Sunita Ahuja, wife of veteran Bollywood actor Govinda, has reportedly filed for divorce at the Bandra Family Court, a move that has left fans and the entertainment industry stunned. According to a report by Hauterrfly cited by SCREEN, Sunita has moved her petition under Section 13 (1) (i), (ia), and (ib) of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, citing adultery, cruelty, and desertion as grounds for dissolving their 38-year-long marriage. The court is said to have summoned Govinda on May 25, but with the actor failing to appear, a show-cause notice was issued. Sunita, meanwhile, has consistently attended hearings and court-mandated counselling sessions since June 2025, with her presence formally recorded in the proceedings. Her decision comes after years of candid reflections on the challenges of being married to a public figure. In an earlier interview with ETimes, she admitted, “If someone does something wrong, then even I cannot tolerate it; I have a worse temper than Govinda.” She acknowledged struggling with her temper, particularly when it came to managing her husband’s professional commitments. “It is a useless thing to be an actor’s wife. You have to be very strong to be an actor’s wife, but we fell in love when I was 15 years old. Ours was love at first sight and despite all the ups and downs, we don't leave each other.” But when anger and resentment repeatedly enter a marriage, what happens to the relationship? Counselling psychologist Athul Raj told indianexpress.com, “When anger appears often and without restraint, it changes the atmosphere at home. Partners begin to measure their words, avoiding honesty for fear of a reaction. Over years, connection fades into distance. In public lives, where stress is high and privacy is scarce, these reactions become more frequent. Recognising early warning signs — a racing pulse, clenched fists, a sharper tone — gives couples the chance to pause before damage is done. Some agree on a brief break or a phrase that signals, ‘let’s stop here.’ Speaking from personal feelings rather than accusations turns conflict into conversation, preserving respect even in disagreement.” How can individuals set boundaries while still supporting their spouse? “In high-demand marriages, the less visible partner often carries the heavier emotional load,” Raj said. “Without boundaries, love can turn into fatigue. Boundaries might mean setting aside personal time without apology, choosing which commitments to accept, or admitting when emotional reserves are low. In our culture, where self-sacrifice is praised, guilt can surface — yet without self-care, support becomes unsustainable. When respected, boundaries allow care to flow from choice, not obligation, keeping both partners healthier.” How can couples recognise when it’s healthier to work through issues and when it may be time to step away for their own well-being? Love alone cannot hold a marriage if trust, safety, and shared values are missing. Raj said, “Couples can ask: Are our problems temporary, or do they repeat despite every attempt to fix them? Is there a willingness from both to change harmful patterns? If yes, counselling and open dialogue can help rebuild. But if harm continues, trust is gone, or one’s self-worth is eroding, separation may be the kinder choice.”
