Aishwarya Rajinikanth-Dhanush divorce: Timeline of their relationship

Filmmaker Aishwarya Rajinikanth and actor-director Dhanush filed for divorce at the Chennai family welfare court recently. This comes two years after they announced their separation on social media in January 2022. Let us have a look at the timeline of their almost two-decade-long relationship.

As reportedly earlier, the couple filed a petition under Section 13 B - divorce by mutual consent. Aishwarya and Dhanush, who are parents to two sons, Yatra and Linga, are now co-parenting them, while concentrating on their respective careers.

advertisement

AISHWARYA AND DHANUSH'S FIRST MEETING

Aishwarya Rajinikanth and Dhanush met each other for the first time after the screening of the first-day first-show of his film, 'Kadhal Kondaen'.

Speaking to The Times of India, Dhanush said, "Once the film was over, I was about to leave when the cinema owner introduced me to Rajinikanth sir's daughters Aishwarya and Soundarya. We just said hi to each other and left. The next day, Aishwarya sent me a bouquet saying, 'Good work. Keep in touch'. I just took that very seriously. She is two years older than me and we got married two years later after we met."

AISHWARYA AND DHANUSH'S GRAND WEDDING

Aishwarya Rajinikanth and Dhanush got married in a grand ceremony on November 18, 2004. The couple welcomed their son, Yatra, in 2006 and their second son, Linga, in 2010.

Here's a photo from their wedding:

FROM PARTNERS TO CO-WORKERS

Two years after giving birth to Linga, Aishwarya decided to don the director's hat. She launched her debut directorial venture, '3', which featured Dhanush and Shruti Haasan. The romantic drama also introduced composer Anirudh Ravichander to the Tamil film industry. For the unaware, Anirudh is Aishwarya's cousin.

'3' rose to fame because of the viral 'Why this Kolaveri Di' song. In a recent interview, Aishwarya said that the song swallowed and overshadowed the film. "However, I received a lot of phone calls during its re-release and every time during its telecast," she stated.

Here's the song:

After '3', Dhanush and Aishwarya continued with their respective careers.

WHEN AISHWARYA CALLED HERSELF A PROUD DAUGHTER AND PROUD WIFE

Back in 2021, Aishwarya and Dhanush seemed to have had a strong relationship. It was in the same year that Dhanush won Best Actor for 'Asuran' at the 67th National Film Award. Also, Rajinikanth was confereed the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for his contribution to cinema.

advertisement

On October 25, 2021, Aishwarya shared pictures with her father and Dhanush and wrote, "They are mine...and this is history #prouddaughter #proudwife (sic).”

Here's the post:

DHANUSH AND AISHWARYA ANNOUNCE SEPARATION

Shortly after, Dhanush and Aishwarya announced their separation on January 17, 2022. In a social media note, they wrote, "18 years of togetherness as friends, couple, as parents and well-wishers to each other. The journey has been of growth, understanding, adjusting and adapting. Today we stand at a place where our paths separate (sic)."

The note further read, "Today we stand at a place where our paths separate. Aishwarya and I have decided to part ways as a couple and take time to understand us as individuals for the better. Please do respect our decision and give us the needed privacy to deal with this (sic)."

Here's the post:

WHAT LED TO THEIR SEPARATION?

An insider close to the couple told IndiaToday.in, "Dhanush is a workaholic. Anyone who knows him can tell that he puts his work before anything else. There have been many instances when his work commitments - travelling between cities and outdoor film shoots - have taken a toll on his family life."

advertisement

Reportedly, Dhanush and Aishwarya grew apart because of multiple reasons over the last few years. They continue to co-parent Yatra and Linga.

The insider, who is also a friend, said, "Their kids will always be their priority, and they plan to co-parent them going forth. There is no animosity or hatred towards each other. If not immediately, but you might see them together in the public space and at events in the near future.

In August 2022, Dhanush and Aishwarya made their first public appearance after their separation. They came together for Yatra's school event.

Here's the photo:

AISHWARYA AND DHANUSH FILE FOR DIVORCE

On April 8, news about Aishwarya and Dhanush filing for divorce went viral on social media. The couple filed their petition two years after announcing their separation. Reportedly, their families held several rounds of talks to get them back together.

advertisement

While they have been separated, they still continue to be each other's well-wishers. In 2022, he called Aishwarya his 'friend' as he wished her for her music video, 'Payani'.

Dhanush gave a shout-out to Aishwarya Rajinikanth's directorial comeback, 'Lal Salaam', which starred Rajinikanth in an extended cameo.

Here's the post:

Aishwarya and Dhanush's case will soon be heard in court.

Published By: K Janani Published On: Apr 9, 2024