorce: Moving Forward
Both Chahal and Dhanashree are now focused on their individual journeys. Chahal continues to be an integral part of Indian cricket, while Dhanashree is building her career as a choreographer, digital creator, and influencer.
Despite the controversy, Dhanashree’s decision to speak openly about her breakdown, the T-shirt incident, and the rumors reflects her resilience. By addressing the issue on a public platform, she not only defended herself but also emphasized the importance of dignity and truth in the face of speculation.
Final Thoughts
The divorce of Yuzvendra Chahal and Dhanashree Verma was bound to make headlines given their public profiles, but the viral T-shirt controversy took it to another level. While the world debated Chahal’s bold fashion choice, Dhanashree’s recent candid revelations shed light on the emotional struggles behind the scenes.
Her statement serves as a reminder that beyond memes and viral moments, real emotions, pain, and dignity are at stake. In her own words, perhaps some messages are better left for private conversations rather than being broadcasted through a slogan on a T-shirt.