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A Courtroom Statement in Black & White
On March 20, 2025, a viral image captured Indian leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal leaving the Bandra Family Court in Mumbai, strapped in a bold black T‑shirt with the slogan “Be Your Own Sugar Daddy.” The visual sparked immediate speculation: Was it a cheeky dig at his estranged wife Dhanashree Verma, or a personal message about self-reliance? Now Chahal has confirmed that the slogan was indeed intentional and aimed at conveying a pointed message
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Negotiating Alimony: “A Tough Process — But I Signed a Good Deal”
Reports had circulated that Dhanashree allegedly demanded ₹60 crore in alimony, a figure her family later publicly denied in strong terms as entirely baseless. Chahal addressed these rumors, acknowledging that the negotiation process was difficult, yet adding, “I had signed a good deal.” He did not disclose the financial specifics, but emphasized that he was satisfied with what was finally agreed.
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A Relationship That Never Was as It Seemed — and Why It Ended
Chahal and Dhanashree married in December 2020 after meeting during the Covid‑19 pandemic, when he sought dance lessons from her. Rumors of separation swirled as early as January 2025, especially after both unfollowed each other on Instagram.
In his recent revelations, Chahal disclosed that the breakup was not sudden, but the result of accumulated strain over time. Competing career pressures and conflicting priorities made compromise increasingly difficult. While there was some effort to save the relationship, they eventually separated in June 2022 and filed for divorce by mutual consent on February 5, 2025. The official decree was granted by the court in March.
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The Mental Toll: Depression, Suicide Ideation & Online Backlash
Behind the bold statements and court room theatrics lay a deeply troubled emotional landscape. Chahal revealed that during this period, he felt compelled to fake normalcy, all while battling depression and even experiencing suicidal thoughts.
He also shared how being vilified as a “cheater” by social media trolls added to his distress. The false narratives not only attacked his reputation, but also affected people close to him. He acknowledged his friend RJ Mahvash for supporting him through the darkest times.
RJ Mahvash & Rumors: My Friend, Not My Romantic Partner
Amid swirling speculation, Chahal addressed persistent rumors linking him romantically to RJ Mahvash — fueled by their outings in London and other public moments. He firmly denied any romantic involvement, stating she was simply a close friend and a pillar of support. Chahal expressed dismay at Mahvash being labeled a “homewrecker.” Mahvash herself also responded publicly, asserting she had no role in breaking up Chahal’s marriage:
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Final Conversation & Keeping Faith with Public Silence
Chahal shared that the last time he and Dhanashree spoke was via a video call related to their court hearing; they had no further contact after that. He refrained from revealing details of their final exchange, noting only that the emotional distance had long been set. Both maintained a deliberate silence on social media regarding their separation until the divorce was concluded.
What the T‑Shirt Symbolized (& Why it mattered)
The “Be Your Own Sugar Daddy” slogan became the defining symbol of Chahal’s personal response:
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A statement of independence: A bold visual declaration of self‑reliance and not succumbing to victimhood.
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A response, not escalation: Chahal emphasized that he “didn’t want drama,” only to convey his message after feeling pushed to that point.
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A viral pop‑culture moment: His T‑shirt joined the ranks of celebrity attire that said more than words could—highlighted in fashion roundups for turning heads with statement-making outfits.
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Aftermath: Recovery, Reflection & Moving Forward
Post-divorce, Chahal described a lingering fear: the social-media environment had made him wary of female friends associating with him, worried they too could become targets of public trolling. Despite the difficulties, he gratefully acknowledged the support of close friends—particularly RJ Mahvash, who he credits for being by his side during emotional turbulence.
Timeline at a Glance
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Dec 2020: Chahal and Dhanashree marry in a private Gurugram ceremony.
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June 2022: Couple begins living separately.
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Feb 5, 2025: Joint divorce petition filed by mutual consent.
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Mar 20, 2025: Court grants divorce; Chahal exits wearing “Be Your Own Sugar Daddy” T‑shirt.
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Jul–Aug 2025: Chahal breaks silence on podcast, reveals personal struggles, and addresses alimony and public perception.
Why This Story Struck a Chord
Chahal’s experience highlights how public figures are forced to negotiate not only legal complexities but also public narratives—with personal matters laid bare for commentary and satire. His T‑shirt, while cheeky on the surface, underscored deeper issues: the need to reclaim agency and the toll of emotional suppression.
As he continues to rebuild—on and off the field—his transparency around mental health, emotional fatigue, and social scrutiny sets an example of vulnerability in a culture that often shames it.
Conclusion
In wearing that T‑shirt, Yuzvendra Chahal didn’t just make a fashion statement—he sent a message: of self-sufficiency, frustration, and resolution. The alimony negotiation may have ended with a “good deal,” but Chahal’s true victory was reclaiming his narrative. Now, as he begins the next chapter, it seems clear: no slogans, no masks—just honesty and renewed focus.
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