When Abhishek Bachchan shared how Aishwarya Rai gave him the confidence he never had before

Before getting married, Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai had worked together in the films Dhai Akshar Prem Ke (2000) and Kuch Naa Kaho (2003). They began dating a few years later and announced their engagement on Valentine’s Day in 2007. The couple got married on April 20, 2007 in a private ceremony at the old Bachchan residence, Prateeksha. The actor once revealed how his life changed for the better after marriage with Aishwarya. (Also read: When Abhishek Bachchan revealed facing sexist comments for walking Cannes red carpet with wife Aishwarya Rai)

Abhishek, who turns 47 on February 5, was once called “a well-mannered, chivalrous boy and a knight in shining armour” by Aishwarya. He had proposed to Aishwarya Rai during a trip to New York when they were promoting Guru (2007), the actor had revealed to talk show host Oprah Winfrey on her show. After becoming husband and wife though, they only worked together on Mani Ratnam’s Raavan (2010). They are also parents to 11-year-old daughter Aaradhya Bachchan.

In an old interview with Vogue India, the actor had said how his wife had helped him after marriage, “She’s given me a confidence I never had before. I think most men will agree with this. I’m the baby of the family, my sister got married years ago and she is fiercely protective of me. I wasn’t really held responsible for anything. But after getting married—and this just happened automatically—I realised I wanted to be responsible for this person, I wanted to protect her and care for her.”

The actor had also shared that he didn’t think of marriage as a compromise. He had shared that having her in his life and being married to her, was “of more importance and happiness” to him than anything he could compromise on.

Aishwarya was last seen in a double role as queen Nandini and Mandakini Devi in Mani Ratnam’s period drama PS – 1 last year. Based on classic Tamil novel Ponniyin Selvan, the second part of the saga following the Chola dynasty will release in theatres on April 28.

Abhishek returned for the second season of the Prime Video series Breathe: Into the Shadows. He also starred in the comedy Dasvi, along with Yami Gautam and Nimrat Kaur, last year. He is also acting in R Balki’s Ghoomer as a coach to Saiyami Kher who plays a cricketer in the film.