The personal life of former Indian cricket captain Mohammad Azharuddin has always drawn immense public attention. His high-profile marriage with Bollywood actress and former Miss India Sangeeta Bijlani was once celebrated as a perfect blend of cricket and glamour. However, their eventual separation and divorce left many unanswered questions, with badminton star Jwala Gutta’s name surfacing frequently in media speculation. Let us explore what is known about these rumours, what the individuals involved have stated, and how narratives have shaped public perception over the years.
The marriage and divorce: A timeline
Mohammad Azharuddin and Sangeeta Bijlani married in 1996. Their relationship was often under the limelight due to Azharuddin’s cricketing stature and Sangeeta’s active presence in the film and modelling industry. The couple was considered deeply in love, with Sangeeta supporting Azhar through his match-fixing controversy in 2000.
However, cracks in their marriage started to appear in the late 2000s. Media reports around 2010 claimed that the couple had separated, and by 2013, their divorce was finalised.
Where does Jwala Gutta fit in?
During the same period, rumours circulated suggesting Azharuddin was dating Indian badminton star Jwala Gutta. Speculations intensified after he was frequently seen attending badminton tournaments where Jwala played. Their camaraderie was interpreted by tabloids as evidence of a romantic relationship.
Jwala Gutta, then India’s top women’s doubles player, was also going through her divorce with fellow badminton player Chetan Anand around this time, fuelling gossip columns further.
What did the people involved say?
Jwala Gutta’s clarification
Jwala Gutta consistently denied any romantic relationship with Azharuddin. In multiple interviews, she stated:
“People can say what they want. I am used to such baseless rumours. Azharuddin was the president of the Badminton Association of India (BAI) and supported the sport. That’s it.”
She added that linking her personal struggles to Azharuddin was unfair, and the media exaggerated normal professional interactions for sensational headlines.
Azharuddin’s response
Azharuddin also denied these allegations. Speaking to reporters at the time, he said:
“Jwala is a good friend and I have supported badminton as BAI President. Beyond that, there is nothing.”
He maintained that his separation from Sangeeta Bijlani was a private matter and no third person was responsible.
Public perception and media narrative
The combination of Azharuddin’s cricketing fame, Jwala Gutta’s badminton success, and Sangeeta Bijlani’s Bollywood background created a perfect storm for gossip columns. However, no official or legal documents ever cited infidelity or another individual as grounds for their divorce.
Sources close to the family mentioned that Azhar and Sangeeta drifted apart due to personal differences and incompatibility over time. There was no formal accusation of an extramarital affair leading to their separation.
Sangeeta Bijlani’s life post-divorce
Sangeeta Bijlani has largely maintained dignity and silence over her divorce, choosing not to speak publicly against Azharuddin. She continues to remain connected with him as a friend and has often been spotted at family events involving Azharuddin’s son, Mohammad Asaduddin.
Jwala Gutta’s career and personal life after the rumours
Jwala Gutta retired from professional badminton in 2017 after a highly successful career. She married actor Vishnu Vishal in 2021 and remains outspoken about gender parity in sports and media. In retrospective interviews, she has called the Azharuddin rumours “misogynistic propaganda” that aimed to discredit her focus on badminton.
Analysing the media and public accountability
The rumours linking Azharuddin’s divorce to Jwala Gutta reveal how female athletes often become targets in narratives involving male public figures. Sports sociologists argue that such narratives overshadow the women’s achievements and reinforce sexist stereotypes.
Key clarifications summarised
| Person | Statement on rumours | Current Status |
|---|---|---|
| Mohammad Azharuddin | Denied romantic links with Jwala Gutta; called her a good friend and colleague in badminton administration | Serving as Hyderabad Cricket Association President |
| Sangeeta Bijlani | No public statement blaming any individual; maintains amicable friendship with Azhar | Focused on fitness and public appearances |
| Jwala Gutta | Denied rumours; termed them baseless and damaging to her reputation | Married to actor Vishnu Vishal, active in sports advocacy |
Why this story resurfaces periodically
- Celebrity culture – Cricket and Bollywood are India’s two biggest entertainment arenas, and their intersections attract public curiosity.
- Misogynistic media traditions – Women associated with male celebrities are often blamed for relationship breakdowns, regardless of evidence.
- Lack of direct clarifications – Both Azharuddin and Bijlani maintained dignified silences, allowing speculation to thrive unchecked.
Current equation between the three
As of 2025, Azharuddin, Bijlani, and Gutta have moved on in their respective personal and professional lives. They continue to remain in public focus, but no fresh developments substantiate old rumours.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational and news reporting purposes only. It is based on public interviews, statements, and records available till date. The publication does not intend to intrude on the personal lives of individuals mentioned. Readers are advised to interpret media narratives responsibly and respect the privacy of all individuals.
