'Aarti never asked for Rs 40 lakh for herself': Ravi Mohan's mother-in-law, Sujatha Vijayakumar, reveals what the 'divorce maintenance' was really for

Actor Ravi Mohan's divorce case took a fresh turn after his mother-in-law, producer Sujatha Vijayakumar, publicly denied reports that Aarti Ravi had sought Rs 40 lakh per month as interim maintenance.

Speaking to the media on Saturday, Sujatha clarified that Aarti had not asked for the amount as personal maintenance. Instead, she claimed the figure was linked to financial liabilities allegedly incurred during Ravi Mohan's time with the family.

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"We have a lot of debt that was caused by him, because of which the bank even issued a japti notice. The children now don't have money for school fees, food, or tuition," she alleged.

Court reportedly ordered Ravi Mohan to pay children's expenses

Sujatha also addressed recent reports on the Chennai Family Welfare Court's interim order.

According to her, the court directed Ravi Mohan to pay the annual school fees of the couple's children, who study at an American school, along with monthly maintenance.

She claimed the actor had been ordered to pay:

• Rs 3 lakh per month to Aarti Ravi
• Rs 1 lakh per month for each of their two children
• Expenses towards the children's extracurricular activities
• Their annual school fees, which she said amount to Rs 86 lakh

Sujatha further rejected suggestions that Aarti had prevented Ravi Mohan from meeting their children.

"She never said that he shouldn't meet the children. In fact, she herself approached the court for him to see the kids," she said.

Ravi Mohan shares cryptic Instagram message

Hours after Sujatha's press conference, Ravi Mohan appeared to respond through an Instagram Story, without naming anyone directly.

Marking Friendship Day, the actor thanked those who had supported him and criticised what he described as actions amounting to contempt of court.

"Happy Friendship Day, my dearest people. Thank you for standing by me like true friends. It is unfortunate that some people continue to act in ways that amount to contempt of court."

He added: "As for me, I want to make one thing clear: the 4 of us will not ever be in the same room together as long as I am alive. Stay happy always and choose your friends wisely."

Divorce proceedings continue

The latest statements come days after reports that the Chennai Family Welfare Court granted Ravi Mohan unrestricted visitation rights to his sons while passing an interim maintenance order.

Neither Ravi Mohan nor Aarti Ravi has publicly commented on Sujatha Vijayakumar's latest allegations beyond the actor's Instagram Story. The divorce proceedings remain ongoing.


Inputs from TOI