When Bollywood’s darling Anushka Sharma and cricket’s modern-day legend Virat Kohli decided to shift base to London in 2024, it left fans across India both surprised and curious.
While the couple continued to frequent India for professional commitments, the mystery behind their decision to leave the country remained largely unspoken—until now.

Thanks to a candid conversation on a podcast hosted by Dr Sriram Nene, husband of Bollywood icon Madhuri Dixit, the real story has finally come to light. As reported by News18, during a heartfelt exchange with YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia, Dr Nene offered rare insights into the lives of the superstars, shedding light on their motivations for leaving their homeland.
Reflecting on his admiration for Virat Kohli, Dr Nene shared a revealing anecdote about a conversation he had with Anushka Sharma. I’ll tell you something, and this is what you learn, they all put their pants on one leg at a time. We had a conversation with Anushka one day, and it was very interesting. They were thinking about moving to London because they can’t enjoy their success (here). And we appreciate what they go through, because anything they do attracts attention. We almost become isolated,
he revealed.
For those who have closely followed the journey of Anushka and Virat, this revelation feels both surprising and understandable. In India, the celebrity culture is intense; cricketers and Bollywood stars are worshipped with an unmatched fervour. Every move they make, every dinner they attend, and every public outing they attempt is shadowed by flashing cameras and throngs of adoring fans. As Dr Nene pointed out, such relentless attention, while stemming from love, can sometimes verge on the intrusive.
Dr Nene elaborated further, explaining how fame can quickly turn from a blessing to a burden. I get along with everyone; I’m bindaas. But even there, it becomes challenging. There’s always a selfie moment. Not in a bad way, but there comes a time when it becomes intrusive, when you’re at dinner or lunch, and you have to be polite about it. For my wife, it becomes an issue. But (Anushka and Virat) are lovely people, and they just want to raise their kids normally,
he added.
And therein lies the heart of their decision. The couple’s desire to provide a normal, grounded upbringing for their children, away from the glaring lights of the Indian media and the constant public scrutiny, drove them to seek a quieter life in London.
Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli’s love story has always captivated millions. The two first crossed paths in 2013 while shooting for a television commercial. What started as a professional acquaintance blossomed into a romance, although the fiercely private couple guarded their relationship from the limelight for several years. In December 2017, they sealed their love in a dreamlike, intimate wedding ceremony set against the picturesque backdrop of Tuscany, Italy.
Their family grew with the arrival of their daughter, Vamika, in January 2021. Earlier this year, in February 2024, Anushka and Virat were once again blessed, welcoming their baby boy, Akaay, into the world. It seems the birth of their son further strengthened their resolve to prioritise family life away from the constant buzz.
While London might not be devoid of celebrity culture, it certainly offers a different environment. Here, high-profile individuals can blend into the cosmopolitan crowd, and there's a stronger cultural respect for personal space and privacy. For Anushka and Virat, who wish to give Vamika and Akaay a semblance of normalcy, London offers the perfect retreat.
Still, their bond with India remains unbreakable. The couple continues to honour their professional obligations, travelling back for film shoots, brand endorsements, cricket matches, and public appearances. But now, when the lights dim and the crowds disperse, they return to a quieter life across the seas—a life filled with family moments shielded from prying eyes.
Their decision highlights an often-overlooked reality: that fame, while glittering on the outside, often comes at the price of privacy and peace. For Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli, choosing a calmer, more private life for their children is a testament to their values, far removed from the glamour and glitter that the world associates with them.
As fans, while we miss seeing them more often on Indian streets and events, it is heartwarming to know that behind the superstar personas are two individuals who deeply value family, normalcy, and the quiet joys of life.
Their move reminds us all that even the brightest stars sometimes need a quieter sky to shine in.
Credits: Information sourced from News18.