The couple were together for almost 12 years.
They shared the screen in the film Melnattu Marumagal in 1975, and subsequently, they tied the knot in 1978.
Kamal Haasan, a prominent figure in the Indian film industry, is renowned for his successful films and his frequent appearances in the media due to his personal life and occasionally controversial remarks. The superstar is often commended for his charming demeanour and captivating smile. However, when Vani Ganapathy, his former spouse, shared her perspective on these qualities, it added a different layer to the narrative.
They shared the screen in the film Melnattu Marumagal in 1975, and subsequently, they tied the knot in 1978. Unfortunately, their marriage, spanning just over a decade, concluded with a divorce in 1988. Vani maintained a stoic silence about their private matters for many years. Nevertheless, in 2015, the floodgates opened when Kamal Haasan, during an interview, disclosed that his divorce from Vani had pushed him to the brink of financial ruin.
In a discussion with the media, Vani Ganapathy raised a valid question, wondering why Kamal Haasan seemed unwilling to move on. She expressed her thoughts, saying, “For 28 years, we have been divorced. I have always refrained from engaging in public disputes because it’s a deeply personal matter, but we have both moved forward in our lives. Why does he continue to act like a man consumed by obsession?”
Vani Ganapathy expressed her desire to speak out, emphasizing that she didn’t want others to assume her financial stability was solely due to the alimony she received from Kamal Haasan. She made it clear that her silence should not be misinterpreted as acceptance. While acknowledging the existence of alimony, she chose to keep the confidential details private.
She further explained, “He even declined to provide me with used appliances from our shared flat. What should I have expected from a man like that?” However, she clarified that Kamal Haasan’s claim that alimony led to his bankruptcy was not accurate. She questioned, “In what legal system in the world has alimony ever driven someone to bankruptcy? I was completely taken aback when I read that. Perhaps his ego was wounded when I ended the marriage, but so much has transpired since then. He could have simply mentioned a financial crisis and moved on from the topic.”
Having spent 12 years in marriage with Kamal, Vani mentioned that he possesses a unique ability to navigate any situation with charm. She noted, “He won’t answer a question if he doesn’t want to. Kamal is a master at feigning a smile and using his charm to avoid topics. He can converse on virtually any subject, even if he’s only read the first and last pages of a book. That’s why I understand that it’s futile to try to extract something from him. If he doesn’t wish to discuss it, he knows exactly how to handle the situation.”
