Popular Bollywood actress Rakhi Sawant and her husband Ritesh have split and announced their separation before Valentine's Day on Sunday. In a detailed note addressed to fans and followers on social media, the Bigg Boss 15 star wrote, "Dear fans and well-wishers, just wanted to say that Ritesh and I have decided to part ways." Rakhi added, "After the Bigg Boss show a lot has happened and I was unaware of certain things which were out of my control. We have tried to work out our differences and tried to make things work but I think it's best we both move on amicably and we both enjoy our lives separately." 

An emotional Rakhi further stated in her note on Instagram, "I'm really sad and heartbroken that this had to happen before Valentine's Day but the decision had to be made. I wish Ritesh the best in life but for me at this stage in life, I have to focus on my work and my life and keep myself happy and healthy." She also added, "Thank you for understanding and supporting me always! - Rakhi Sawant", while captioning the note with only a folding hands emoji. Check out Rakhi's statement below: 

Last year, during her stint on Bigg Boss 15, Rakhi introduced Ritesh as her husband. Having also participated in Bigg Boss 14 in 2020, the star had earlier requested him a number of times to confirm the news of their wedding. However, he did not make an appearance on the hit reality TV show until she participated as a contestant on Bigg Boss 15. Only sometime back, Rakhi had protested about her marriage with Ritesh stating that it was not legal as per the law but later changed her stand. During his stay in the Bigg Boss house with Rakhi, Ritesh's first wife Snigdha Priya leveled allegations of domestic violence against him. 

Reacting to Snigdha's claims later in an interview to ETimes, Rakhi, who is known among fans across the country for her dance numbers in Hindi, Marathi, Odia, Telugu, Tamil, and Kannada films said, "I am really happy with Ritesh. I know all the allegations leveled against my husband are wrong. He is not like what they are making him out to be. I have been with him for a while now and I know him well. He came from Belgium and then entered the Bigg Boss house. He has given me so much love and affection." She further stated, "Officially, we will not get married now. Whatever others may say, for me Ritesh is very good husband material. I don’t want to know what Snigdha Priya has said, I don’t want to listen to it. I only know that Ritesh is very good to me and he will prove to be a good husband and I know both of us will prove to be a good couple. With blessings, we will have children too."