Actor Vijay’s wife files for divorce after 25 years; Alleges extramarital affair
Chengalpattu: Sankgeetha Sornalingam, wife of actor and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay, has filed a divorce petition in a court in Chengalpattu seeking dissolution of their 26-year marriage.
According to reports, including details cited by news agency ANI, Sankgeetha has accused Vijay of being involved in an alleged extramarital relationship with an actress. In her petition, she has sought a divorce on these grounds.
In addition to requesting the dissolution of the marriage, Sankgeetha has also reportedly sought the right to reside at the couple’s matrimonial home and has demanded permanent alimony from Vijay.
Vijay has not yet issued any public response to the divorce petition.
Marriage of 27 years
Vijay and Sankgeetha were married for nearly three decades and have two children.
In recent years, she has largely stayed away from Vijay’s political activities, including rallies associated with his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).
Reports suggest that Sankgeetha was initially a fan of Vijay and travelled from the United Kingdom to Chennai in the late 1990s to meet the actor. Their meeting eventually led to their marriage. Despite religious differences, Vijay being a Christian and Sankgeetha a Hindu, their relationship culminated in a long-standing union that lasted over 25 years.
Vijay’s political and film commitments
The divorce filing comes at a significant time in Vijay’s career. The actor-turned-politician is awaiting the release of his Tamil film Jana Nayagan, which is widely described as his final movie before he enters full-time public life and contests the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.
Excitement surrounding Jana Nayagan has been high since Vijay confirmed that it would mark his last film project. The movie was initially scheduled for a Sankranti release, but delays in obtaining the censor certificate disrupted plans. Despite completing shooting and post-production well in advance, the release was postponed.
After the Sankranti window was missed, the team considered a February release. However, the schedule faced further complications when a petition was filed in court alleging that the film contained “heavy political and personal criticism.” Following the plea, the court appointed a review committee to examine the objections. The committee’s report is still awaited, and with no update so far, the film’s release this month appears unlikely.
Apart from the ongoing personal developments, Vijay’s TVK road rally in Karur, which reportedly led to a stampede-like situation, is also facing legal examination. Authorities are reviewing the circumstances surrounding the incident, and related proceedings are underway.