Lalit Modi, the former chairman of the Indian Premier League (IPL), is widely recognized as one of the most controversial figures in Indian cricket, known for his glamorous lifestyle. Years after the passing of his wife Minal, Modi has found love once again. In 2025, the 62-year-old businessman confirmed his new relationship, sharing the news on social media. He revealed that he and his partner have taken their bond to the next level after 25 years of friendship.
The announcement was made on Valentine's Day, February 14, 2025, through an emotional post by Modi, who initially did not disclose his partner's identity. The video he shared captured special moments between the two, suggesting a strong connection and a subtle, mature happiness. His followers responded with curiosity and excitement, offering warm wishes for this new chapter in his life.
Lalit Modi's Instagram Announcement
In his Instagram post, Lalit Modi wrote: "Lucky Once—Yes. But I got lucky TWICE. When a 25-year friendship turns to LOVE. It happened twice. Hope it does for you all too. #happyvalentinesday to you all."
Who is Rima Boduri?
The woman behind this long-standing friendship is Rima Boduri, a woman of Lebanese descent who has been a close part of Lalit Modi's life for decades. Their story is not one of sudden romance but of a bond that grew slowly, quietly, and deeply over time.
Modi explained their journey in a recent interview with Karishma Mehta for Humans of Bombay: "I have a beautiful partner in life, named Rima Boduri, now. She is of Lebanese descent, and she is a very old friend of mine. The first time I met her, I was 26 years old. She was a very good friend of a sister-in-law of mine, Minal's sister. I was newly married, and she was newly married when I first met her at a Sangeet in South Africa. I was with my wife Minal, and Rima was with her husband. My wife knew her very well because they were part of the same community while growing up in London. The first words when I saw her, and I was with my wife, were, 'I will marry you one day.' And everybody cracked up. My wife let it pass by saying that I appreciated beautiful women. And Rima's husband said, 'Oh, let me take your wife, and you take mine.' It was a big joke and we became the best of friends from that day onwards."
In that single moment at a Sangeet in South Africa, a joke was born that would later become a profound truth. Their friendship remained strong over the years, and Rima became a close part of Modi's family. Their children grew up together, sharing holidays, milestones, and everyday moments. Decades later, after both had experienced personal loss and life's many changes, their friendship quietly deepened into love.
Lalit Modi's First Marriage with Minal Sangrani
Before Rima, Lalit Modi was married to Minal Sangrani for 27 years, from 1991 until her death in 2018 after battling cancer. Together, they had two children, Aliya and Ruchir. Lalit also has a stepdaughter, Karima Sangrani, from Minal's first marriage with businessman Jack Sagrani. Minal and Lalit's relationship faced early hurdles, including a nearly 10-year age gap and opposition from Lalit's family. However, they married and built a life together. Their marriage was a long chapter that closed with Minal's death, leaving a profound emotional void for him and his children.
Lalit Modi's Ban by the BCCI
Lalit Modi's life has been shaped not only by personal relationships but also by his complex role in Indian cricket. In 2010, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) suspended Modi following accusations of indiscipline, misconduct, and financial irregularities related to the IPL. In 2013, the Indian board banned him for life after finding him guilty of the charges. Despite his exile from Indian cricket, Modi remains a controversial figure, often defending his role in revolutionizing the sport's commercial landscape. He has been living in exile in London for many years, away from the Indian cricketing public eye.
A Love Story That Slowly Became Real
Rima Boduri and Lalit Modi's love story is unusual in its timing and depth. It began as a youthful friendship, woven into the fabric of a larger family, and continued through marriages, loss, and life's many changes. Only after 25 years of knowing each other, and after both had experienced the end of their first marriages, did they step into a new chapter as partners. Their relationship shows that love doesn't always arrive in a sudden spark. Sometimes, it grows slowly, from shared history and trust.
About the Author: The TOI Lifestyle Desk is a dynamic team of dedicated journalists who, with unwavering passion and commitment, sift through the pulse of the nation to curate a vibrant tapestry of lifestyle news for The Times of India readers. At the TOI Lifestyle Desk, we go beyond the obvious, delving into the extraordinary. Consider us your lifestyle companion, providing a daily dose of inspiration and information. Whether you're seeking the latest fashion trends, travel escapades, culinary delights, or wellness tips, the TOI Lifestyle Desk is your one-stop destination for an enriching lifestyle experience.
