‘He approached to be my student’: When Dhanashree Verma recalled how Yuzvendra Chahal’s surprise proposal left her stunned

"Woh batting karte bhi nahi but unhone chakka maar diya direct," Dhanashree Verma added

By: Lifestyle Desk
New Delhi | February 25, 2025 10:30 AM IST

4 min read

Yuzvendra Chahal proposed to Dhanashree just two months into their dance lessons (Source: Instagram/Dhanashree Verma)

Dhanashree Verma and Yuzvendra Chahal’s relationship began in an unexpected way. What started as a professional student-teacher dynamic during the Covid lockdown quickly turned into something more when Chahal proposed to her just two months into their dance lessons.

Dhanashree, taken by surprise, shared her initial reaction and her mother’s amusing response, emphasising how professional their bond had been until that moment. On Jhalak Dilkhhla Jaa Season 11 last year, she said, “During the lockdown, no matches were happening and all the cricketers were sitting at home and getting frustrated. During that time, Yuzi decided one fine day that he wanted to learn dance. He had seen my dance videos on social media and back in the day, I used to teach dance and he approached me to be my student. I agreed to teach him. It was a very professional student-teacher relationship, I want to make it very clear.” She also mentioned that he trained with her for two months, during which she helped him become a skilled dancer.

She added, “Suddenly, after two months, he directly proposed to me for marriage. Woh batting karte bhi nahi but unhone chakka maar diya direct.” She shared that she was taken aback by this and immediately told her mother. Recalling her mother’s reaction, Dhanashree said, “The first thing she said was, ‘Gaya tera student.’ I was always a very professional teacher.” Yuzvendra and Dhanashree tied the knot in a traditional Hindu ceremony in December 2020.

According to indianexpress.com, the couple has filed for divorce. A previous report stated, “The duo was recently spotted at the Bandra Family Court, giving rise to speculation that the couple are now divorced. ”

How to navigate unexpected romantic encounters in professional or platonic relationships

Sonal Khangarot, licensed rehabilitation counsellor and psychotherapist at The Answer Room, tells indianexpress.com, “Unexpected romantic proposals in professional or platonic relationships can be surprising and emotionally complex.” She suggests several ways to navigate such situations:

Acknowledge and Process Your Feelings: A sudden proposal, especially from someone you share a structured relationship with (e.g., mentor-student, colleagues, friends), can evoke confusion, excitement, or discomfort. Self-awareness helps in understanding your emotions before reacting impulsively.
Set Boundaries: If the relationship was previously professional, clear boundaries are necessary. Research in relationship psychology emphasises that boundary-setting prevents role conflicts and emotional distress.
Communicate Openly: A direct and respectful conversation is key. The Social Exchange Theory suggests that relationships thrive when both parties perceive the interaction as fair and mutually beneficial. Expressing whether you reciprocate or not helps maintain clarity.
Evaluate Compatibility and Power Dynamics: If one person holds more authority (e.g., boss, teacher), power imbalances can influence decisions. Studies show that such dynamics can impact autonomy and long-term relationship satisfaction.
Consider the Long-Term Impact: Relationships formed under unexpected circumstances may face challenges due to initial novelty bias. Take time to assess emotional and practical compatibility.

Psychological effects of sudden life changes, like a fast-moving relationship

“A rapid relationship shift — such as moving from friendship to engagement — triggers various psychological responses,” says Khangarot. The brain releases dopamine in new romantic situations, creating excitement and attachment, but rapid changes can cause emotional whiplash once the novelty fades. If the speed of change conflicts with expectations, cognitive dissonance may arise, leading to stress and overthinking.

Sudden transitions also activate the amygdala, triggering anxiety or a ‘fight-or-flight’ response. Attachment styles play a role, too — those with an anxious attachment may fear abandonment, while avoidant individuals might feel trapped. “While unexpected romantic encounters can lead to fulfilling relationships, clear communication and self-reflection are key to ensuring choices align with long-term well-being,” Khangarot concludes.

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