Aishwarya-Abhishek's Anniversary Photo Silences Divorce Rumors as Couple Marks 18 Years Together
Bollywood NEWS
One of Bollywood’s most beloved couples, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan, celebrated their 18th wedding anniversary on April 20.
To mark the occasion, the duo shared a heartwarming family photo with their daughter Aaradhya, bringing joy to fans and, notably, putting an end—at least for now—to swirling rumors of a separation.
This is the first time in a long while that Aishwarya has posted a picture with Abhishek, making it all the more significant, especially in the wake of persistent gossip about a possible rift between the two.
From Reel to Real Life: A Love Story for the Ages
Their love story feels straight out of a Bollywood script. The couple first met while working on films like Dhai Akshar Prem Ke and Kuch Naa Kaho. At the time, Abhishek was engaged to Karisma Kapoor, while Aishwarya was reportedly in a relationship with Vivek Oberoi. However, fate had other plans.
A Balcony Proposal in New York
Their bond deepened during the filming of Dhoom 2, and by the time they worked on Kajra Re and Guru, the chemistry was undeniable. In an interview, Abhishek once revealed that he proposed to Aishwarya on a chilly evening in New York, standing on a balcony after the premiere of Guru. Aishwarya said "yes" without hesitation.
Engaged in January, Married in April
The couple got engaged on January 14, 2007, shortly after the release of Guru, and tied the knot a few months later on April 20. The wedding, held at the Bachchan family’s Mumbai residence 'Prateeksha', was an intimate yet grand affair, blending North Indian and Bengali traditions.
A Lavish Wedding Fit for Royalty
Their wedding remains one of the most talked-about celebrity weddings of its time. Reports estimate the total cost at a staggering ₹40 crore (approx. $5 million). Aishwarya wore a custom-made saree by designer Neeta Lulla worth ₹75 lakh, adorned with gold zari, Swarovski crystals, and intricate embroidery.
Rumors of Trouble in Paradise
In recent years, rumors of a strained relationship began to surface. Speculation intensified when the couple made separate appearances at Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant’s pre-wedding celebrations. Aishwarya also vacationed with Aaradhya without Abhishek, fueling further speculation.
One Photo, One Message: Togetherness
However, their anniversary post featuring a united family front seems to have put the gossip mills to rest—at least for now. Fans flooded social media with congratulatory messages, praising the couple’s resilience and wishing them many more years of happiness together.