Rati Agnihotri: 30 Years of Marital Abuse

New Delhi, December 09, 2025: Bollywood actress Rati Agnihotri, the celebrated star of films like Ek Duuje Ke Liye and Coolie, bravely opened up about her three-decade-long ordeal of domestic violence at the hands of her husband, architect Anil Virwani. Her shocking revelation highlights that abuse is not limited by fame, fortune, or public perception

The Secret Behind the Smile

For thirty years, Rati Agnihotri maintained the public facade of a happy family life with her husband and their son, Tanuj Virwani. Behind the closed doors of their upscale Worli penthouse, however, she allegedly endured horrific physical and mental abuse, which began early in their marriage in 1985.

Rati recounted in a later interview that her husband’s blows were often strategically aimed at parts of her body that would not be visible, allowing her to keep up the appearance of a cheerful, successful star in public. Her radiant smile hid a dark secret she carried for decades. She admitted that her deep-seated belief in the sanctity of marriage and, most importantly, her son Tanuj, were the main reasons she stayed in the abusive relationship, constantly hoping her husband would change.

The Breaking Point and Fear for Life

The critical turning point came on March 7, 2015. After an especially terrifying outburst from her husband while her son was away, Rati found herself hiding, paralyzed by fear. It was in that moment that a stark realization hit her, leading to the chilling quote that encapsulated her situation:

“I thought to myself, I am a 54-year-old woman and I will only grow older and weaker, and then one day, I will die, beaten to death.”

A week later, on March 14, 2015, Rati took the courageous step of driving to the police station and filing a formal complaint of domestic abuse and criminal intimidation against Anil Virwani. She couldn’t bring herself to return to the apartment she had called home for years, instead starting a new life at her bungalow in Lonavala.

Reconciliation and Finding a New Balance

When her son Tanuj learned the full extent of his mother’s suffering, he did not pressure her but instead offered his unconditional love and support, encouraging her to do whatever made her happy.

Interestingly, the story did not end in a permanent separation. After months of legal proceedings, the couple decided to reconcile. Tanuj reportedly played a vital role in helping his parents rebuild their relationship on a foundation of mutual respect and understanding, emphasizing the three decades of shared love beneath the anger.

Today, the family appears to have found a more peaceful balance. While the initial police complaint and legal case brought the difficult truth into the open, the family now maintains a cordial relationship, with Rati and Anil living together in both Mumbai and Lonavala. The veteran actress has also been spending time pursuing business ventures in Poland.

Rati Agnihotri’s decision to speak out, regardless of her privileged background, remains a powerful testament to the universal struggle of domestic violence victims, proving that courage often lies in breaking the silence.