The love story of Digvijay Singh and Amrita Rai is one that transcends age, defies societal norms, and stands as a testament to the power of personal choice in modern India. Digvijay Singh, a seasoned Congress leader and former Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, and Amrita Rai, a respected television journalist, captured headlines when their relationship became public in 2014. Their journey—from a chance connection to a committed marriage in 2015—sparked admiration, controversy, and intense scrutiny.
The Beginnings: How Digvijay Singh and Amrita Rai Met
Digvijay Singh, born on February 28, 1947, in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, is a prominent Indian politician with a career spanning decades. A widower since 2013, following the death of his first wife, Asha Singh, he was no stranger to personal loss. Asha, whom he married in 1969, succumbed to cancer after a prolonged battle, leaving behind Digvijay and their five children—four daughters and a son, Jaivardhan Singh. At 66, Digvijay was navigating both personal grief and a busy political life when fate intervened.
Amrita Rai, born in 1972 in Uttar Pradesh, was a rising star in Indian journalism. With a career that took her from BAG Films to Star News, CNEB, and NDTV, she established herself as a knowledgeable and articulate anchor. By 2014, she was working with Rajya Sabha TV, hosting the popular program Sarokaar. Married to Anand Pradhan, an associate professor at the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Amrita’s personal life was on the cusp of change.
Their paths reportedly crossed in 2013, just six months after Asha’s passing, during a television interview amid Digvijay’s election campaign. Sources suggest that their shared ideologies and mutual respect sparked an initial connection. What began as a professional interaction soon blossomed into something deeper, setting the stage for one of India’s most talked-about political love stories. For those searching "how Digvijay Singh met Amrita Rai" or "Digvijay Singh second wife," this moment marks the inception of their romance.
Love in the Spotlight: Public Revelation and Controversy
The Digvijay Singh and Amrita Rai love story took a dramatic turn in April 2014 when intimate photographs of the couple surfaced on social media. The leaked images, a result of a cybercrime targeting Amrita’s accounts, thrust their relationship into the public eye. At 67, Digvijay was 24 years older than Amrita, then 42, and the age gap fueled widespread debate. Critics labeled it scandalous, while supporters admired their boldness.
Rather than shy away, both Digvijay and Amrita addressed the situation head-on. On April 30, 2014, Digvijay tweeted, “I have no hesitation in accepting my relationship with Amrita Rai. She and her husband have already filed a mutual consent divorce case. Once that is decided, we would formalize it.” Amrita echoed this sentiment, stating on Twitter, “I have separated from my husband and we have filed mutual consent divorce papers. After which I have decided to marry Digvijaya Singh.”
Their openness was a double-edged sword. While it showcased their commitment, it also invited trolling and abuse, particularly toward Amrita. She later reflected on this period in a 2015 Facebook post, writing, “Last one and a half years have been particularly stressful and traumatic. I was the victim of a cybercrime, but was treated as a criminal. I was trolled and abused in the most derogatory language for no fault of mine.” Searches like "Digvijay Singh Amrita Rai controversy" or "Indian political scandals" often lead to this chapter, highlighting the intense public scrutiny they endured.
Overcoming Obstacles: Family, Society, and Spiritual Guidance
The road to their union was fraught with challenges. Digvijay’s children, grieving their mother’s loss, were reportedly unhappy with their father’s new relationship. His son, Jaivardhan, an MLA from Raghogarh, initially distanced himself, telling India Today, “I will not comment on his personal life.” Over time, however, family reactions softened, with Jaivardhan later calling it a “personal matter.”
Amrita faced her own hurdles. Her marriage to Anand Pradhan had been deteriorating, and the couple had been living separately for years. Anand, a supporter of her autonomy, publicly wished her well, stating on Facebook, “Amrita is free to take any decision regarding her life after separating from me, and I respect that.” Their mutual consent divorce paved the way for her future with Digvijay.
Spiritually, Digvijay sought forgiveness from his guru, Swami Swaroopanand Saraswati, who was displeased with the relationship. In May 2014, he met the Shankaracharya, reaffirming his faith while defending his choices. This blend of personal conviction and resilience against societal judgment defines their love story, resonating with queries like "Digvijay Singh family reaction" and "Amrita Rai divorce."
A Union Sealed: Marriage in 2015
After navigating public backlash and personal transitions, Digvijay Singh and Amrita Rai tied the knot in August 2015 in Chennai, in a private ceremony conducted as per Hindu rites. They later registered their marriage, formalizing their bond. Amrita announced the news on September 5, 2015, via Facebook, writing, “I would like to share with my friends that I and Digvijaya Singh have married in a solemn ceremony… We have also later registered our marriage.”
In a poignant gesture, Amrita addressed concerns about motives, particularly Digvijay’s wealth. She added, “I have married Digvijaya Singh for love. Therefore, I have already requested him to transfer all his property and belongings to his son and daughters.” True to her word, Digvijay transferred his assets to Jaivardhan in 2016, dispelling notions of material gain. This act reinforced their narrative of genuine affection, appealing to searches like "Digvijay Singh Amrita Rai marriage" and "Congress leader second marriage."
Life After Marriage: A Partnership Beyond the Headlines
Since their marriage, Digvijay and Amrita have maintained a relatively low profile, focusing on their respective careers. Digvijay, now 78 as of March 1, 2025, remains active in politics as a Rajya Sabha MP, known for his outspoken views. Amrita, who joined Rajya Sabha TV in 2016 after leaving NDTV, continues to excel as a senior anchor, earning praise for her program Sarokaar.
Their relationship has weathered the storm of initial controversy, evolving into a stable partnership. While the age difference—24 years—remains a point of curiosity, Amrita has defended her choice, stating, “I sincerely feel that at my age I know what is good for me and I can take my decisions as per my own wisdom.” This defiance of convention makes their story a compelling case study for "modern Indian love stories" and "age-gap relationships in India."
Legacy and Public Perception
The Digvijay Singh and Amrita Rai love story is more than a tabloid headline—it’s a narrative of courage, love, and autonomy. It challenged stereotypes about age, widowhood, and remarriage in Indian society, sparking conversations about personal freedom. While some view it as a political scandal, others see it as a bold affirmation of love’s unpredictability.
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