Our relationship was not under `nature of marriage`: Leander Paes on Rhea Pillai

Zee Media Bureau/Parul Sabherwal

New Delhi: Challenging the domestic violence complaint filed by estranged companion Rhea Pillai, tennis star Leander Paes said that she was already married to Sanjay Dutt when she linked up with him. Thus, their relationship was not in the `nature of marriage`, which means that it does not come under the criteria of Domestic Violence Act.According to a leading daily, the application filed by Leander`s lawyers clearly states that the child was born during the subsistence of Rhea`s marriage with the actor. And because she was already married, the association would not fall under the criteria covered in the Act. Rhea Pilli had last month filed a cast against the ace tennis player and his father alleging domestic violence and harassment. Rhea is also seeking a monthly maintenance sum of Rs 4 Lakh from the sportsperson. In the complaint filed to the local court, Rhea had accused Leander`s father Vece Paes of not letting her and her daughter enter their Carter Road residence. The estranged couple has also been fighting for the custody of their daughter. The duo, though not legally married, had a child in 2008 after prolonged courtship, believed to be started in 2003. Rhea, now 48, is known for her association with Art of Living as an instructor. She was previously married to Bollywood actor, Sanjay Dutt.