Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan are among Bollywood's most talked-about couples, often facing online speculation about their relationship. Over the years, rumours around their alleged separation or divorce have frequently surfaced, even as the two continue to make public appearances together.
In a recent interview with author and actor Lily Singh on her YouTube channel, Abhishek opened up about his relationship with and Aishwarya Rai, family and parenting. He also added how they have been parenting and guiding their daughter, Aradhya Bachchan.
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Beyond traditional gender roles
For years, Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai’s relationship has been a major trolling point on the internet. With questions like "who is more successful" and traditional gender roles in a marriage, he said that “when my parents got married, my mother was a bigger star than my father. So, it wasn’t an unnatural thing". He explained that the traditional gender roles in a marriage do not work upon their marriage, but what matters in their 18 years of relationship more is the partnership that have built together.
Further in the interview, he exclaimed, “It was always about a partnership. I have known Aishwarya from the start of my career. And the second film I made was with her." He also highlighted that Aishwariya is the only actress with whom he has starred in multiple films. In fact, his second movie 'Dhaai Akshar Prem Ke', which was released in 2000, was with her. He admitted that they were always friends. “We weren't in a relationship together (then). We were just buddies. We were always friends."
The actor shared in the interview that their relationship was free-flowing and not predetermined. “Through our courtship, our engagement, and our marriage, it was always about partnership. There was no discussion like, 'I will bring the food, and you take care of the house.' It flows very naturally. For me, I think it comes from severe ego," the actor said.
Bringing up Aradhya through emotional sensitivity
Abhishek not only opened up about his relationship with Aishwarya but also on how they are bringing up their daughter Aradhya through emotional sensitivity. In that context, he added, "I think fathers are lousy teachers because our emotions get in the way and we don't have that sensitivity chip that women do."
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The superstar also added, “Men are wired to display what they want. We are action-orientated. We have become far more sensitive; it's a great thing," explaining that men are often led by action and not by the sensitivity of the situation.
"You set an example by doing. In my home, both of us (Abhishek and Aishwarya) try to be the best example for Aaradhya. Instead of telling them (children) this is right, or this is wrong, show them what to do by being that," he added.
Abhishek and Aishwariya got married on April 20, 2007. This year, they will complete 19 years of marriage.
