One of Sandalwood’s most beloved couples, actor Ajay Rao and his wife Sapna, are making headlines for all the wrong reasons. After a decade of marriage, reports suggest that the two are on the brink of divorce—and the situation appears far more complicated than fans could have imagined.
For months, whispers of trouble in their relationship have been circulating in film circles and across social media. Neither Ajay nor Sapna had addressed the speculation—until now, when fresh reports revealed that Sapna has filed a domestic violence complaint against the actor.
Sapna Takes Legal Route
According to multiple reports, Sapna approached a magistrate’s court under Section 12 of the Domestic Violence Act and lodged a complaint against Ajay.
The couple, who tied the knot on December 18, 2014 in Hosapete after years of dating, had long been adored as one of Kannada cinema’s most picture-perfect pairs. Their fairytale marriage was blessed with a daughter, Cherishma, in 2019.
As recently as 2024, they were celebrating milestones together—most notably the housewarming of their new Bengaluru home near Yelahanka, attended by close friends and big names from the industry. But soon after, murmurs of discord began surfacing.
Ajay Breaks His Silence
Caught in the storm, Ajay addressed the matter briefly when questioned by Asianet News. “Did my wife go to court? I don’t know about this. I’ll talk to my wife and tell her,” he said.
Later, he took to Instagram, appealing to fans and the media:
“At this sensitive time, I kindly request everyone to respect the privacy of our family and refrain from sharing or spreading immediate news regarding personal matters. Every family goes through challenges, and it is our humble request that these remain private. Your understanding, support, and discretion mean a lot to us.”
Financial Stress Behind the Rift?
While the couple has yet to publicly comment on the reasons behind their split, reports suggest financial strain may have played a major role. Ajay recently turned producer with his film Yuddhakanda, in which he also played the lead. Unfortunately, the movie failed at the box office, and the setback is believed to have worsened the cracks in his marriage.
From Sandalwood’s Sweetheart to Rocky Roads
Fondly called “Sandalwood Krishna” for his string of romantic hits, Ajay shot to fame with Excuse Me in 2003 and later starred in memorable films like Taj Mahal, Prem Kahani, Krishnan Love Story, Krishnan Marriage Story, and Krishna-Leela.
Sapna, meanwhile, seems to have taken a decisive step forward—she has dropped Ajay’s surname from her social media profiles, now going by HN, and the couple has unfollowed each other on Instagram.
Co-Parenting Amidst the Chaos
Despite the turbulence, one thing remains clear: both Ajay and Sapna are devoted to their daughter, Cherishma, and continue to co-parent her.
For now, fans can only wait and watch as one of Sandalwood’s most admired love stories takes an uncertain turn.
