Marrying into a Bengaluru family made ex-UK Rishi Sunak master Kannada to propose to Narayana Murthy's daughter Akshata
Former British Prime Minister
Rishi Sunak
recently opened up about a deeply personal chapter in his life that ties him closely to Indian roots. Sharing details about his marriage, Sunak revealed that he proposed to his wife, Akshata Murty—the daughter of
Infosys
founder Narayana Murthy and renowned author Sudha Murty—using the Kannada language. Despite not being fluent, Sunak made the effort to speak Akshata's native tongue, a gesture that symbolized his respect for her cultural background.
Crossing Cultures: From Stanford to Bengaluru
Sunak and Akshata first met while studying at Stanford University in the United States. Their friendship eventually blossomed into love, and the two tied the knot in 2009 during a modest wedding ceremony held in Bengaluru. Over the years, they have built a life together, raising two daughters, Krishna and Anoushka. Sunak embraced not only his wife's family but also her heritage, immersing himself in Kannada traditions and the spirit of Bengaluru.
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A Jersey, a Team, and a Sentimental Gift
Marrying into a household that holds strong connections with Bengaluru meant that Sunak naturally adopted the city's beloved IPL team,
Royal Challengers Bengaluru
(RCB), as his own. His in-laws welcomed him into the family with a special gift—an RCB jersey that became his personal emblem of support. Ever since, he has been a devoted fan of the team, often watching their matches and cheering them on, even from his former official residence at Downing Street.
Virat Kohli and a Cricket Fan's Treasure
Among RCB's star players, Virat Kohli holds a special place in Sunak's heart. The former prime minister admires Kohli's cricketing prowess and charisma, considering him a standout player. One of Sunak's most valued cricket-related mementos is a bat signed by Kohli himself, a gift presented to him by India's External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, during an official interaction.
RCB's Long-Awaited Triumph
This connection to the team took on even more meaning when Royal Challengers Bengaluru finally secured their first-ever IPL title after years of near misses and heartache. The championship match, held at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, was a thrilling encounter that saw RCB narrowly defeat the Punjab Kings by six runs. The win ended an 18-year wait for their fans, including Sunak, and etched a historic milestone in the team's journey.
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