Saif Ali Khan & Amrita Singh: The Nawab Who Paid Until He Nearly Broke
'I'm not Shah Rukh Khan — I don't have that kind of money,' Saif said while paying every rupee he owed.
Key Facts
What Happened
Saif Ali Khan, the Nawab of Pataudi and a Bollywood star, married actress Amrita Singh in 1991 despite a 13-year age gap — she was the older, more established star at the time. The couple had two children who would both become celebrities: Sara Ali Khan (born 1995) and Ibrahim Ali Khan (born 2001). But by the early 2000s, the marriage had deteriorated amid allegations of incompatibility and rumored affairs.
The divorce in 2004 was messy and public, a stark contrast to the dignified splits that would later become more common in Bollywood. Both sides made allegations through the press, and the bitterness was palpable. Amrita later said she chose to stay silent during the worst of it: 'So much was said, but I didn't want to retaliate because of our children.'
The financial settlement required Saif to pay Rs 5 crore (approximately $1.1 million) in lump-sum alimony, of which he initially could only pay about half. He also committed to paying Rs 1 lakh per month (approximately $2,200 at the time) until his younger son Ibrahim turned 18. Additionally, Saif provided his bungalow for Amrita and the children. In a candid interview, Saif admitted: 'I'm supposed to give Amrita Rs 5 crore. I'm not Shah Rukh Khan. I don't have that kind of money,' adding that he would 'pay up even if I have to slog till I drop dead.'
The case took a remarkable turn when Saif's career was revitalized by hits like Hum Tum (2004) and later Omkara (2006), eventually allowing him to fulfill his financial obligations. He married Kareena Kapoor in 2012 and rebuilt his fortune. Amrita, meanwhile, returned to acting and maintained her dignity throughout. Their daughter Sara Ali Khan has spoken publicly about the family dynamics, showing that the wounds of a bitter divorce can heal with time.
Legal Breakdown: How ongoing maintenance obligations can strain even wealthy earners during career downturns
Contested Divorce in India
Unlike the mutual consent divorces common in later Bollywood splits, the Saif-Amrita divorce was contested and acrimonious. Contested Indian divorces can take years to resolve, involve extensive court appearances, and result in court-imposed settlements rather than negotiated agreements. The process is emotionally draining and expensive, and both parties lose control over the narrative.
Alimony and Ongoing Maintenance
Indian courts can order both lump-sum alimony and ongoing monthly maintenance. The maintenance obligation for children typically continues until the child reaches adulthood (18) or completes education. For Saif, the combination of a large lump sum and ongoing monthly payments created significant financial pressure during a period when his career was struggling, illustrating how divorce obligations can create a financial crisis even for seemingly wealthy individuals.
Property in Lieu of Cash
When the paying spouse cannot immediately fulfill a cash settlement, providing property (as Saif did with his bungalow) is a common alternative. This ensures the custodial parent and children have housing stability while the cash settlement is paid over time. Indian courts consider housing for children a priority in divorce settlements.
What This Means for Your Divorce
- →Divorce obligations can create genuine financial hardship even for high earners — income fluctuations in entertainment careers make fixed obligations particularly challenging.
- →Maintaining dignity during a bitter divorce, as Amrita did, protects children from the worst psychological effects of parental conflict.
- →Providing the family home to the custodial parent offers stability for children during the upheaval of divorce.
- →Career resilience after divorce is possible — Saif's eventual career revival allowed him to meet all his obligations, but the years of financial stress were real.
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This article is based on publicly available court records, news reports, and legal analysis. It is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is created by reading this content.
Divorce laws vary by jurisdiction. Always consult a licensed attorney in your area before making legal decisions.