Dhanush once revealed how he fell in love with his ex-wife Aishwaryaa Rajinikanth: 'She's 100 times simpler than her father'

Dhanush had once publicly expressed deep admiration for his former wife, Aishwaryaa Rajinikanth. As a resurfaced interview reminds fans, the actor didn’t fall for her celebrity lineage—but for her simplicity, warmth, and individuality.

A long partnership and a quiet separation

Dhanush and Aishwaryaa Rajinikanth, who were married for 18 years before parting ways in 2022, share two sons—Yatra and Linga. While the Raayan actor is now in the news over his rumoured link-up with Mrunal Thakur, a past interview has resurfaced in which he spoke warmly about Aishwaryaa, even drawing a heartfelt comparison between her and her father, superstar Rajinikanth.

What drew him to Aishwaryaa

In a resurfaced interview with The Times of India, Dhanush reflected on what drew him to Aishwaryaa when they first met. The actor, who married her in an arranged match in 2004, shared that it wasn’t her famous family background that impressed him—it was her individuality and personality that truly stood out.



When asked if Aishwaryaa’s identity as Rajinikanth’s daughter influenced his feelings, Dhanush had said he didn’t see her that way. He praised her simplicity, saying she was even more grounded than her father. He admired how she treated everyone equally, could connect with anyone easily, and appreciated how well she was raising their two sons.

A low-key family life

Dhanush and Aishwaryaa welcomed their first son, Yatra, in 2006 and their second, Linga, in 2010. Though considered one of South cinema’s most influential couples, they always kept their personal life out of the limelight.

Over the years, Dhanush also shared a strong bond with his father-in-law, Rajinikanth, who often praised the actor’s talent and dedication in public.

While fans were saddened by their separation in 2022, Dhanush and Aishwaryaa officially filed for divorce in April 2024, and their legal separation was finalized in November the same year.

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