In the world of celebrity relationships, few topics attract as much attention as high-profile divorces and, consequently, financial settlements involved in them.
Among the numerous reported cases in recent days, one is that an Indian cricketer has allegedly paid an alimony amount of ₹42 crores to his former wife Nataša Stanković.
This settlement, therefore, has not only piqued the interest of the media but has also brought up a couple of important questions about the very nature of alimony, prenups, and the financial dynamics of celebrity divorces.
In this article, we will detail out the specifics of this settlement, the controversy it has thrown, and the larger social and legal implications for both the parties involved.
The Individuals Involved: Hardik Pandya and Nataša Stanković
Before getting into the financial figures of their divorce, let’s talk about who Hardik Pandya is and Nataša Stanković and how their personal life has invited so much attention from people.
Hardik Pandya is an Indian cricketer, renowned for his all-rounder abilities. He has played in various formats of the game for India and gained fame and wealth through his cricketing career.
Apart from cricketing achievements, Pandya has also made endorsement deals and expanded his business ventures, making him one of the wealthiest sports stars in India.
Meanwhile, a dancer, model, and an actress originating from Serbia, Nataša Stanković took centre stage in the Indian entertainments industry.
She took part in numerous music video clips, films, as well as TV series productions, which catapulted her toward success. In the spring of 2020, this Serb and Hardik Pandya were making the covers all over the newspapers by having announced their engagement followed up by the birth of baby son Agastya within couple weeks following the engagement.
However, their relationship soon became a subject of public scrutiny when they reportedly separated in 2021. The financial settlement that followed has only added fuel to the ongoing media frenzy.
The ₹42 Crore Alimony Payment: What We Know
Alimony, or spousal support, is one of the most common financial arrangements when a marriage goes sour and ends in divorce. In this case, according to reports, Hardik Pandya is supposed to pay ₹42 crore in alimony to his former wife, Nataša Stanković.
This is a humongous amount, especially considering that typical divorce settlements in India don’t even reach this level. The amount is seen as a reflection of Hardik Pandya’s massive wealth, including cricketing earnings and other business ventures.
Though the exact terms of the divorce settlement are unknown, the payment of ₹42 crores is reportedly an agreed upon sum after the legal settlement between the two.
According to sources, the said amount will be a measure of support for Nataša’s lifestyle besides post-divorce financial security. Considering they have a son together, the alimony is further likely to comprise of some measures for their child’s future requirements.
Controversy Over the Alimony Pay
The revelation of the ₹42 crore alimony payment has generated considerable controversy. Many people have questioned the fairness of such a huge financial settlement, especially in a country like India, where the average divorce settlement is much smaller.
Critics argue that the payment is too high and reflects the inflated financial expectations that accompany celebrity divorces.
Some have also argued that alimony settlement is generally viewed as a means of preserving the financially weaker party’s stake after divorce.
In Hardik Pandya and Nataša’s case, many wonder if the mammoth amount is really true to Nataša’s needs or if she is just being paid off in order to keep her quiet to avoid further public drama.
On the other hand, supporters of Nataša’s alimony claim that she deserves financial support for the sacrifices she made during their marriage.
Many believe that she gave up parts of her career to raise their child and support Hardik in his professional life. For some, the payment is viewed as a recognition of her role in their relationship and her efforts in raising their son.
The amount of ₹42 crore has also led to a larger debate on the status of women in marriages and divorces.
In most countries, including India, there is an expectation that the man should be the breadwinner, and thus the settlements in cases of divorce usually favor the woman.
The alimony amount in this case has highlighted the intricate gender dynamics that influence the way financial settlements are determined.
The Prenuptial Agreement: Nataša’s New Relationship and Legal Implications
In an interesting twist to the ongoing saga, Nataša Stanković is reportedly set to marry her long-time boyfriend, Aleksandar Ilac, a Serbian businessman.
Their relationship has been closely followed by the media, and many have noted that they have reportedly signed a prenuptial agreement before getting married.
A prenuptial agreement, or prenup, is a legal contract signed by a couple before their marriage that outlines how their assets will be divided in the event of a divorce.
Prenups are common among high-net-worth individuals who want to protect their financial interests in case their marriage does not last. Reports suggest that, in this case, Nataša and Aleksandar’s prenup is to include a clause whereby she would be barred from seeking alimony if they end up getting divorced.
The concept of a prenuptial agreement is relatively new to India and has been met with mixed reactions.
Prenups are common in Western countries but are not legally recognized in India, where divorce laws and financial settlements are governed by the country’s family laws. Thus, the enforceability of prenuptial agreements in India remains unclear.
The Legal Landscape of Prenuptial Agreements in India
The concept of prenuptial agreements in India is still at its nascent stage, and their legal recognition is not as prevalent as it is in other countries.
Indian courts do not have specific laws governing prenups, which makes them hard to enforce. However, some legal experts argue that courts may consider the terms of a prenup as part of the divorce proceedings, provided that the agreement is fair and reasonable.
Despite not having the force of law, prenuptial agreements are finding popularity among India’s wealthy citizens and celebrities.
The increasingly popular trend of prenups reflects the change of attitudes toward marriage and divorce in the country, specifically among the younger generation who find it easier to discuss financial issues before getting married.
The reported prenup between Nataša Stanković and Aleksandar Ilac raises several questions on the future of prenuptial agreements in India.
Many people believe that prenups are the practical means of protecting personal assets, whereas others find it unromantic and even reflects a lack of trust between the partners.
The fact that Nataša has signed a prenup with Aleksandar Ilac, which supposedly contains a clause excluding alimony in case of divorce, has fueled the argument over the role of these agreements in modern relationships.
Public Perception and Cultural Implications
The public’s perception of both alimony payments and prenuptial agreements is influenced by cultural norms and societal expectations.
In India, where divorce is often still stigmatized, the financial aspects of a breakup are heavily scrutinized. People tend to have strong opinions about the amounts involved, particularly when large sums of money are involved in celebrity divorces.
There is also a cultural aspect. In India, it is common for men to be the breadwinner in marriages, and as such, women in marriages are commonly entitled to support financially following a divorce.
But the role of women in financial matters is changing with the changing legal landscape and societal norms of the country, and women are becoming more financially independent.
Nataša’s reported alimony payment of ₹42 crore and her subsequent prenuptial agreement with Aleksandar Ilac speak of such changing times.
While it is indeed an enormous amount of alimony that was paid to her in consideration for her contribution in the marriage and raising their child, it, on the other hand, speaks of a much more contemporary approach towards money matters during marriage.
The reported ₹42 crore alimony payment from Hardik Pandya to Nataša Stanković has further opened a debate on such huge financial settlements in celebrity divorces and whether this is fair and reasonable or not.
At the same time, Nataša’s upcoming marriage to Aleksandar Ilac, along with their prenuptial agreement, is an example of the change in attitudes that have emerged toward relationships, marriages, and financial security in India.
Although the legal legitimacy of prenuptial agreements is still not well defined, the increasing popularity of such agreements is a sign of greater changes in society’s attitude toward marriage and divorce.
The case of Hardik Pandya and Nataša Stanković is an interesting example of celebrity relationships, financial settlements, and legal matters.
Whether one is in agreement or disagreement with the financial settlements, it can be seen that these celebrity divorces continue to raise essential questions about how modern relationships are changing and the place of money in marriage.
Ultimately, as public opinion continues to shift, so will the future of alimony and prenuptial agreements in India.
2 thoughts on “Hardik Pandya Reportedly Paid ₹42 crore in alimony to his ex-wife, Nataša”