What is life like when you are married to Madhuri Dixit? Dr Shriram Nene breaks silence on being 'lesser half' in their 2-decade marriage

Time of India

24-04-2025

It can be intimidating to be married to a superstar if you are not connected to showbiz. While movies like 'Notting Hill' popularised the concept of a fairy tale love story between a major movie star and an everyman, there are certain undeniable real-life ramifications of falling for someone adored by millions.Renowned cardiothoracic surgeon and wellness advocate Dr. Shriram Nene , who is married to legendary Bollywood actress Madhuri Dixit, recently opened up about navigating life beside a superstar. In a candid conversation with Dr. Deepak Chopra on his YouTube channel, Dr. Nene reflected on the emotional and psychological impact of sharing life with a public figure.He acknowledged that although he admires and respects his wife's immense accomplishments, there have been moments when he struggled with feelings of self-doubt and invisibility. "I'm the unintentional American in a royal court," he said with a chuckle. "She's the celebrity—I'm just part of the journey. But beyond that occasional sense of being overshadowed, I've come to see how each individual can contribute significantly to the lives of others. Never underestimate the power of one."Dr. Nene also spoke about the drastic lifestyle shift he experienced after relocating to India. Having worked at UCLA Medical Center, where he cared for numerous Hollywood personalities, he recalled how those stars craved privacy. Ironically, after marrying Madhuri, he found himself becoming a public figure in his own right. "Before, celebrities just wanted to blend in. Now, people recognize me on the street and ask for selfies. It's flattering but also overwhelming. I wish I could sit down and have meaningful conversations, but sometimes it's hard to keep up."In another heartfelt interview with Ranveer Allahbadia, Dr. Nene elaborated on the emotional toll that fame can sometimes bring. While expressing deep affection for Madhuri, he admitted feeling sidelined in public perception. "We're both independent people, but many still see me as her 'lesser half.' I joke about it because I genuinely think she's the better half—but it does wear on me occasionally. Still, I believe in mutual respect. In our home and workplace, everyone is treated equally. There are no hierarchies."Their love story began through Madhuri's brother, Ajit, who introduced them. Though initially uncertain, Madhuri was charmed by Dr. Nene's intellect and humility. They wed in a quiet ceremony in California in 1999. Unaware of her stardom at first, Dr. Nene later witnessed her global recognition. Despite her soaring career, Madhuri stepped back from acting and moved to the U.S., where they raised two sons—Arin and Ryan—before eventually returning to India.