Dhanush has always been one of the most compelling and unconventional stars of the Tamil film industry — an actor whose personal life, much like his career, has often sparked conversation. While the National Award-winning star continues to make headlines for his work across Tamil and Hindi cinema, speculation about his personal life has also been a subject of gossip. Much has been said about his alleged relationship with Mrunal Thakur but teh stars are yet to comment on the subject. While the world talks about his love life, the actor once described it as an “overrated” emotion.
Dhanush’s latest Hindi film Tere Ishk Mein revolved around a man willing to die for love and the actor was asked during a promotional event what he personally thought about love. Hesitant at first, the actor responded, “I don’t know.” When someone from the audience urged him to elaborate, he added, “Love is an overrated emotion.”
The statement was brief, almost casual, but it instantly reignited conversations around his separation from Aishwarya Rajinikanth, which had taken place in 2022. Aishwarya Rajinikanth is the daughter of Tamil superstar Rajinikanth.
Dhanush-Aishwarya Rajinikanth wedding picture.
Aishwarya Rajinikanth-Dhanush separated in 2022
The couple, who had been married for nearly two decades, had announced their separation in January 2022 through a joint statement on social media. Dhanush shared the message on his Twitter handle, writing: “8 years of togetherness as friends, couple, as parents and well-wishers to each other. The journey has been of growth, understanding, adjusting and adapting. Today we stand at a place where our paths separate. Aishwaryaa/Dhanush and I have decided to part ways as a couple and take time to understand us as individuals for the better. Please do respect our decision and give us the needed privacy to deal with this (sic).”
The announcement came as a shock to fans and the film industry alike. Two years later, the court granted the couple a divorce, with both agreeing to co-parent their sons Yatra and Linga.
Aishwarya Rajinikanth-Dhanush love story
Looking back, Dhanush and Aishwarya’s story was once seen as a modern fairytale. The two met through family connections but eventually fell in love. Aishwarya was two years older than Dhanush, a detail that was often discussed, but never defined their relationship.
Their first meeting took place in 2003 at a screening of Kadhal Kondaen, a Tamil film that starred Dhanush in the lead. After the screening, they were introduced, and Aishwarya congratulated him on his performance. She later sent a bouquet to the actor, a gesture Dhanush found thoughtful and memorable.
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Dhanush once spoke about Aishwarya’s “simplicity” and said that she was “100 times simpler than her father.” He told TOI, “She treats everybody as an equal and can be friends with anybody. But I also like that she is extremely complicated. She is a good mother to my sons and is bringing them up extremely well.”
Aishwarya Rajinikanth with Dhanush and Rajinikanth. (Photo: Aishwarya Rajinikanth/Instagram)
Soon, rumours of a relationship began circulating in the media, which Dhanush initially denied. However, fate brought them together again, this time in a meeting arranged by their families. Aishwarya was 23, and Dhanush was 21. Just six months later, in 2004, they tied the knot. While Aishwarya was the daughter of superstar Rajinikanth, Dhanush was the son of filmmaker and producer Kasthuri Raja.
In one of her earlier interviews, Aishwarya spoke candidly about the foundation of their relationship, saying: “The best thing about our relationship is the fact that we give each other plenty of space. Neither of us believes in changing for the other person just because we want to be together. When you are in your mid-20s, your mind is set in terms of what you believe in and it is very hard to change yourself.”
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Over the years, the two emerged as one of the industry’s most admired power couples. In 2012, Aishwarya made her directorial debut with 3, starring Dhanush alongside Shruti Haasan. The film gave the world “Why This Kolaveri Di”, a song that became a global internet sensation.
Aishwarya Rajinikanth-Dhanush co-parent their sons
Though their marriage eventually ended, their shared journey did not. Today, Dhanush and Aishwarya continue to co-parent their sons with visible warmth and mutual respect.
They recently made headlines when Dhanush shared a photograph from his son Yatra’s graduation ceremony. The image showed both parents smiling proudly beside their son, dressed in his graduation robe and cap. Sharing the moment, Dhanush wrote simply yet powerfully: “PROUD PARENTS!”
Dhanush is currently making headlines for his rumoured relationship with actor Mrunal Thakur.
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