Struggling with a toxic marriage is never easy. It is so difficult that sometimes, even the strongest and the most independent women fail to find the courage to move out of it. What is heartbreaking is the fact how our society shames and blames women when they decide to move out of an abusive marriage.
Many people questioned Karisma Kapoor for the same, when after struggling in an abusive marriage for years, she took a stand for herself. Karisma Kapoor is the first daughter from the Kapoor family who had dared to break all the rules and had joined Bollywood at the tender age of 17.
After an amazing professional career, Karisma Kapoor married Delhi-based businessman, Sunjay Kapur in 2003. But, 10 years later, when the couple decided to end their marriage, it resulted in an ugly battle of divorce. During the divorce, Karisma shared details that shook many. In her divorce plea, Karisma mentioned the details of how she was mentally, emotionally and physically abused in a toxic marriage.
In her plea, Karisma Kapor revealed a disturbing incident from their Honeymoon. Karisma shared that her husband, Sunjay, had tried to auction her and had even forced her to sleep with his friends. And, sadly, when she refused to do so, he not only beat her mercilessly but also quoted her price to one of his friends.
Karisma also mentioned how she had fallen victim to domestic violence right from the very beginning of her marriage. She also mentioned how Sunjay had once asked his mother to slap her. While sharing the details, Karisma mentioned that during her pregnancy, when she was unable to fit into a dress, which her mother-in-law had wanted her to wear, Sunjay asked his mother to slap her.
After 3 years of an ugly divorce battle, finally, Karisma and Sunjay were granted divorce in 2016. After the divorce, Karisma Kapoor was given custody of their children, Samaira Kapoor and Kiaan Raj Kapoor, while Sunjay Kapur was granted occasional visits.
But, Karisma Kapoor isn’t alone. There are so many strong and independent women – Rihanna, Rati Agnihotri and many more – who struggled in abusive marriages. It’s high time that we stop shaming women for their struggle in an abusive marriage, even after being strong and independent!
At IFORHER, we admire every woman who gathers the courage to fight against toxic marriage and abusive relationships. They are no less than the Real Heroes!