When Rati Agnihotri opened up about her 30-year ordeal in an abusive marriage, ‘I will die, beaten to death’

To the world, Rati Agnihotri was the celebrated, bright-eyed star of 1980s hits like 'Ek Duuje Ke Liye and Coolie'. At the peak of her career in 1985, she did what many actresses of her era did, she married a successful businessman, architect Anil Virwani, and quit films to build what she hoped would be a perfect life.

But behind the closed doors of their Worli penthouse, the glamorous façade hid a dark and violent 30-year secret.

When Rati Agnihotri opened up

Rati later revealed that the abuse began in the early years of her marriage. For three long decades, she allegedly endured horrific domestic violence. She became adept at maintaining the illusion of a happy family, her radiant public smile concealing private suffering. She once recounted that the blows were often strategically aimed at parts of her body that wouldn’t be visible, allowing the charade to continue for years.She stayed in the marriage for two reasons, her deep-seated belief in the sanctity of marriage, and most importantly, her son, Tanuj Virwani, born in 1986. “I had certain priorities, the biggest being my son Tanuj,” she shared in an interview with The Times Of India. She kept hoping, praying, and waiting for her husband to change. “There were times,” she said, “when I would tell myself I didn’t have to smile so much… but I never did.”

The breaking point

Everything changed on March 7, 2015. Her son, Tanuj, was away in Pune for a film shoot.

After another terrifying outburst of rage from her husband, Rati found herself cowering behind a wooden door, fearing for her life. That moment became her breaking point.“I thought to myself, I am a 54-year-old woman and I will only grow older and weaker,” she recalled in an interview, “and then one day, I will die, beaten to death.”A week later, on March 14, she acted. Alone, with her sister in Poland and her mother in a hospital, she drove to the police station and filed a formal complaint of domestic abuse.

Unable to return to the home she had known for decades, she left for her bungalow in Lonavala to begin anew.

A son’s support and a new path

When Tanuj learned what had happened, he didn’t pressure her, instead, he supported her unconditionally. He encouraged her to do whatever made her happy, assuring her that he would understand. His quiet strength gave her the courage she needed.However, the story didn’t end in a permanent separation. Months later, reports of a reconciliation emerged.

Ironically, it was Tanuj, the reason she had stayed for 30 years, who helped his parents rebuild their relationship. “I just made mum and dad realise that beneath all the anger and negativity there were 30 years of love,” he said.Anil Virwani later confirmed their reconciliation to SpotboyE, admitting, “I think it is our love for Tanuj that made a big difference. As parents, we want to be there for him.”

A quieter, more balanced life

Now, the family appears to have found a new, more peaceful balance. Their relationship reportedly thrives on mutual respect and understanding for their son’s happiness. According to Hindustan Times, Rati has been spending much of her time in Poland, where she co-owns a restaurant with her sister, Anita. Meanwhile, Tanuj continues to work in India, steadily building his own acting career.