Amid persistent rumors of a split between Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, the actor seems unfazed by the social media chatter surrounding the speculations. The couple, who have been married since 2007, have faced such rumors in the past, often addressing them with humor and grace.
Over the years, Abhishek and Aishwarya's relationship has been a subject of public interest, with fans cherishing their moments together. The couple's love story began in the mid-2000s, blossoming as they starred in films like 'Umrao Jaan' (2006) and 'Dhoom 2'. Their bond grew stronger, leading to their wedding in 2007, and they have since been regarded as one of Bollywood's most adored couples, frequently seen together at public events. They welcomed their daughter, Aaradhya, in 2011.
However, like many celebrity couples, they have been subject to divorce rumors. In 2016, Abhishek responded to the rumors with humor on social media, quipping about his supposed divorce and remarriage. More recently, he has spoken about how such false narratives affect his family, emphasizing the hurt caused by anonymous online comments. He acknowledged the difficulty in countering these rumors, pointing out the anonymity that emboldens people to write hurtful things online.
Adding fuel to the fire, social media picked up on Abhishek liking an Instagram post discussing divorce, leading to further speculation. The post touched on the complexities of "grey divorces" and the challenges faced by couples separating after many years. However, it was later clarified that Abhishek's "like" was a gesture of support for a friend, Dr. Zirak Marker, who had contributed to the article referenced in the post. This clarification helped to dispel the rumors and reassure fans.
Despite the rumors, there have been several instances where Aishwarya and Abhishek have presented a united front. They have been seen together at family weddings, social events, and their daughter's school events, with photos and gestures that affirm their bond. For instance, they made a rare public appearance together at a party in Mumbai, accompanied by Aishwarya's mother, Brindya Rai. They also attended Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant's wedding together. Furthermore, the couple was seen celebrating their 18th wedding anniversary, effectively shutting down speculation with a photo shared online.
In the face of swirling rumors, Abhishek has emphasized the importance of focusing on the positive. He spoke about finding optimism during tough times, stating that holding onto a "ray of sunshine" can provide the inspiration to carry on. He acknowledged that celebrities face scrutiny but asserted his refusal to be overwhelmed by negativity.
While Aishwarya has made appearances at events like the Global Women's Forum in Dubai, the couple's occasional separate appearances have been interpreted as signs of trouble. However, they have also made joint appearances, such as attending their daughter Aaradhya's school events and celebrating her birthday together. In December 2024, they were seen returning to Mumbai together after a vacation, seemingly putting the rumors to rest.
Aishwarya Rai was last seen in Mani Ratnam's 'Ponniyin Selvan: II'. Abhishek Bachchan was last seen in the Amazon Prime original 'Be Happy' and Shoojit Sircar's 'I Want To Talk'. He also has the upcoming multi-starrer 'Housefull 5' in the pipeline.
