Bengali Actor Hiraan Chatterjee Marries Model in Varanasi, First Wife Calls It “Illegal”

Bengali actor and politician Hiraan Chatterjee has found himself at the centre of controversy after reports emerged that he married model Ritika Giri in a ceremony held in Varanasi. Viral wedding photos showed the couple dressed in traditional attire - Ritika in a red Banarasi saree and Hiraan in a yellow kurta - indicating that the wedding was conducted according to customary rituals. However, shortly after sharing the images on social media, Chatterjee deleted the post, fuelling speculation and triggering widespread public debate.

The development took a contentious turn when Anindita Chatterjee, Hiraan’s first wife, spoke out strongly against the second marriage. Anindita stated that she and Hiraan are neither divorced nor legally separated, and that they have been married since December 11, 2000. She argued that the newly reported marriage is therefore “illegal,” both under Hindu customs and existing legal norms in India. Anindita also alleged that their 19-year-old daughter has suffered emotionally and physically as a result of the familial breakdown and Hiraan’s absence.

Anindita said she only learned about the second wedding through the circulating photographs and was unaware of its arrangements in advance. She expressed deep distress over the impact on her daughter, who has reportedly been facing health issues and undergoing medical treatment. The first wife also made claims that her family endured prolonged hardship, though she remained silent publicly for the sake of their daughter until now.

The controversy has raised serious questions about the legal status of Hiraan Chatterjee’s second marriage. With no confirmed divorce or legal separation, legal experts and commentators have pointed out that bigamy is prohibited under Indian law if a prior marriage is still legally valid. Despite the growing scrutiny, Hiraan Chatterjee has yet to issue an official statement responding to the allegations or addressing the claims made by his first wife, leaving the matter unresolved.

The issue has also sparked intense discussion on social media, with many users debating marital laws, personal responsibility, and the conduct of public figures. While opinions remain divided, Anindita’s emotional account and the alleged estrangement between the actor and his daughter have resonated strongly with a section of the public.

As the controversy continues, it remains unclear whether any legal petitions or court actions will be initiated by either party. For now, the actor’s second marriage and the first wife’s accusations highlight a deeply personal and complex dispute involving questions of legality, family responsibility and public expectations of celebrities.