In 2013, former cricketer turned actor Sreesanth faced accusations in a spot-fixing and betting scandal. Recently, he openly discussed that challenging phase of his life. According to him, his then-girlfriend, now wife, Bhuvaneshwari Kumari, and her family stood firmly by his side. Sreesanth revealed that around the time he and Bhuvaneshwari decided to marry, he was apprehended in the spot-fixing scandal.
'My In-Laws Stood by Me'
Reflecting on his arrest, Sreesanth remembered telling Bhuvaneshwari's father that he might never play cricket for India again. Sreesanth adds, "I informed her father that I might not represent the country again, yet I salute the entire Shekhawat family. Back then, people labeled me as a terrorist and spread various rumors, but despite all, they remained steadfastly by my side."
On Harbhajan Singh and Geeta Basra's chat show, Bhuvaneshwari shared how, when caught in the controversy, her father was unaware of their wedding plans. She recalled, "My dad wasn't aware of my intention to marry him. One morning, while in Hyderabad, my friends urged me to turn on the TV, revealing his arrest in the fixing case. My immediate thought was, 'Oh Lord, what will I tell Dad now?' It felt like the ground beneath me had vanished, and I wanted to disappear into it."
She recalled her father's reaction, "Dad called, agitated over my trip to Hyderabad, insisting I return. I promised not to return until he vowed to hear my side and not judge our marriage based on TV perceptions. Even if God claimed Sreesanth's guilt, I'd refuse to believe it."
Sreesanth Contemplated Suicide
Sreesanth admitted feeling utterly broken, pondering suicide, yet Bhuvaneshwari's unwavering support anchored him.
The actor-cricketer shared, "I struggled to understand the gravity of the situation. Arrested, I realized God was the ultimate authority. My circumstances were dire. People labeled me a terrorist, claiming my life was over. I told my brother, within days either I'd be killed or self-harm would occur."
Sreesanth recalled his first encounter with his future father-in-law in court, "My brother assured me, citing a girl (Bhuvaneshwari) who had waited seven years for me, urging me not to act rashly. She reaffirmed her support, empowering me to confront adversity. I met my father-in-law in court first, nearly weeping, but his encouraging gesture gave me strength. I spent 27 days in Tihar Jail, with her sleeping on the floor until my release."
Sreesanth and Bhuvaneshwari first crossed paths at a cricket match in Jaipur, sparking their romance. Bhuvaneshwari belongs to Diwanpura, the royal family of Alwar, Rajasthan. They wed in 2013, the same year Sreesanth faced fixing allegations. Sreesanth has starred in films like Team 5, Aksar 2, Cabaret, and Chetta Don.
