Most often in India, women have to bear the brunt of many things. Some of them include receiving hate for decisions that they make for their sanity. Another example of India glorifying the patriarchy that it is known for was put on display when popular Indian cricketer Hardik Pandya announced separation from his wife–Natasa Stankovic. It was yesterday on July 18, when the couple dropped a shared statement about their separation, after many months of speculation.
While some thought it was a PR move, some held Natasa accountable for having an alleged “extramarital affair,” until the duo finally announced the news. In a statement, the two talked about parting ways for reasons, best known to them, but also promised to co-parent their son Agastya. It was then, that media and supporters of Pandya instantly jumped to villainies Natasa. Blaming the woman, fans soon started to feel sorry for Pandya, sending him condolences during the hard times.
Many also blamed Natasa for being the root cause of his bad form during the IPL 2024. Not just that, but trolls crossed all the boundaries and said things like–“Itne acche insaan ko pehchan nhi paayi,” “She had only one job to do, that also she failed in,” “Leave her sir u deserve much better than her,” and what not.
I mean, is this required? How insanely insensitive can people be? For years, Indian women have been tutored and taught to take care, mend and be solely responsible for shouldering a bad marriage and put up with bad behaviour displayed by their partners, because “divorce” cannot be an option.
Also Read: Natasa Stankovic, Hardik Pandya Request Privacy After Announcing Divorce: “We Will Co-Parent…”
Not that we hold Pandya responsible for it either, but the backlash on Natasa is proof that India is still filled with minds, that blame women for a failed marriage. Not just that, but many celebrity separations in the past have been a bright example of the same. Remember when content creator/actor Kusha Kapila was thrown into a living hell, for her separation from husband Zorawar Ahluwalia? The backlash on Kapila was so immense that Zorawar had to jump in and issue a statement, supporting her. Not just this, but in cases of cheating and extramarital affairs, the other woman is always held accountable for breaking the marriage, instead of the man, who was supposed to be “loyal.” I mean, don’t make me mention what happened with Sania Mirza, Shoaib Malik, Sana Javed.
The question is, why, even in 2024, do women have to pay the price of patriarchy? Can’t we accept that it was a “mutual” decision, made by two adults, who can’t seem to see forever with each other? Can’t we just be there for both, instead of labelling one as the sufferer and the other as the villain in this story? Can we all grow up?
For the unversed, Natasa and Hardik held an intimate wedding at home in the year 2020. The two hosted three-day long wedding celebrations in 2023, renewing their vows.