A Silver Anniversary with a Twist: Inside the Ever-Strong Union of Aishwarya Rai Bachchan & Abhishek Bachchan

From their first film together 25 years ago to 18 years of marriage and a daughter, here’s how the Bachchan couple continue to navigate fame, rumours and togetherness.

When Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan first shared screen space in the late-20th-century romantic drama Dhaai Akshar Prem Ke (1997) directed by Raj Kanwar, little could the audience guess the journey the pair would tread together. They went on to star in several memorable films including Kuch Na Kaho, Bunty Aur Babli (2005), Sarkar Raj, Dhoom 2, Guru, Umrao Jaan, and Raavan — a diverse repertoire spanning masala, drama and arthouse ambition.

The pair tied the knot on 20 April 2007, marking the beginning of a new chapter. Over time, they became proud parents to their daughter Aaradhya Bachchan, born in November 2011. As of now, the couple has completed 18 years of marriage, and their professional collaboration spans around 25 years.

Despite the glamour and success, the media has persistently churned out rumours of marital discord and divorce — particularly when Abhishek was seen at a public event in 2023 without his wedding ring, and later when a deep-fake video circulated online suggesting a breakup. However, those closest to the couple and the actors themselves have repeatedly dismissed such claims. In a recent statement, Abhishek affirmed that he is “still married” and criticized the media for inflating gossip.

In their 2009 appearance on Oprah Winfrey’s show, the couple discussed marriage, culture and commitment — and made their stance on divorce crystal clear. Oprah remarked that given the grandeur of Indian weddings (which often last a week and include the taking of seven vows around a sacred fire) it must be hard to consider divorce. Aishwarya’s reply was succinct: “We don’t even try and entertain that thought.” Abhishek further explained that for his mother the rule is simple: “If we’re in the city, the family must have at least one meal together each day.”

Aishwarya has also spoken candidly about the importance of communication in their marriage: “There’s a lot of adjustment, a lot of give and take. There will be agreements and disagreements. But it’s important to keep the communication going.” She added that neither she nor Abhishek follow any rigid rule-book; each day is an opportunity to be open-minded about how to spend time together and how to respect each other.

While the divorce rumours swirl — fueled by social-media posts, separate public entries and curious fans — those who know them say the speculation lacks substance. Ad-filmmaker Prahlad Kakkar, a long-time acquaintance, dismissed claims that Aishwarya had moved out of the family home, calling such stories “rubbish,” pointing out she was simply visiting her mother as part of a normal routine.

In short, Aishwarya and Abhishek have built a marital and family life that straddles Bollywood’s spotlight and the normal footballs of adjustment, communication and mutual respect. They continue to navigate fame’s glare while affirming commitment in their own way.

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