In recent weeks, rumours of Abhishek and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan heading for divorce have been making headlines. If the reports are true, the iconic Bollywood couple, married for over 16 years, may be on the verge of what’s being referred to as a “grey divorce.”
What Is Grey Divorce?
The term is relatively new to India. It describes the growing trend of couples over 50 — or those in long-term marriages — choosing to end their relationships. Long thought to be a Western occurrence, grey divorce has started to take root in India, even within the most traditional and high-profile families. The term “grey divorce” evokes the image of older individuals, those whose hair has turned silver with age, making the brave decision to walk away from long-standing marriages.
As Ashi Tomar, Senior Psychologist at Veda Rehabilitation & Wellness, explains: “The rise in divorces among older couples in India may be due to evolving social and cultural factors. Traditionally, marriages were meant for a lifetime, but more individuals now seek personal fulfillment and independence later in life.”
In the past, marriages were often held together by societal pressures, financial dependence (especially for women), and the stigma of divorce. Today, with shifting gender roles and evolving expectations, older individuals in India are no longer willing to endure unsatisfactory relationships simply to maintain appearances.
“Empty nest syndrome and emotional disconnection often bring unresolved conflicts to light, leading couples to reconsider their relationships. Women’s growing economic independence has empowered many to leave unsatisfactory marriages, which was difficult in the past,” adds Tomar.
This trend of late-life divorce is particularly visible among high-profile celebrities, where the pressures of maintaining a public image and evolving personal needs collide.
Saif Ali Khan and Amrita Singh
After 13 years of marriage, Bollywood actors Saif Ali Khan and Amrita Singh divorced. Although it occurred earlier in Saif’s life, their separation still falls into the category of a grey divorce. Amrita, who was 12 years older than Saif, faced the emotional and social challenges that come with being a single woman later in life, while Saif eventually found new love and remarried Kareena Kapoor.
Kamal Haasan and Sarika
The iconic actor Kamal Haasan and actress Sarika Thakur were married for 16 years before they parted ways. Sarika was reportedly left to rebuild her life emotionally and financially after the divorce. Her journey is an example of how challenging grey divorce can be, but also how it can lead to self-discovery.
Om Puri and Nandita Puri
This high-profile couple ended their 26-year-long marriage. Theirs was a relationship that, from the outside, seemed stable but broke under the weight of personal differences that surfaced over time.
Divorcing later in life is never easy. Emotional disconnection and unresolved issues that may have simmered beneath the surface for years now come to the forefront. Older adults who have devoted their lives to their families may find themselves asking, what now?
A New Era for Older Adults
The end of a marriage can sometimes lead to isolation, particularly if social circles were intertwined with the former spouse. Strengthening social connections is crucial. Reaching out to old friends or participating in community activities can help restore a sense of belonging. Financial independence is key to regaining control of your future. Older women, in particular, must take proactive steps to secure their financial well-being, including investments, retirement planning, and budgeting. While new romantic or platonic relationships can offer emotional support, the focus should be on forming meaningful connections rather than rushing into new commitments. It’s important to rebuild one’s life from a place of emotional strength.
The rise of grey divorce signifies that older adults are no longer willing to remain in marriages that do not bring them fulfillment. In India, where the sanctity of marriage was once non-negotiable, grey divorce is creating space for conversations about autonomy, personal growth, and the possibility of starting over. Whether or not Abhishek and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s marriage survives, their rumoured separation reflects a broader shift.
Read more:
Aishwarya Rai's Omission from Amitabh Bachchan's Birthday Video Adds to Rift Rumours
When Abhishek Bachchan's Cold Gesture Left Aishwarya Rai Speechless In Front Of The Media
