'I Won't Act Until The Divorce Is Finalized': Sobbing Tamil Actor Declares; Levels Serious Allegations Against In-Laws

New Delhi: Renowned South Indian actor Ravi Mohan—known to fans as 'Jayam Ravi'—became visibly emotional during a press conference held in Chennai on Saturday. Amidst ongoing controversies over his personal life and impending divorce, the actor's anguish spilled out into the open for all to see. Weeping openly, Jayam Ravi made a startling announcement: he would not return to films—effectively quitting acting—until his divorce from his wife, Aarthi Ravi, is officially finalized.

For quite some time, various rumors and speculations regarding Jayam Ravi's marital life—as well as his alleged relationship with famous singer and spiritual therapist Kenisha Francis—have been circulating in the media. Now, the actor himself has stepped forward to break his silence on this entire controversy, making several sensational revelations that have sent shockwaves through the entire Tamil film industry.

What Were Remarks Regarding Kenisha?

Jayam Ravi's emotional breakdown occurred shortly after singer Kenisha Francis posted a cryptic message on social media, hinting at the termination of her relationship with Ravi and her permanent departure from Chennai. Speaking with a heavy heart at the press conference, Ravi remarked, "You people have finally succeeded in driving Kenisha away... I wish her a wonderful life ahead."

Subsequently, the actor leveled serious allegations against his wife, Aarthi, and her family, stating that for years, he had been subjected to severe humiliation and harassment at the hands of his in-laws without any provocation. He asserted that he could no longer remain silent in the face of this ongoing public spectacle.

Why the Decision to Quit Acting?

When the media asked him why he was choosing to quit acting at this juncture in his career, Ravi explained that the constant public scrutiny and relentless online trolling (cyberbullying) over the past two years had left him mentally and emotionally drained.

He stated, "I will not work in any film until my divorce is legally finalized. The day I receive my divorce decree, my life will finally get back on track." "As soon as this cyberbullying ceases, I will return to face the camera once again." The actor further stated that people often take advantage of his straightforward and quiet nature, but his patience has finally run out. Ravi also claimed to possess irrefutable evidence proving that his wife and in-laws have been holding him captive, treating him like a "slave."

Was There Pain of Being Denied Access to His Children?

While presenting his side of the story, Jayam Ravi—without explicitly naming anyone—accused certain "outsiders" of ruining his personal life. During the conversation, he referred to a third party as "Idli Nadigai" (The Idli Actress)—a reference that people are linking to the renowned actress Khushbu Sundar, who happens to be a close friend of Aarti's mother, Sujatha Vijayakumar.

Becoming visibly emotional, Ravi revealed that he is currently being denied access to his own sons—Aarav and Ayaan. Furthermore, sharing a harrowing anecdote from the early days of his marriage, he alleged that he was compelled to go through with the wedding only after his wife attempted suicide by slashing her wrists—an act he described as a "death wish." Ravi claimed that, subsequently, he too was driven to the brink of doing the very same thing; yet, despite enduring such trauma, he reported for his film shoot the very next day.

Did Aarti Ravi and Khushbu Sundar Hit Back?

Just prior to Jayam Ravi's press conference, his wife, Aarti Ravi, posted a strongly worded message on Instagram. Issuing a stern warning, Aarti wrote that people should not make the grave mistake of mistaking her "dignified silence" for weakness. She made it clear that if the need arose—specifically to safeguard the well-being of her children and to protect her own self-respect—she would very soon come forward to reveal the absolute truth to the world.

Meanwhile, in the wake of the veiled attacks indirectly leveled by Ravi, actress Khushbu Sundar openly came out in support of Aarti. She described Aarti as a "lioness" fiercely protecting her cubs. Khushbu also shared an enigmatic post on her X (formerly Twitter) account, which is being widely interpreted as a direct response to Ravi's allegations. Therapist Kenisha's Statement and the Ongoing Court Battle
It is worth noting that the dispute between Jayam Ravi and Aarthi became public in September 2024, when the actor suddenly announced their separation on social media. Subsequently, when rumors surfaced regarding an affair between Ravi and Kenisha Francis, Kenisha categorically denied these claims in an interview.

Kenisha explained that she had first met Ravi in ​​a professional capacity, serving as his therapist. Kenisha stated, "There is no physical relationship between us; we are well aware of our boundaries. However, speaking as a therapist, I can say that the pain Aarthi and her family have inflicted upon Ravi is even greater than the pain of losing one's parents. I am prepared to present all evidence regarding the harassment Ravi has endured—including my therapy notes—in court." Currently, this high-profile divorce case involving the couple remains sub judice, and legal proceedings are underway.