Yesterday, On 28th November, Actor Dhanush and filmmaker Aishwarya Rajinikanth have been granted a divorce by a family court, officially ending their marriage of nearly 18 years. The couple, who announced their separation in January 2022, cited irreconcilable differences. They have two sons and have assured their continued commitment to co-parenting. The divorce brings closure to one of South India’s most high-profile celebrity splits.
Chennai: A family court granted a mutual consent divorce to actor Dhanush and Aishwarya Rajinikanth.
The decision made by principal family court judge S. Subadevi following the couple’s petition. Dhanush and Aishwarya announced their separation on social media in January 2022 and subsequently filed for divorce in Chennai.
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The couple married on November 18, 2004, with the support of their families, and they have two sons together.
Aishwarya Rajinikanth, born on January 1, 1982, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, is an accomplished Indian film director and playback singer. She is the elder daughter of the legendary actor Rajinikanth and his wife, Latha Rajinikanth. Aishwarya made her directorial debut with the Tamil film “3” in 2012, which included the hit song “Why This Kolaveri Di.”
Dhanush, whose full name is Venkatesh Prabhu Kasthoori Raja, was born on July 28, 1983, in Theni, Tamil Nadu. He is a well-known Indian actor, producer, lyricist, and playback singer, primarily recognized for his work in Tamil cinema. Dhanush gained significant acclaim for his role in “Aadukalam” (2011), which won him the National Film Award for Best Actor. He also rose to international fame with the viral success of “Why This Kolaveri Di.”
The couple tied the knot in 2004 and are parents to two sons, Yatra Raja and Linga Raja. In January 2022, Dhanush and Aishwarya announced their decision to separate, and a family court subsequently finalized their divorce, bringing their 18-year marriage to an end. They have committed to co-parenting their children amicably.
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In India, divorce laws vary based on religion. Under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion, mental disorder, and conversion. Mutual consent divorce requires one year of separation (Section 13B). The Special Marriage Act, 1954, for interfaith couples, provides similar provisions (Sections 27, 28).
Muslims follow Shariat Law, allowing divorce through Talaq, Khula, or Mubarat, with judicial relief under the Dissolution of Muslim Marriages Act, 1939. Christians follow the Indian Divorce Act, 1869, citing grounds like adultery, cruelty, or desertion, while Parsis rely on their 1936 Act.
All cases are heard in Family Courts under the Family Court Act, 1984, ensuring confidentiality and quicker resolutions.