Lara Dutta Bhupathi's Love Story: Navigating High-Profile Romances, from Derek Jeter to Mahesh Bhupathi

Lara Dutta Bhupathi, the former Miss Universe and accomplished Indian actress, has captivated audiences not only with her talent on screen but also with her intriguing romantic journey. From early high-profile relationships to finding enduring love, her personal life has often been a subject of public interest, marked by significant connections and a commitment to privacy amidst the glare of celebrity.\n\nOne of Lara Dutta's earliest publicly known relationships was with American baseball icon Derek Jeter. The two were reported to have dated from May 2000 to May 2001. Their romance, though brief, garnered significant media attention due to Jeter's prominent status in the sports world, placing Dutta in the international spotlight early in her career.\n\nFollowing her relationship with Jeter, Dutta entered a long-term partnership with actor and model Kelly Dorjee. Their relationship spanned approximately seven years, from June 2001 to June 2008. They had known each other since their modeling days and were quite open about their affection, often making public appearances together. However, as Dutta's career soared after her Miss Universe win, the distance and demands of her global commitments began to strain their bond. Reports also suggested that differences in their career trajectories contributed to the eventual split.\n\nDuring this period, a rumor briefly circulated in May 2001 linking Lara Dutta to golf superstar Tiger Woods. However, Dutta herself publicly rubbished these claims, clarifying, > "I don’t deny knowing Tiger Woods but sorry to disappoint you, there was no affair. In that one year, I spent only 20 days in New York; I had no time for myself. So how could I have even found five minutes for an affair?" This statement underscored her commitment to focusing on confirmed facts rather than speculation.\n\nAfter her separation from Kelly Dorjee, Lara Dutta was reportedly in a relationship with actor Dino Morea from February 2008 to June 2009. Morea was a long-time friend of both Dutta and Dorjee, and their growing closeness after Dutta's breakup with Kelly sparked considerable media interest. While they never officially confirmed their relationship, they were frequently seen together, fueling widespread speculation. The relationship reportedly ended due to complications arising from Morea's continued interactions with his ex-girlfriend, Nandita Mahtani, which allegedly made Dutta uncomfortable.\n\nLara Dutta's romantic path took a significant turn when she met Indian tennis legend Mahesh Bhupathi. Their initial encounter was professional, as Bhupathi's company, Globosport, approached Dutta for work. Bhupathi, who had admired Dutta since seeing her at the Miss Universe event in 2000, initially suggested meeting for drinks, which Dutta, prioritizing professionalism, countered with an offer for coffee. Their professional meetings gradually blossomed into a personal connection, particularly when they spent time together in London while Dutta was filming Housefull.\n\nTheir relationship, however, faced public scrutiny as Bhupathi was still legally married to model Shweta Jaishankar when he began dating Dutta. Mahesh and Shweta eventually divorced in 2009. Lara Dutta openly addressed the situation, clarifying that she was not involved in the breakdown of his previous marriage. > "I was nowhere on the scene when the split happened. When I met him, I knew he was legally not divorced but there was no baggage that he brought with it," she stated, emphasizing that their relationship began after his marriage had already ended.\n\nMahesh Bhupathi proposed to Lara Dutta twice. The first proposal, at 2 AM, was rather spontaneous and lacked a ring, prompting Dutta to playfully question the gesture. Bhupathi made up for it with a more traditional proposal in New York at an Italian restaurant, which Dutta found "really sweet." Their engagement was officially announced in September 2010.\n\nThe couple formalized their union in a civil ceremony in Mumbai on February 16, 2011, followed by a beautiful Christian ceremony on February 20, 2011, at Sunset Point in Goa. Their marriage marked a new chapter for both personalities, combining the worlds of Bollywood and international tennis.\n\nTheir family expanded with the birth of their daughter, Saira Bhupathi, on January 20, 2012. Lara Dutta took a hiatus from acting to focus on motherhood, a decision she has spoken about openly. She has since balanced her career with her family life, often sharing glimpses of her enduring partnership with Mahesh Bhupathi and their daughter on social media.\n\nLara Dutta Bhupathi's romantic history reflects a journey of evolving relationships, public scrutiny, and ultimately, finding a stable and loving partnership. Her story is one of navigating the complexities of celebrity romance with grace, culminating in a strong family unit that remains a significant part of her public persona.