Not long ago, they were called the ‘Jodi No. 1’ of Ollywood, as the Oriya film industry is referred to in the state. The chemistry between the two, both on-screen and off-screen, in reel-life and real life, made them a couple Made for Each Other and their marriage made in heaven. But today, top Ollywood star Anubhav Mohanty, 38, now the BJD MP from Kendrapara, and his star wife Barsha Priyadarshini, 36, are facing off in a bitter battle in and off court.
Ever since news of Priyadarshini filing a case of domestic violence against her husband became public, the story of the star couple’s domestic discord has kept Odias glued to their TV sets for the latest in the case.
In her petition filed in the SDJM court in Cuttack on August 7, Varsha had accused her husband of physical and mental torture. Describing Anubhav as a “professional drinker”, she said he would often have his friends over and indulge in binge drinking with them in their bedroom till the wee hours. She also charged Anubhav with usurping the payment due to her in the films she did with her husband after marriage.
A day after the case filed by Varsha became public, it was revealed that Anubhav had filed a divorce suit against his wife in a Dellhi court. In a statement issued to the public, the Kendrapara MP said he was, in fact, the victim and not the perpetrator. His lawyer said Varsha did not allow her to consummate the marriage and made his and his family’s life hell. He did his best and allowed her time in the hope that she would come around someday, but she never did, forcing him to file the divorce suit.
The case took a curious turn on Monday when Varsha dialed 100 and sought police protection, saying her life was under threat. A woman constable was posted at the Nandi Sahi residence of her in-laws where she is staying at present. For his part, Anubhav requested the media to respect his privacy and not to crowd his house. He said his father was ailing and issued a veiled threat that the media would be responsible if something happens to him. On Varsha’s charge, he said, “If she is really being tortured here, how is it that she is staying put here? Why don’t her family members take her home?”
On Tuesday morning, the case took another twist when she filed a complaint at the Purighat police station saying two men had entered her bedroom and took pictures and shot videos of her. The two men, said to be friends of Anubhav, were summoned and interrogated by Purighat police.
The cases filed by both sides are scheduled for hearing in October. But there is little doubt that there would be plenty of juicy titbits coming out of the cupboard to keep the people focused on this dream story gone sour before that.
By Sandeep Sahu in Bhubaneswar
