Is a 'Grey Divorce' on horizon for Abhishek Bachchan & Aishwarya Rai? - Everything you need to know

Rumors about Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan’s marriage hitting a rough patch have been making headlines recently. The iconic Bollywood couple, who have been married for over 16 years, are at the center of speculations about possible separation or divorce. If true, the couple could be part of a growing trend known as "grey divorce" — a term that has only recently begun to gain attention in India.

Talk of trouble in their relationship first surfaced when Aishwarya and her daughter Aaradhya arrived separately at Anant Ambani’s wedding, while the rest of the Bachchan family posed together like a united front. This unusual behavior triggered discussions on social media, with Reddit threads and online gossip suggesting that Aishwarya might be living separately from Abhishek. Adding fuel to the fire were rumors of Abhishek’s alleged involvement with his Dasvi co-star Nimrat Kaur, with netizens speculating about possible infidelity. Though no official statements have been made, the whispers have taken on a life of their own.

Social media, as expected, has been quick to react. While some fans express concern and support for the couple, others have taken the opportunity to troll, make memes, and speculate about the Bachchans' personal lives. The reactions have been mixed — with some netizens offering words of encouragement and others seizing the chance to mock the situation.

The notion of a "grey divorce" is a relatively new phenomenon in India. The term refers to couples, typically over the age of 50 or in long-term marriages, choosing to part ways after years of being together. Traditionally seen as a Western concept, grey divorce has started to take root in India, even within high-profile and seemingly stable families like the Bachchans. For example, Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan and Amrita Singh, after 13 years of marriage, separated in what can be categorized as a grey divorce. Similarly, veteran actor Kamal Haasan and actress Sarika Thakur ended their 16-year marriage, exemplifying this growing trend.

In India, where marriage is often considered sacred and lifelong, the rise of grey divorce marks a significant cultural shift. Older individuals are increasingly prioritizing their personal happiness and fulfillment over societal expectations, choosing to end marriages that no longer work for them. This trend highlights a changing attitude toward autonomy, personal growth, and the possibility of starting anew, even in later stages of life.

Whether or not Aishwarya and Abhishek’s rumored separation leads to a grey divorce remains to be seen. However, their situation reflects a broader movement — one where long-term marriages no longer guarantee a lifetime commitment.