From Arranged Nuptials to Public Splits: Unpacking Dhanush's Enduring Romantic Journey

Dhanush, born Venkatesh Prabhu Kasthuri Raja, has carved a formidable path in Indian cinema, known for his versatile acting, singing, and production prowess. While his professional life has seen immense success, his romantic journey, particularly his long-standing marriage to Aishwaryaa Rajinikanth and the subsequent separation, has also been a subject of significant public interest. His relationships, both confirmed and rumored, have often unfolded under the intense glare of the media, painting a complex picture of love, commitment, and the pressures of celebrity.

The Marriage to Aishwaryaa Rajinikanth: A Union Shaped by Circumstance

Dhanush's most significant public relationship was his marriage to Aishwaryaa Rajinikanth, the elder daughter of superstar Rajinikanth. Their union, which began on November 18, 2004, was not a conventional love story. According to Dhanush himself, in a press conference from 2004, their marriage was not a "love marriage." He clarified that he knew Aishwaryaa as his elder sister's friend, and media speculation linking them together prompted both families to consider the idea of marriage. Dhanush humorously attributed their marriage to the media, stating, > "So, I have to thank the media for my marriage with Aishwarya. I reiterate that ours is not a love marriage." Despite Aishwaryaa being two years older, Dhanush stated that the age difference never affected him.

The couple welcomed two sons: Yatra in 2006 and Linga in 2010, building a family that often appeared united in public. Their journey together saw Aishwaryaa making her directorial debut with the film 3 in 2012, which famously starred Dhanush and featured the viral hit song "Why This Kolaveri Di." This collaboration further intertwined their personal and professional lives.

After 18 years of togetherness, Dhanush and Aishwaryaa announced their separation on January 17, 2022, via a joint statement on social media. The statement read, > "18 years of togetherness as friends, couple, as parents and well-wishers to each other. The journey has been one of growth, understanding, adjustment, and adaptation. Today, we stand at a place where our paths separate." They requested privacy to navigate this new phase as individuals. Despite initial reports suggesting a reconciliation period, the couple officially finalized their divorce on November 27, 2024, citing irreconcilable differences. Reports indicated that the Chennai Family Welfare Court granted the divorce after they confirmed reconciliation was not possible. Reasons for their separation, as speculated by various sources, included Dhanush's workaholic nature, differing individual life choices, and unverified claims of infidelity from both sides, as suggested by singer Suchitra in a resurfaced video. However, the couple maintained a public stance of mutual respect and a commitment to co-parenting their children.

Widely Reported Rumors and Link-Ups

Throughout his marriage, Dhanush was frequently linked to several co-stars, leading to widespread speculation in the media. While never publicly confirmed by the actor, these rumors often gained significant traction.

One of the most prominent rumored relationships was with actress Shruti Haasan. The rumors intensified during the filming of 3 (2011-2012), which was directed by Aishwaryaa. Media reports suggested a close bond between Dhanush and Shruti, with some outlets even claiming their alleged affair caused friction in Dhanush's marriage. Shruti Haasan, however, publicly denied these rumors, stating in an interview that Dhanush was her "best friend in the business" and that she wouldn't "throw that in the trash just because people are talking nonsense about us." Despite the denials, the rumors persisted in entertainment circles.

Actress Trisha Krishnan was another prominent name linked to Dhanush. Speculation about their relationship arose around 2015, with some reports suggesting that Dhanush's alleged closeness to Trisha was a factor in her broken engagement to businessman Varun Manian. Pictures of Trisha and Dhanush reportedly partying together also fueled these rumors. Neither Dhanush nor Trisha ever publicly addressed or confirmed these link-up reports. Sources close to Trisha reportedly stated that she was equally close to Aishwaryaa, attempting to downplay the romantic speculation.

There were also brief rumors linking Dhanush to actress Amala Paul. Details surrounding this alleged relationship are sparse, and it remained largely unconfirmed and speculative in the public domain.

Current Status and Public Perception

Following his divorce from Aishwaryaa Rajinikanth, Dhanush is currently understood to be single. His romantic life has been a subject of intense scrutiny, with public opinion often divided. While some reports suggest a "playboy" image, others emphasize his dedication to his craft and family. The narrative around his relationships often highlights the challenges faced by public figures in balancing personal lives with demanding careers and constant media attention. Despite the public nature of his past relationships and their eventual dissolution, Dhanush continues to maintain a strong professional presence, with ongoing projects in both Indian and international cinema.