Television actors Mahhi Vij and Jay Bhanushali's announcement of their divorce in early 2026 opened a floodgate of public scrutiny, much of it unfairly directed at their children and their family choices. In a candid response, Vij has now directly addressed the trolls, shutting down rumours and reflecting on the importance of protecting her children through a respectful separation.
Addressing the Trolling: Alimony and Adoption Rumours
The couple, who were married for 14 years, released a joint statement on January 4, 2026, stating their decision to part ways while committing to co-parent their three children: Tara, Khushi, and Rajveer. Soon after, social media became rife with speculation about alimony and criticism regarding their adopted children.
In her first YouTube vlog addressing the separation, Mahhi Vij confronted these claims head-on. She dismissed rumours about a financial settlement, stating, "Don't act with half-knowledge. I'm reading things like 'Mahhi took 5 crore in alimony.' People are pulling out old videos just for likes and comments. It's so sad."
More significantly, she countered the narrative that divorce equates to abandonment for the children. "Aur aisa kuch nahi hai ki bachche bilkul anaath sadak pe aa gaye hain. Aisa kuch nahi hai…" she emphasized, clarifying that both parents remain actively and lovingly involved in their kids' lives.
The Psychological Impact of a Respectful Divorce
Dr. Sakshi Mandhyan, a psychologist and founder of Mandhyan Care, explains that the manner of separation profoundly affects children's emotional well-being. "What I usually see is that children struggle far more with tension than with separation," she notes.
Dr. Mandhyan elaborates that a home filled with unresolved conflict keeps children in a state of constant emotional alertness. A respectful, low-conflict divorce removes this persistent stress, allowing their nervous systems to settle because the adults themselves are calmer.
This stability is even more critical for adopted children. "Some children already carry early experiences of loss, even if they can't articulate them. When separation happens without hostility, those fears are less likely to resurface," the psychologist states. She advocates for therapy to help parents manage their personal grief privately, preventing emotional overflow from affecting the child.
Dispelling Myths and Building Healthy Co-Parenting
A common misconception is that the bonds of adoption weaken after a divorce. Dr. Mandhyan strongly disagrees, explaining, "Children don't experience family through labels. They experience it through routine, care, and who shows up. What unsettles them is inconsistency, not structure."
She points out that external judgment only impacts children when parents internalize it. When parents feel defensive or unsure, children sense it immediately. Therapy can help parents achieve emotional clarity, preventing this anxiety from being passed on.
For healthy co-parenting post-separation, consistency is key. "I usually tell parents that consistency matters more than perfection. Regular calls, fixed routines, showing up when promised. These small acts reassure the child's attachment system," Dr. Mandhyan concludes. The core principle is to ensure that the hurt between partners is never carried by the child.
Reflecting on her own family's future, Mahhi Vij expressed hope that her children would view their parents' decision with understanding. "I feel my kids will feel proud of both Jay and me — that it's okay, mum and dad decided they didn't want to continue, but they did it respectfully," she said, highlighting the mature approach they are striving to maintain for the sake of their family.
