30-07-2025
From Single Mom To Modern Family: Actress Divya Sreedhar's Story Breaks Stereotypes
Traditionally, it's the mother who dabs her tearful eyes as her daughter gets married. But for television actress Divya Sreedhar, the scene played out differently. At her wedding, it was her 18-year-old daughter Maya who wrapped her arms around her mother in quiet support.
For Divya Sreedhar, the celebration was not merely about marriage, but about her children finally receiving the love of a father. Her daughter Maya is now embarking on a new journey, having begun her higher studies in Business Management and Aviation.
Television actor Kriss Venugopal, now Divya Sreedhar's husband, expressed his happiness on Instagram. He shared photographs from Maya's first day at university, featuring himself, Divya Sreedhar, Maya, and one of her friends. In his post, Kriss Venugopal requested prayers and blessings for Maya's future. As part of her studies, Maya has taken on an executive training role.
For many years, Divya Sreedhar raised her children alone, without the support of their biological father. Her marriage at a young age ended, leaving her solely responsible for their upbringing. Despite this, she remained unwavering in her dedication to her children through every personal and professional challenge.
Divya Sreedhar met Kriss Venugopal while working on the same television serial. Although they were colleagues, Divya Sreedhar never spoke of her past or her previous marriage. However, Kriss Venugopal, a trained psychologist, sensed her inner world and, over time, the two grew close. Their bond gradually developed into love, and eventually, marriage.
Now, the couple co-parent Divya Sreedhar's children with warmth and unity. Their young son is often seen joyfully riding on Kriss Venugopal's shoulders. A video showing the actor and the boy distributing cold drinks to devotees during Attukal Pongala even went viral online, touching the hearts of many.
According to a report by Onmanorama, despite their happiness, Kriss Venugopal and Divya Sreedhar faced significant cyberbullying following their wedding at Guruvayur, which was attended by close friends and family. Online trolls made harsh comments, fixating on Kriss Venugopal's appearance, particularly his long, grey beard, and assumed he was far older than Divya Sreedhar.
Divya Sreedhar addressed speculation directly through an Instagram post, standing firm against gossip and online negativity. She remarked, 'I didn't marry only for sex. I wanted a father for my children, and I needed a husband and an identity as well. Sex is just a part of life.' She also clarified misleading claims about their ages. 'The news said a 60-year-old man married a 40-year-old woman. In truth, I was born in 1984, and Kriss in 1975. He's 49, and I'm 40. Even if I chose to marry someone older, why should that bother anyone?'
Though often cast in elder roles, including a grandfather in the popular serial Patharamattu (2023), Kriss Venugopal is far more than his on-screen persona. He is a former radio jockey, a motivational speaker, a published writer, a voice coach, and a qualified hypnotherapist. He holds an LLB, an MSc in Psychology, and a doctorate, in addition to training in digital filmmaking. He has also worked as a voice artist for numerous TV commercials.
Now united, Divya Sreedhar and Kriss Venugopal continue to support their children as a loving, modern family. Their relationship challenges traditional ideas of love, remarriage, and parenting, especially within Indian middle-class society. With resilience and openness, they have shown that love, understanding, and the well-being of children can triumph over judgement and convention.
