The beloved Tamil cinema couple Dhanush and Aishwarya Rajinikanth have officially closed the chapter on their two-decade-long marriage. A Chennai Family Welfare Court granted their divorce on November 29, 2024, after both parties expressed their unwillingness to continue living together. The ruling capped off what had been nearly 18 years of marriage filled with love, creativity, and challenges.
The couple first tied the knot on November 18, 2004, amid much fanfare, uniting two prominent families from the Tamil film industry. Dhanush, known for his versatile acting skills and production talents, is the son of acclaimed filmmaker Kasthuriraja, and Aishwarya, who has made her mark as both a director and producer, is the daughter of the legendary actor Rajinikanth.
Despite their successful careers and the birth of two sons, Yatra and Linga, the couple faced difficulties within their marriage. Publicly announcing their separation on social media back in November 2022, they shared, “18 years of togetherness as friends, couple, as parents and well-wishers to each other. The process has included growth, adapting, and reflecting on our personal journeys.” They asked for privacy and respect as they navigated this sensitive period, indicating the need for personal introspection as they parted ways.
The path to their divorce was not without its twists and turns. They formally filed for divorce by mutual consent approximately six months prior to the court's ruling, which required both to appear personally before Judge Subhadevi on November 21, 2024. During this court appearance, both Dhanush and Aishwarya reiterated their intentions to split amicably. Despite family and friends hoping for reconciliation, both remained firm on their decision.
After their initial court visitation, the case faced delays, with absent parties affecting earlier hearings. Nonetheless, on November 27, the judge delivered the final verdict, formally dissolving their union and marking the end of one of Tamil cinema’s most talked-about relationships.
Interestingly, Dhanush stays busy on the professional front. He recently filed a civil suit against fellow actor Nayanthara and director Vignesh Shivan for unauthorized use of footage from the film Naanum Rowdy Dhaan (2015) which Dhanush produced through his company, Wunderbar Films. Meanwhile, Aishwarya is wrapping up her latest project, titled Lal Salaam, which features her father Rajinikanth in a cameo role.
The couple's divorce reflects broader themes present within public relationships today, particularly among high-profile figures—pressure from public scrutiny, the need for personal growth, and the intricacies of co-parenting post-separation. It serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between personal life and public persona.
Given the high-profile nature of both Dhanush and Aishwarya, this development has sparked significant media attention and discussion among fans, leaving many contemplating what the future holds for them individually and professionally.
With this significant life event behind them, both are expected to continue thriving within their respective careers and maintain their commitment to co-parenting their children.
