In 2016, veteran actor Randhir Kapoor publicly expressed his anger after reports alleged that his daughter Karisma Kapoor married late businessman Sunjay Kapur for financial gain. The claims emerged during the couple’s ongoing divorce battle in Mumbai’s Bandra court — a case that had, by then, attracted significant public attention.
Randhir strongly defended his daughter, rejecting the notion that Karisma had entered the marriage for money. “Everyone knows our credentials. We are Kapoors. We don’t need to run after anyone’s money. We have been blessed with not only money, but our talent can support us for the rest of our lives,” he said in an interview with Hindustan Times. He went on to state, “Sunjay is a third-class man. I never wanted Karisma marrying him. He has debauchery in his system and never cared for his wife. He has been giving bull** to her and living with another woman. The entire Delhi knows how he is. I would not like to say anything more than this.”
Karisma’s lawyer, Kranti Sathe, dismissed Sunjay’s claims as “false,” stating that the “onus is on Sunjay to prove these allegations in the court.” Though the couple had initially filed for divorce by mutual consent, Karisma later withdrew her petition, citing Sunjay’s failure to meet the agreed-upon financial terms. The couple, who married in 2003, share two children.
On 12 June, the billionaire industrialist passed away after accidentally swallowing a bee during a polo match in England.
The emotional toll of accusations of marrying for money
Neha Cadabam, senior psychologist and executive director at Cadabams Hospitals, tells indianexpress.com, “Accusations of marrying for money often reinforce outdated stereotypes and can deeply affect the dignity and self-worth of the targeted individual. For women, such accusations tend to attract disproportionate scrutiny and judgment, especially in the public eye. These narratives can reduce a complex personal relationship to a transactional image, ignoring the emotional and human aspects of marriage and separation.”
The emotional toll is significant. “Being accused of financial motives during an already painful and personal phase like divorce can lead to feelings of shame, isolation, and even self-doubt. It may also discourage individuals from speaking about their own experiences or seeking support due to fear of being misunderstood or vilified,” notes Cadabam.
In such situations, she says, therapeutic support becomes vital. It helps individuals rebuild their sense of identity outside the lens of public opinion and regain confidence in their choices. Everyone deserves the right to process a separation without being subjected to assumptions about their character or intentions.
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The lasting psychological impact on children
Children are highly sensitive to conflict between adults they love, especially when it plays out in public. “When a grandparent or parent openly supports one side and criticises the other, it can create an emotional imbalance for the child. They may feel caught in a loyalty conflict or internalise blame for the breakdown in relationships,” states Cadabam.
She stresses, “Maintaining a neutral and respectful tone around children during and after a divorce is essential. Instead of taking sides publicly, families can focus on preserving the child’s sense of security and emotional stability. Even if relationships between adults are strained, showing mutual respect helps protect children from long-term psychological distress.”
