Hardik Pandya and Natasa Stankovic End Their Four-Year Relationship

In a surprising turn of events, renowned Indian cricketer Hardik Pandya and Serbian model Natasa Stankovic have announced their decision to separate after four years of being together. The couple, who have a three-year-old son named Agastya, made their separation public through a heartfelt post on Instagram.

Following months of speculation regarding their relationship status, the announcement confirmed the rumors that had been circulating in the media. Hardik Pandya revealed in his Instagram message that after considerable deliberation, they reached a mutual agreement to part ways, believing it to be the right decision for both parties. He admitted that the decision was challenging, especially considering the special moments they had shared during their time together.

The romance between Hardik and Natasa took root in 2018 when they first crossed paths at a nightclub in Mumbai, thanks to a mutual friend who introduced them. Their instant chemistry transformed into romance, and what began as a casual encounter quickly blossomed into a serious relationship. During a candid interview, Hardik mentioned that Natasa was oblivious to his status as a cricketer during their initial meeting, marking a unique beginning to their romantic journey.

The couple became engaged on January 1, 2020, in a surprise proposal on a cruise, which garnered significant attention on social media. This milestone was followed by another significant event when the two welcomed their son, Agastya, into the world in July 2020, marking 2020 as a memorable year for them.

However, the biggest surprise came when Natasa announced her pregnancy in May 2020, leading to a civil marriage between the two on May 31 of the same year. Their court marriage took place with limited guests due to restrictions stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, making the event somewhat understated given their public personas and expectations.

The couple’s adventurous love story continued with a grand wedding in Udaipur on February 14, 2023, which was celebrated with both Hindu and Christian customs. This spectacular ceremony featured several notable figures from the cricketing world, showcasing the couple’s popularity and the attention their relationship attracted.

<pHowever, the tides turned just a few months later when rumors of their split began surfacing in May 2024. Speculations rose after a Reddit post suggested that Hardik and Natasa were no longer together, as they had stopped sharing moments together on their respective social media accounts. Observers pointed out that Natasa had begun omitting the 'Pandya' surname from her profile and had deleted previous posts showcasing their relationship. Moreover, Hardik’s lack of a public birthday post for Natasa on March 4 further fueled these speculations.

On May 18, 2024, the rumors were substantiated when Hardik officially announced their separation, confirming that Natasa was currently in Serbia with their son Agastya. In his post, he expressed gratitude for their journey together, requesting understanding and privacy from the public during this challenging time.

In his announcement, Hardik mentioned that while they would no longer be partners, they would continue to raise their son together as co-parents, striving to give Agastya the best life possible. He expressed happiness for having Agastya in their lives, emphasizing that his well-being would always be a priority for both parents.

As this separation marks a significant change for both Hardik and Natasa, it raises questions about the implications of divorce, especially concerning custody and property rights. In India, understanding the legalities surrounding divorce can often be complex, particularly for women who may find themselves needing to navigate issues of alimony and property division.

According to legal experts, women have certain rights when a marriage dissolves. In the case of jointly owned properties, both partners have equal claims, while women also retain rights to reside in a property until a divorce is finalized. If the property is solely owned by one partner and acquired independently, the other partner may need to demonstrate financial contributions to claim any stake in the property.

Moreover, during the legal separation process, women can claim maintenance for themselves and their children. Affiliations like Interim Maintenance are often paid from the date of filing until a court’s decision, while Permanent Maintenance is determined under relevant legal frameworks based on various factors, including the lifestyle enjoyed during the marriage.

Legal practitioners highlight the need for both parties to maintain clear records of assets, especially if they wish to protect their interests in the event of a divorce. Additionally, although prenuptial agreements are not commonly recognized in India, they can provide a framework for financial arrangements should a couple choose to pursue one.

Lastly, the matter of ‘Streedhan,’ which includes gifts received before and during the marriage, remains a vital aspect for women. Legal provisions exist that enable women to reclaim these possessions from their in-laws if necessary, ensuring their rights are upheld following the end of their marriage.

As the dust settles on Hardik Pandya and Natasa Stankovic’s high-profile relationship, their focus on co-parenting Agastya may provide a familiar narrative in the eyes of those who have faced similar circumstances.