The ongoing discussion around the separation of actor-politician Vijay and his wife Sankgeetha Sornalingam has drawn reactions from several quarters, including legal professionals. Madras High Court advocate Saranya Natarajan recently weighed in on the issue, urging people on social media to approach the matter with empathy and respect.
Speculation around Vijay’s personal life intensified recently when he attended the wedding reception of AGS producer Kalpathi Suresh’s son on March 5 along with Trisha Krishnan. The two were seen walking to the stage together to greet the newlyweds, posing for photographs, and reportedly leaving the venue around the same time, prompting widespread discussion online.
In a statement shared on Instagram, Saranya addressed the timing of recent events linked to the couple. “Regarding public discussions around Vijay and his wife Sankgeetha, I wish to clarify my stance. On the very day a petition seeking a residence order was reportedly filed by Sankgeetha, public celebrations of Women's Day alongside another woman created an irony that cannot be ignored,” she wrote. (sic)
Her comment referenced the International Women’s Day event organised by Vijay’s political party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, in Mamallapuram, where the actor announced several welfare initiatives aimed at women ahead of the Assembly elections.
Saranya also criticised the online response directed at Sankgeetha, saying she found it troubling that the woman involved was being attacked by some social media users. “It is even more disturbing to see her targeted by sections of followers on social media while strangers and members of the public show empathy for her. When outsiders demonstrate more humanity than supposed supporters, it says everything about loyalty and conscience,” she said.
In the caption accompanying the statement, Saranya clarified that she is not legally representing Sankgeetha in the case. “Important clarification: I am not representing Sangeeta as her advocate. Request everyone not to tag or refer to me as her counsel. Let’s avoid misinformation,” she wrote. She further addressed the backlash she received after her earlier comments. "Extramarital affairs may not be penalised now… but displaying them like a proud moment and normalising it still doesn’t make it normal. First Jayam Ravi… now Vijay and Trisha Krishnan are twinning like it’s some trend,” she added, claiming the criticism began after she posted those remarks.
The discussion intensified after Sankgeetha reportedly filed a petition seeking separation after 25 years of marriage. Along with the divorce proceedings, she has also requested an interim residence order allowing her to continue staying at the couple’s matrimonial home on Casuarina Drive in Chennai until the case is resolved.
Vijay and Sankgeetha were married in August 1999 in ceremonies held according to both Hindu and Christian traditions. The couple has two children, Jason Sanjay and Divya Shasha.