Dhanashree on how Chahal dealt with divorce: "I chose maturity over passing statements that can....."

After months of silence, Dhanashree Verma has finally broken her silence on her divorce from Indian cricketer Yuzvendra Chahal. In a heartfelt conversation with Humans of Bombay, the dancer and influencer opened up about her personal journey, how she chose to handle the media frenzy, and why respect remains the most important part of any relationship, even when it ends.

This comes almost a month after Chahal, in a podcast with Raj Shamani, spoke about the separation. The couple had been living apart for nearly 18 months before officially parting ways on March 20, 2025.

For Dhanashree, the spotlight on her marriage was far from easy. She revealed how the constant chatter about a so-called “fake marriage” affected her and her loved ones.

“When you’re going through something like this, it isn’t a celebration. Everyone involved, people who genuinely care about you, who love you feels the same grief. There’s a media circus around it, but I chose maturity over making immature statements that might please the public, because I don’t want to disrupt my family’s values or his. True grief and chaos in a marriage can only be understood by both people involved, and even if love fades or distrust enters, it never gives you the power to disrespect. Respect must always remain intact,”

- Dhanashree Verma

Without directly mentioning Chahal, Dhanashree hinted that both handled things differently, but she remained firm in dealing with it with dignity. She also spoke about privacy in relationships, adding, “There is a reason why we say 'personal life'. It has to be private. And look, a coin has two sides. Taali ek haath se to bajti nahi (You can't clap with one hand). Just because I am not speaking it doesn't give anyone the power to take advantage of that. It is not correct. I think it should not happen with anybody.”

The couple, who married in December 2020, had separated in June 2022. On February 5 this year, they filed a joint petition for divorce, which was later granted by the Mumbai family court. The Bombay High Court even waived the six-month cooling-off period usually required under the Hindu Marriage Act, expediting the process.

While acknowledging that she has her own side of the story, Dhanashree shared that her present focus is firmly on her career.