New Delhi, June 19, 2026: Popular television actor Kanika Maheshwari, widely recognized for her iconic role as Meenakshi Rathi in the hit show Diya Aur Baati Hum, has finally broken her silence regarding her marital status. Putting an end to three years of intense media speculation and social media gossip, the actor firmly denied the rumors claiming she has divorced her husband, Delhi-based businessman Ankur Ghai. Clarifying the reality of her personal life, Kanika revealed that the couple is happily navigating a long-distance marriage due to their respective professional commitments.
In a series of candid interactions, including an interview with the Times of India and an appearance on Hauterrfly’s The Male Feminist, Kanika addressed the background behind the rumors. She acknowledged that while they did face a turbulent phase where they initially filed for divorce, they ultimately decided to take a step back and prioritize their bond and their family.
The Reality Behind the Separation Rumors
Speculation regarding Kanika and Ankur’s marriage first emerged around 2023 when reports surfaced claiming that the couple had been living separately for nearly four years. Because Kanika resides in Mumbai with their young son, Reyansh, while Ankur runs his business out of Delhi, many onlookers and media portals rushed to the conclusion that the marriage had ended.
Addressing these assumptions, Kanika expressed her frustration over how easily people pass judgment without knowing the full context.
The actor criticized the modern digital landscape, noting that journalism has often become a business driven by clicks rather than facts. She pointed out that what people see on social media represents only a tiny fragment of an individual’s real life.
Overcoming a Difficult Phase: The Decision to Step Back
While Kanika fiercely debunked the active divorce rumors, she chose to be entirely transparent about the hurdles her marriage faced. She admitted that the rumors weren’t entirely baseless in their origin, confirming that they had indeed approached the courts to file for a legal separation at one point.
However, during the mandated cooling-off period, both Kanika and Ankur chose to re-evaluate their relationship. The turning point came from a mutual desire to protect their son’s future and a realization that their underlying love and respect for one another were still intact.
The main reason they chose not to proceed with the divorce was Ankur’s initial reluctance to dissolve the marriage, which eventually prompted Kanika to rethink her stance. They chose to put in the work required for personal growth, honest communication, and mutual understanding rather than walking away from a 12-year marriage.
Redefining Love in a Long-Distance Setup
Today, Kanika and Ankur have embraced their living arrangement with a completely fresh perspective. Rather than looking at the distance as a disadvantage, Kanika described their current dynamic as refreshing.
Kanika argued that couples in various fields routinely adjust to living in separate cities due to the nature of their careers. She emphasized that a non-traditional living situation does not make a marriage any less authentic or committed. In fact, she noted that giving each other space to pursue their separate careers has allowed them to find a “different fun in romancing” from a distance, describing their current bond as a very pure form of love.
A Stellar Career in Indian Television
Beyond her personal life, Kanika Maheshwari continues to be a prominent and highly respected name in the Indian television industry. She made her acting debut back in 2001 with the show Kabhi Aaye Na Judaai and steadily built her filmography with appearances in major daily soaps like Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii, Kkavyanjali, and Piya Ka Ghar.
However, her true breakthrough came with Star Plus’s Diya Aur Baati Hum, where her portrayal of the sharp-tongued yet comedic antagonist Meenakshi Rathi turned her into a household name across India. Her stellar performance won her multiple accolades, including the Indian Telly Award and Zee Gold Awards for Best Actress in a Negative Role. The couple also showcased their real-life chemistry to the public in 2013 as contestants on the celebrity dance reality show Nach Baliye Season 6.
Currently, Kanika is back on television screens, playing a powerful and well-received role as Husnara Niyazi in Colors TV’s drama series Seher – Hone Ko Hai, proving that her professional drive remains as strong as ever. By clearing the air, Kanika has firmly set the record straight: her focus remains on her craft, her co-parenting responsibilities, and maintaining a healthy, supportive partnership with her husband on their own terms.