Abhishek Bachchan Discusses Equal Roles in Marriage with Aishwarya

Actor Abhishek Bachchan has spoken out about rejecting traditional gender roles in his marriage to actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. In a recent podcast episode with actor and YouTuber Lilly Singh, he reflected on the influence of ego on partnership dynamics in their 18-year marriage.

At the age of 50, Bachchan explained that his substantial sense of ego has prevented him from adhering to conventional expectations regarding masculinity and marriage. He noted that he believes his success does not diminish his wife's achievements. He stated, "For me, it also comes from severe ego. I am not somebody who wants to win because somebody else lied down and let you walk over. I have been brought up to believe that you've got to earn your win."

The actor, renowned for his roles in films including 'Guru', 'Raavan', and 'Paa', elaborated on this perspective during his conversation with Singh. Bachchan insisted he does not want a relationship in which his wife must sacrifice her ambitions for him to feel more secure in his masculinity. He expressed gratitude that Aishwarya Rai shares this outlook, stating, "I don't want to be in a partnership or in a marriage where my wife has to stop doing something because I need to feel more of a man about myself."

Bachchan underscored that the foundation of his marriage has been mutual respect and equality. Reflecting on their backgrounds, he mentioned that his mother was a more prominent star than his father when they married, making the rejection of traditional roles a natural expectation for him.

He recalled how he and Rai started off as friends before transitioning to a romantic relationship during the filming of 'Dhaai Akshar Prem Ke' in 2000. Their relationship evolved without the traditional expectations often placed on couples. He mentioned, "There was no discussion like, 'I will bring the food, and you take care of the house.'"

Further discussing their family life, Bachchan shared insights into parenting their daughter, Aaradhya Bachchan, noting the limitations often faced by fathers in teaching sensitivity. "Men are wired to display what they want. We are action-oriented," he stated, emphasising the importance of leading by example. Bachchan quipped about self-defence, remarking on Aishwarya's ability to take care of herself.

He concluded by affirming the significance of living by morals and values as parents, stating, "So, there is no competition at home about who has to be the man, who has to be the woman." Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai were married on April 20, 2007, in a lavish ceremony in Mumbai and are set to celebrate 19 years of marriage this month.