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Indian cricketer Yuzvendra Chahal and choreographer Dhanashree Verma have officially parted ways, as confirmed by their lawyer. “The divorce has been done. Marriage is dissolved,” he stated, putting an end to speculations about their relationship.
The couple, who once shared a playful and affectionate bond, had documented their love story through various social media posts and videos. In their wedding video, Yuzvendra had jokingly remarked, “Shaadi ke baad sabki life hai risky, kithe gayi meri whiskey? (After marriage, everyone’s life is risky, where is my whiskey?)” Meanwhile, Dhanashree had shared how their journey began, saying, “We met through dancing. Yuzi came up to me and said, ‘Hey, I want to learn dancing.’” The video, captioned “Paaji, shaadi ke baad sabki life hai risky,” once reflected their shared sense of humor and chemistry, making their eventual separation even more unexpected for their fans.
While relationships in the public eye often face immense pressure, their story raises larger questions about modern marriages, compatibility, and the evolving dynamics between partners. What leads to such transitions, and how do public figures navigate personal struggles under constant scrutiny?
According to Jai Arora, counselling psychologist and co-founder of Kirana Counselling, while Chahal’s comment may seem playful, it could also reflect deeper subconscious fears or societal conditioning around marriage. “Keeping Freud’s theory of humour in mind, jokes often serve as a socially acceptable way of expressing underlying anxieties. The word ‘risky’ may symbolise a perceived loss of autonomy, societal or familial pressure, or even uncertainty about marriage itself. In our culture, marriage has often been framed as a ‘duty’ — an institution one must live up to rather than a union of equals,” he explains.
Chahal and Dhanashree’s relationship began with a shared love for dance, but is having a common interest enough to sustain a marriage? Arora points to the work of relationship expert John Gottman, emphasizing that shared meaning — built through co-creating rituals, values, and life goals — is key to a happy marriage.
“While mutual interests can strengthen bonding and create positive emotions, they alone do not guarantee long-term success. Relationships may still falter if deeper emotional and attachment needs remain unfulfilled. What truly sets successful couples apart is their ability to recognise and respond to each other’s emotional bids—small moments of seeking connection that build trust and intimacy,” he explains.
For public figures like Chahal and Dhanashree, constant media attention and scrutiny can impact their personal lives in significant ways. Arora notes that this pressure often leads to a state of hyper-awareness, where partners may feel they are “performing” their relationship rather than experiencing it authentically. “The need to meet public expectations can stifle open communication and add stress to the relationship,” he says.
If a relationship ends, navigating a divorce under public scrutiny can further complicate the healing process. “Media intrusion and public commentary can interfere with grief, increasing the risk of anxiety, depression, and even identity confusion. Managing both personal loss and external narratives can lead to emotional exhaustion, self-isolation, distrust in future relationships, or struggles with self-esteem,” Arora adds.