Court Denies Anita Advani’s Marital Claim with Rajesh Khanna Amid Family Opposition
The Bombay High Court has denied actress Anita Advani’s appeal to have her relationship with the late Rajesh Khanna legally recognized as a marriage. This ruling was issued by Justice Sharmila Deshmukh on a Wednesday, rejecting Advani’s request for marital status that she claimed existed between her and the iconic film star.
Background on Rajesh Khanna’s Marital History
Rajesh Khanna was previously married to Dimple Kapadia in 1973. However, the couple separated in the mid-1980s. Despite their separation, they were never formally divorced, complicating issues surrounding their personal lives. During this period, Anita Advani asserted that she was in a live-in relationship with Khanna until his death in 2012, referring to herself as his “surrogate wife.”
Legal Proceedings and Court Decisions
Advani originally filed her plea for marital recognition after Khanna’s passing, based on her claims of caring for him and managing his household at Aashirwad. She also pointed out that she participated in rituals like Karva Chauth for him. The Dindoshi Civil Court dismissed her civil suit in 2017 on technical grounds, leading her to appeal to the Bombay High Court.
On Wednesday, the High Court upheld the earlier ruling. The court also considered submissions from Advani’s legal team and representatives of Dimple Kapadia, Akshay Kumar, and Twinkle Khanna. The court firmly dismissed her appeal, stating, “First appeal is dismissed.”
Ongoing Legal Disputes
The conflict between Advani and Kapadia has spurred multiple legal battles since 2012. Anita Advani had previously filed a criminal complaint against Kapadia, Kumar, and Khanna’s daughter, asserting domestic violence allegations and claiming she was forced out of the Aashirwad bungalow after Khanna’s death. However, those proceedings were quashed in 2015 by a coordinate bench of the Bombay High Court, which concluded that Advani’s involvement with Khanna did not classify as a marriage under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005.
Anita Advani’s Claims
In a recent interview, Advani stated that she and Khanna had a private marriage ceremony. She described this event in a way that intimated its intimate nature, recalling how Khanna had placed a mangal sutra around her neck and applied sindoor, indicating their bond. Despite her declarations, the legal system has ultimately not recognized her claims.
- Event: Bombay High Court denies Anita Advani’s appeal
- Date: Recent Wednesday
- Justice: Sharmila Deshmukh issued the ruling
- Historic Marriage: Rajesh Khanna married Dimple Kapadia in 1973
- Key Figures Involved: Anita Advani, Dimple Kapadia, Akshay Kumar, Twinkle Khanna
The legal saga continues to unfold as Advani seeks recognition in the face of profound family opposition, reflecting the complexities of relationships within the film industry.
