Jayam Ravi on Divorce: ‘If Aarti wanted to reconcile, why didn’t she reach out? I want custody of my children’

Actor Jayam Ravi and his wife Aarti have been in the headlines in the last few weeks after they announced their divorce. Jayam Ravi decided to take the bull by the horns and addressed the media about his divorce and rumours that he is dating singer and spiritual healer Kenishaa Francis. He spoke exclusively to Hindustan Times on Saturday, after attending the audio launch of his Diwali album, Brother, revealing more details. Also read: Jayam Ravi announces divorce from wife Aarti Ravi after 15 years of marriage: ‘This decision was not taken in haste’

In the official statement announcing their divorce, Jayam cited personal reasons for their separation.

What did he say?

Asked if he had spoken to his wife Aarti since she was not in favour of divorce, Jayam Ravi asked, “I want a divorce. If Aarti wanted to reconcile as she says, why didn’t she contact me? Why didn’t she respond to the two legal notices I sent her? Does this behaviour give the impression that she wanted to reconcile with me? Will there be any news of a ‘girlfriend’ if the intention was to reconcile?”

He then spoke about his relationship with singer and spiritual healer Kenishaa Francis. “How did these rumours about this person start? Why should anyone drag a third person into this matter unnecessarily? I plan to start a spiritual healing centre with Kenishaa and we are looking for a suitable place. My divorce has nothing to do with it. It reflects badly on me and it also reflects badly on the other people involved, like our families. Has anyone thought of this?” Jayam Ravi criticised.

On the care of his sons

So, was the news that he wanted custody of his sons true? “Yes, I want custody of my children – Aarav and Ayaan. I am ready to fight for this divorce in court for 10 or 20 years, or however long it takes. My future is my children; they are my happiness,” the actor said.

“I want to produce a film with my son Aarav and introduce him to cinema at the right time. That’s my dream. When I acted with him in Tik Tik Tik six years ago, I had said on stage at the success meeting that it was the happiest day of my life. I am waiting for that day again.”

There have been many stories in the media recently, blaming Aarti and her mother Sujata Vijayakumar for the events and problems that eventually led to the divorce. However, Jayam Ravi has not commented on the matter and has chosen not to.

The actor simply said: “I have clearly stated in my statement that everyone should respect our privacy. The case is in court and the first hearing will be in October. In the future, I will do everything legally. There is no turning back, I want a divorce.”

As for the Comali actor’s career, he has already completed three films – Brother, Genie and Kadhalika Neramilai. He told HT that he is studying new scripts.

“I will not rush to sign films anymore. I will take my time to choose the scripts and work on them properly before going to shoot. Things will be different in the future,” concludes the actor.