Madhuri Dixit Reveals Her Marriage Was Pure Love, Not an Arranged Match

New Delhi, December 04, 2025: Bollywood superstar Madhuri Dixit-Nene has given fans a rare and heartwarming glimpse into her decades-long marriage with Dr. Shriram Nene, finally setting the record straight: their union was a love story, not an arranged match as many had long assumed.

In a recent candid conversation on a popular podcast, the iconic actress shared the details of how she met her husband and what led her to marry the US-based cardiothoracic surgeon, even choosing to step away from the peak of her career for a new life.

The Brotherly Introduction and the Six-Month Courtship

While the couple was introduced by Madhuri’s brother, the actress was quick to clarify that it wasn’t a traditional arranged marriage setup. After the initial meeting, the couple spent quality time together, developing a genuine connection.

“Our wedding was not arranged,” Madhuri revealed, adding the crucial detail: “We dated for six months before deciding to get married.”

During their dating period, what truly attracted the star to Dr. Nene was his authenticity and his completely grounded nature—a rarity for someone meeting a Bollywood superstar.

He Didn’t Know She Was a Star

Perhaps the most charming aspect of their early romance was Dr. Nene’s complete unawareness of Madhuri’s monumental fame. Having been raised in London and the US, he was far removed from Bollywood.

“When I met him, he asked me what I do, and I told him I work in films, and he thought it was nice,” Madhuri shared. He didn’t realize the massive impact or who she truly was. She confessed that she found this attractive because it allowed her to “vibe with someone on a very personal level,” without the ‘filter’ of being a star. The doctor only knew of one Bollywood star: Amitabh Bachchan, having only seen the film Amar Akbar Anthony.

A Connection Built on Compatibility

Madhuri credits their lasting twenty-five-year bond not to movie magic, but to genuine compatibility and mutual respect. She beautifully described their relationship as a “great combination of art and science,” referencing their different but harmonizing professions.

She listed her husband’s caring nature and intellect as his most appealing qualities, noting his dedication to his patients. The star emphasized that her husband is one of the biggest blessings in her life, proving that a successful career isn’t everything without the right partner.

The couple tied the knot in a private ceremony in the US in 1999 and are now parents to two sons, Arin and Ryan. After living in the US for over a decade, the family moved back to Mumbai in 2011, and Madhuri has successfully resumed her acting career.

This lovely revelation offers a peek behind the curtain of one of Bollywood’s most enduring marriages, confirming that the love story of Madhuri and Dr. Nene truly began with a genuine, down-to-earth connection.