The year 2024 has seen a surprising number of high-profile divorces in Bollywood. The glittering world of Indian cinema, which often portrays perfect romantic tales, has witnessed its fair share of personal challenges and heartbreaks this year. Let’s delve into the stories of some of the most talked-about divorces in Bollywood this year.
1. Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan
One of Bollywood’s most beloved couples, Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan, have recently decided to part ways after 17 years of marriage. Aishwarya, a former Miss World and acclaimed actress, and Abhishek, the son of the legendary Amitabh Bachchan, seemed like a perfect match. Their relationship was often celebrated in the media and by fans.
Timeline and Background:
- 2007: Aishwarya and Abhishek’s relationship began in the early 2000s. They first met while filming for the movie Dhoom 2. Their relationship blossomed, leading to their engagement in January 2007 and their wedding in April 2007.
- 2011: The couple welcomed their daughter, Aaradhya Bachchan, into the world in November 2011. Aaradhya became a symbol of their happiness and unity.
The Decline:
Despite their seemingly perfect life, reports of trouble in paradise began surfacing in recent years. Speculations about their marital issues were fueled by public appearances and media reports. By 2024, it was clear that the couple’s relationship was under significant strain.
- Family and Public Appearances: Media reports indicated that Aishwarya and Abhishek had been living separately for some time. This separation was noticeable during public events, such as family gatherings and social functions, where Aishwarya and Aaradhya were often seen without Abhishek.
- The Decision: The final announcement of their separation came as a shock to many. The couple cited irreconcilable differences and ongoing personal conflicts as the primary reasons for their decision to part ways.
The news of Aishwarya and Abhishek’s divorce has been met with a mix of surprise and sadness by fans. The end of their marriage marks the conclusion of one of Bollywood’s most celebrated love stories.
2. Malaika Arora and Arjun Kapoor
Malaika Arora and Arjun Kapoor’s relationship has also hit a rough patch, leading to their breakup in May 2024. This couple had been under the media’s spotlight ever since they started dating.
Timeline and Background:
- 1998-2017: Malaika was previously married to actor Arbaaz Khan. They were married in 1998 and had a son, Arhaan Khan. The couple separated in 2017 after nearly two decades together.
- 2018: Following her separation from Arbaaz, Malaika began dating Arjun Kapoor, a younger actor and the nephew of Bollywood producer Boney Kapoor. Their relationship was publicized heavily, and they became one of the most talked-about couples in Bollywood.
The Decline:
- May 2024: After six years of dating, Malaika and Arjun decided to call it quits. The reasons for their breakup have been attributed to differing personal goals and lifestyle choices.
- Public Reactions: Their split was unexpected for many fans who had followed their relationship closely. The couple’s public appearances and social media updates often showcased their chemistry, making the breakup even more surprising.
Malaika and Arjun’s breakup is another reminder that even in the world of glamour and fame, relationships can face challenges that lead to separation.
3. Daljit Kaur and Nikhil Patel
Daljit Kaur, a well-known actress, and Nikhil Patel, a UK-based businessman, have also ended their marriage this year. Daljit’s previous marriage and recent divorce from Nikhil have been a significant topic of discussion.
Timeline and Background:
- 2009-2015: Daljit was first married to actor Shalin Bhanot. Their marriage lasted for about six years before they divorced. Daljit cited physical abuse as a reason for their separation.
- 2023: Daljit married Nikhil Patel, a businessman based in the UK. The marriage seemed to be a fresh start for Daljit, but it didn’t last long.
The Decline:
- 2024: Just a year after their marriage, Daljit and Nikhil decided to part ways. The reasons for their separation have not been fully disclosed, but reports suggest that personal differences and unresolved issues played a role.
Daljit’s divorce from Nikhil marks another chapter in her turbulent relationship history. Despite her efforts to find happiness, her recent separation highlights the complexities of maintaining a relationship in the public eye.
4. Esha Deol and Bharat Takhtani
Esha Deol, the daughter of Bollywood legends Hema Malini and Dharmendra, and Bharat Takhtani, a businessman, have also gone their separate ways in 2024. Their marriage, which started on a positive note, has ended in divorce.
Timeline and Background:
- 2012: Esha and Bharat got married in 2012 after dating for several years. Their wedding was a grand affair, and the couple welcomed two daughters into their lives.
- Recent Years: Despite their initial happiness, differences began to surface. Esha and Bharat’s contrasting personal goals and lifestyle choices eventually led to their decision to separate.
The Decline:
- 2024: The couple’s decision to divorce has been attributed to their differing aspirations and goals. Esha’s focus on her family and Bharat’s business pursuits created a gap that grew wider over time.
The end of Esha and Bharat’s marriage is a reminder that even couples from esteemed families face challenges that can lead to separation.
5. Hardik Pandya and Natasa Stankovic
Hardik Pandya, a famous Indian cricketer, and Natasa Stankovic, a Serbian actress and model, have also decided to end their relationship in 2024. Their separation came as a surprise to many, given the couple’s high-profile status.
Timeline and Background:
- 2020-2021: Hardik and Natasa announced their engagement in 2020 and married in 2021. The couple had a highly publicized relationship, and their engagement and wedding were widely covered by the media.
- Recent Developments: Their relationship seemed to be going strong until recent reports suggested that the couple was facing difficulties. The nature of their issues was not fully clear, but rumors of trouble in paradise were circulating.
The Decline:
- 2024: Hardik and Natasa’s decision to divorce shocked many fans. The reasons for their split have not been extensively detailed, but it is clear that their relationship faced significant challenges.
Hardik and Natasa’s breakup adds to the list of high-profile divorces in Bollywood this year, showing that even celebrities are not immune to relationship struggles.
Conclusion
The year 2024 has been a turbulent one for Bollywood’s romantic landscape, with several high-profile divorces making headlines. From Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan’s long-term relationship coming to an end, to Malaika Arora and Arjun Kapoor’s surprising split, each story reflects the complexities of maintaining personal relationships in the limelight.
These separations have not only shocked fans but also highlighted the challenges that come with fame and public scrutiny. While the reasons for each divorce are unique, they all underscore the importance of personal happiness and the difficulties of sustaining a relationship under constant media attention.
As Bollywood continues to evolve, these stories serve as a reminder that behind the glamour and glitz, even the most celebrated couples face their own set of challenges.