Viral Twist: Wife's Claim on Salim Durani Sparks Family Fury

A video circulating on social media has sparked controversy, with an elderly woman, Rekha Srivastav, claiming to be the wife of legendary Indian cricketer Salim Durani. However, in an exclusive conversation with this Reporter from Jamnagar (Gujarat), Durani’s nephew, Sajid Durani has strongly refuted the claim, calling it “totally fake.”

Sajid, who fondly referred to the late cricketer as Mota Bapu in Gujarati, clarified the family’s position and shared details about Durani’s personal life: "Since two days ago a video is very viral on social media which gives very wrong information about Mr. Salim Durani’s personal life. Mr. Durani was my uncle (Mota Bapu we say in Gujarati). Mr. Salim Durani got divorced with his first wife long ago and got married again with Mrs. Manjula Dharamsey. She was a doctor and she also passed away long ago. Since then, my uncle Mr. Salim Durani used to reside with us.”

Sajid acknowledged that Durani’s first wife was indeed Rekha, but emphasized that she had no role in his later life: “Of course his first wife was Mrs. Rekha, but she is not the one. And chalo ek baar maan bhi lete hain ke vo Durani ki wife thi — but where was she when my uncle expired? All of a sudden she now comes into the picture.”

He further stressed the legal reality of the matter: “The most important thing is my uncle and Rekha got divorced by rules of law. She (Rekha) got married elsewhere, so officially and by the rules of law, Rekha was no longer the wife of Mr. Salim Durani. How can she claim Mr. Durani was her husband? Mr. Durani also got married to Mrs. Manjula, so both got divorced and both got married as per their choices. Whatever this lady is wanting to project is totally wrong.”

Sajid also questioned Rekha’s sudden reappearance and her lack of connection with the family: “Does she know where we reside in Gujarat? Does she know any family members’ names? Mr. Durani was an internationally recognized sportsman, people tend to know personal details about him. I really pity the old lady — she must be the same age as my late mother — but whatever news is getting viral is totally fake.”

Salim Durani, remembered as one of India’s most charismatic cricketers, passed away in April 2023. Known for his flamboyant batting and match-winning performances, Durani was also celebrated for his larger-than-life persona off the field. His family’s strong rebuttal aims to protect his legacy from misinformation spreading online.