The world of cinema is not only about fame, awards, and glamour — it’s also filled with emotional journeys and untold personal stories. One such story is that of Vani Ganapathy, an acclaimed Bharatanatyam dancer and the first wife of Kamal Haasan, one of India’s most iconic actors.
Their relationship was the talk of the town in the late 70s and 80s, but their separation after a decade raised many questions. In this article, we explore the life of Vani Ganapathy, the reasons behind her divorce from Kamal Haasan, and where she is today.
Who Is Vani Ganapathy?
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Profession: Classical Bharatanatyam Dancer
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Nationality: Indian
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Known For: Marriage to Kamal Haasan, Performing internationally, Dance school founder
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Years Active: 1970s–present
Vani Ganapathy began dancing at a very young age and quickly rose to prominence as a globally celebrated classical dancer, particularly in Bharatanatyam. She performed in multiple countries and was recognized for her exceptional grace, discipline, and dedication to Indian art.
1. Marriage to Kamal Haasan
Vani Ganapathy became a public figure not just for her artistic work but also for her personal life when she married Kamal Haasan in 1978.
Key Highlights:
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Their marriage was considered one of the biggest celebrity unions of that time.
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Vani played a major role in Kamal’s personal and professional life.
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She often worked as his costume designer during their decade-long relationship.
Their wedding symbolized a union of two creative giants — Vani in classical dance and Kamal in cinema. However, like many celebrity marriages, theirs faced challenges.
2. Why Did Kamal and Vani Separate?
FAQ: Why did Kamal and Vani separate?
The couple divorced in 1988, after ten years of marriage. Although both remained largely private about the specifics of their breakup, a few contributing factors have been speculated by sources close to the industry.
Possible Reasons:
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Growing Differences: Personal and ideological differences may have created a gap between the two.
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Infidelity Rumors: Kamal Haasan’s alleged involvement with Bollywood actress Sarika during the 1980s is widely believed to have caused tension in the marriage.
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Career Conflicts: Vani’s commitments to dance and Kamal’s dedication to film may have clashed over time.
Though never publicly confirmed by either, these rumors were widely covered in the media back then.
3. What Happened to Kamal Hassan’s Wife?
FAQ: What happened to Kamal Hassan’s wife?
Post-divorce, Vani Ganapathy moved away from the limelight of cinema and focused entirely on her dance career. She never remarried and has kept her personal life strictly private.
She built her own identity away from Kamal Haasan’s towering fame and continues to perform and teach classical dance.
4. Where Is Vani Ganapathy Now?
FAQ: Where is Vani Ganapathy now?
As of 2025, Vani Ganapathy is based in Bengaluru, India, where she runs a prestigious Bharatanatyam dance academy. She is a mentor to numerous upcoming dancers and remains committed to the preservation and promotion of classical Indian dance.
She also occasionally performs at national and international dance festivals and is regarded as a cultural ambassador of India.
5. Who Is Kamal Haasan’s Lover Now?
FAQ: Who is Kamal Haasan’s lover?
As of now, Kamal Haasan does not have a publicly known romantic partner. After separating from Vani Ganapathy, Kamal had two major relationships:
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Sarika – with whom he has two daughters, Shruti and Akshara
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Gautami Tadimalla – a long-term partner from 2005 to 2016
Since his breakup with Gautami, Kamal Haasan has remained single and focused on:
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His political career with Makkal Needhi Maiam
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Hosting Bigg Boss Tamil
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Producing and directing films under Raaj Kamal Films International
Vani Ganapathy’s Legacy
Vani Ganapathy may have been known to many as Kamal Haasan’s first wife, but she has established a powerful legacy of her own:
Her Achievements:
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Performed at prestigious global stages including the US, Europe, and Middle East.
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Founded a highly regarded dance academy in Bengaluru.
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Continues to train the next generation of Bharatanatyam dancers.
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Maintains a low-key, dignified public image with very few media appearances.
In a world that often judges women by their relationships, Vani Ganapathy has redefined her identity through excellence in the arts.
Summary Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Vani Ganapathy |
| Profession | Bharatanatyam Dancer |
| Married To | Kamal Haasan (1978–1988) |
| Children | None |
| Location (2025) | Bengaluru, India |
| Relationship Status | Single |
| Known For | Dance, Costume Design, Cultural Contributions |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why did Kamal and Vani separate?
They reportedly separated due to growing personal differences and Kamal’s alleged relationship with Sarika. However, the couple never publicly discussed the exact reasons.
What happened to Kamal Hassan’s wife?
After their divorce in 1988, Vani Ganapathy focused on her dance career and never remarried. She lives in Bengaluru and teaches Bharatanatyam.
Where is Vani Ganapathy now?
She resides in Bengaluru, India, where she runs a dance school and continues to be active in the classical arts scene.
Who is Kamal Haasan’s lover?
Kamal Haasan is currently single. He was previously in relationships with Sarika and Gautami but has not been publicly linked with anyone since 2016.
Reference Links
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