Indian cricketer Yuzvendra Chahal has sparked fresh conversation online after a new promotional campaign referenced the viral “Be Your Own Sugar Daddy” slogan that surfaced during his divorce proceedings with Dhanashree Verma.
The campaign, created in collaboration with micro-drama platform Story TV, quickly gained traction on social media — and drew criticism from several users who described it as unnecessary and insensitive.
What the Campaign Showed
In the promotional clip, Chahal is introduced as the platform’s Chief Story Officer. In one scene, the phrase “Zero Sugar (Daddy) Diet” appears written behind him, an apparent callback to the T-shirt he wore during his final divorce hearing last year.
In another segment, he narrates a fictional storyline about a couple navigating a messy divorce and alimony dispute. Screenshots from the campaign were also shared by Story TV’s founder and CEO, Saurabh Pandey.
While some viewers saw it as marketing humour, others criticised the move, suggesting it revisited a personal chapter that had already generated intense public discussion.
Social Media Reaction
On platforms like Reddit and X, several users expressed discomfort over the campaign’s tone. Some accused the cricketer of “milking” a personal matter for publicity, while others questioned the messaging behind revisiting the viral phrase.
A section of users also drew comparisons with Dhanashree Verma, sharing divided opinions on the situation. However, neither Chahal nor Dhanashree has issued a new statement specifically addressing the campaign backlash.
The Viral T-Shirt Moment
The controversy traces back to last year, when Chahal attended his final divorce hearing wearing a T-shirt emblazoned with the slogan “Be Your Own Sugar Daddy.” The phrase went viral and became widely discussed across social media.
Later, during a conversation with entrepreneur Raj Shamani on YouTube, Chahal clarified his intent behind the T-shirt. He said he did not want to create drama but wished to send a message without directly addressing anyone.
He emphasized that he had not intended to insult or target anyone and described the decision as a personal expression rather than a public attack.
Marriage and Divorce Timeline
Chahal and Dhanashree Verma married in Gurugram in December 2020 after meeting during the Covid-19 pandemic, when Chahal approached her for dance lessons.
According to their joint petition, the couple separated in June 2022 and filed for divorce by mutual consent on February 5 the following year. They were officially granted divorce in March.
During the proceedings, unverified rumours circulated regarding alimony claims, which Dhanashree’s family publicly dismissed.
Rumours and Personal Life
Following the divorce, Chahal was also linked to RJ Mahvash due to frequent public appearances together. However, both parties denied dating rumours.
A Divided Internet
The renewed reference to the “sugar daddy” phrase has once again placed Chahal at the centre of online debate. While some view the campaign as brand-driven storytelling, others believe personal matters should remain separate from promotional narratives.
As the clip continues to circulate, reactions remain divided — highlighting how celebrity branding and private life often intersect in the age of viral media.
