Soundarya Rajinikanth, the accomplished graphic designer, film producer, and director, and younger daughter of Indian cinema icon Rajinikanth, has navigated her romantic life in the public eye. Her journey has seen two significant marriages, each marking a distinct chapter in her personal narrative, characterized by public interest and personal growth.
Her first major public relationship culminated in marriage to Ashwin Ramkumar, an industrialist. Their wedding was a grand affair, reflecting her father's stature, taking place on September 3, 2010, at the Rani Meyyammai Hall in Chennai. Ashwin, who runs a family construction business, became an integral part of her life, and their union was widely celebrated.
Five years into their marriage, Soundarya and Ashwin welcomed their son, Ved Krishna, born on May 6, 2015. The couple appeared to lead a happy family life, often seen together at public events. However, beneath the surface, challenges began to emerge, leading to a significant shift in their relationship.
In September 2016, Soundarya publicly confirmed that she and Ashwin had filed for divorce by mutual consent, citing irreconcilable differences. The news came as a surprise to many, and while the exact reasons for their separation remained private, reports suggested a growing distance between them. Some unverified reports also speculated about Ashwin's alleged unhappiness with Soundarya continuing to use her maiden name, 'Soundarya Rajinikanth,' after their marriage, though this was never officially confirmed by either party.
The divorce was officially finalized in July 2017, bringing an end to their seven-year marriage. Soundarya was granted custody of their son, Ved, marking a new phase of single parenthood for her. Despite the personal setback, she maintained a dignified silence regarding the specifics of the divorce, focusing on her career and her son's well-being.
After a period of healing and personal reflection, Soundarya found love again. Her second marriage was to Vishagan Vanangamudi, an actor and businessman, on February 11, 2019. The wedding, held at The Leela Palace in Chennai, was another high-profile event, attended by prominent figures from politics and the film industry, including Tamil Nadu Chief Minister E. Palaniswami and actor Kamal Haasan.
Their union was reportedly an arranged marriage, facilitated by a close friend of her father, Rajinikanth. Soundarya has spoken about feeling an immediate connection with Vishagan, describing their compatibility and a sense of having known him forever. Vishagan, a second-generation entrepreneur, is the executive director of Apex Laboratories Private Limited, a pharmaceutical company, and has also appeared in a few South Indian films.
A particularly heartwarming detail from their wedding day, shared by Soundarya, highlighted Vishagan's deep respect and affection for her son, Ved. She recounted that Vishagan refused to proceed with the wedding ceremony until Ved arrived at the mandapam, and even sought Ved's permission to marry her. > "I will not marry you until Ved arrives," Vishagan reportedly told her, a moment captured on video for Ved to see when he is older. This gesture deeply resonated with Soundarya, affirming Vishagan's commitment to her and her son.
In September 2022, Soundarya and Vishagan welcomed their first child together, a baby boy named Veer Rajinikanth Vanangamudi. Soundarya often shares glimpses of her family life on social media, showcasing the blended family's happiness. Her journey reflects resilience and the ability to find happiness and love after personal challenges, maintaining a public profile while prioritizing her family life.