Kannada filmstar Sudeep to end 14-year marriage with Priya

Multi-lingual actor Sudeep - who is known as "Kiccha Sudeep" in Sandalwood and "Eega Sudeep" in Telugu film industry -  filed for a divorce from his wife Priya in a family court in Bengaluru on Friday morning.

Seeking to end his 14-year marriage with his wife Priya Radhakrishnan, the divorce papers were filed by Sudeep's sister, Sujatha, on his behalf in the family court. While no reason has been specified for the divorce, sources close to him told the couple had mutually consented to separate. 

The Times of India reports that sources who have known the couple said the they had been living separately for over four years. Priya is said to have moved out of the couple's JP Nagar home along with their now-11-year-old daughter Saanvi to an apartment on Sarjapur Road.

It was Priya who had initiated the divorce back then, but the two decided to give their relationship another chance. Even while living apart, Sudeep and Priya made public appearances together when required. The actor also invested in and was part of an event management company “360 stage” set up by Priya in 2013.

Sudeep, had married her in 2001. According to a Bangalore Mirror report, the actor has also agreed not to challenge the custody of his daughter to his wife. The divorce could cost Sudeep Rs. 19 crore.

Speaking to Bangalore Mirror, Sudeep not only confirmed the bitter news but also urged to keep the issue low profile. "All of us have our ups and downs. Things happen. This a personal matter. We should be fine, we will be fine."

Sudeep requested media to not blow it out of proportion. Sudeep said, "Having a public display of private problems is not the way to do things. We have ups and downs, but some things should be left to heal and tried to be solved ... not made messier. Please understand I also have a private life and a child and these things should not be played up to hurt anyone."

Although sources revealed that the marital discord was in the news for some time, both of them tried their best to patch up until recently.

Sudeep also reportedly told Mirror,"I do not know if everything will be alright. There will be misunderstandings in every relationship. If there are misunderstandings in friendship we stop talking to friends for some time. If there is misunderstanding in marriage, it reaches this situation. I don't know if everything will be alright, I cannot be an astrologer to predict what can happen."