Renowned Indian playback singer Kumar Sanu, famously hailed as the ‘Melody King’, has once again found himself in the media spotlight, this time over a deeply personal dispute. The celebrated vocalist has filed a defamation lawsuit against his former wife, Rita Bhattacharya, in the Mumbai High Court, seeking compensation of ₹30 lakh. In addition, Sanu has requested the court to order the immediate removal of her contentious interviews from social media and other online platforms.

Though nearly two decades have passed since their divorce, the relationship between the former couple has resurfaced in the public eye due to a series of allegations made by Bhattacharya. In multiple interviews, she has accused Sanu of severe physical and mental abuse during her pregnancy. She further claimed that he refused to cover her medical expenses or provide adequate sustenance, forcing her to sell her own jewellery to survive. Bhattacharya has also alleged that Sanu was involved in extramarital relationships during their marriage.

Kumar Sanu, however, vehemently denies all these claims, describing them as baseless and malicious. According to his legal team, Bhattacharya’s statements are causing significant damage to his pristine reputation, built over a remarkable four-decade-long musical career. Court documents suggest that Sanu asserts Bhattacharya has deliberately sought to demean and tarnish his public image through these interviews. He also highlighted that, at the time of their divorce in 2001, both parties had mutually agreed in writing not to raise any allegations against each other—a condition that he contends has been violated.

The singer is not only pursuing legal action against his ex-wife but has also issued notices to digital platforms hosting her interviews, warning that failure to promptly remove the content could result in criminal proceedings.

Sanu had initially sent a legal notice to Bhattacharya in September, seeking an amicable resolution. With no response forthcoming, he has now approached the court to protect his honour. The case has ignited fresh debates among Indian music enthusiasts and has sparked widespread discussion across social media platforms, with fans and commentators weighing in on the controversy surrounding the iconic singer’s private life.