Virat Kohli-Anushka Sharma love story: How Virushka redefined fairytale weddings

We cannot think of two people who complement each other quite like Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli do. Virat and Anushka, lovingly called Viruhska by their fans, have overcome every obstacle to make their fairy tale come true. They're now hailed as the ultimate power couple of India, blending their Bollywood and cricket fandoms seamlessly. However, it was not always breezy for the pair. From overcoming naysayers' attempts to tear them apart to surviving the twists and turns of the fickle entertainment industry, Virushka, for most of us, redefined the meaning of love.

On Virat Kohli's 36th birthday today (November 5), we are walking down memory lane to take a look back at his and Anuhska's nothing-short-of-la-la-land love story.

Virat and Anushka's love story: the beginning of it all

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When Virat Kohli was told he would be shooting a shampoo commercial with Anushka Sharma in 2013, the cricketer, despite being a celebrity in his own right, couldn't believe his stars. While it wasn't love at first sight for the pair, they decided to be in touch after the shoot. Over time, their fondness for each other grew, and the next thing they knew, they were already spending time together.

After months of keeping their romance low-key, it became official when Virat was seen heading towards Anushka's place after landing in India following a series with South Africa in 2014.

When Virushka went official

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Back when going Instagram official was not a legit term, celebs would just admit their relationship to the media. In 2014, the Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi actor reportedly said that they are not hiding anything from anyone and are just two normal people in a relationship. The confirmation was complimented by the lovebird's first official appearance together when they stepped out to watch an Indian Super League game in Pune.

Shame: Battling the Public Scrutiny

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The ace cricketer, known for his consistency in coming through difficult situations, was battling poor form during the 2015 World Cup. Fresh off the glory of the 2011 World Cup win, the defending champion was thrashed by Australia by 95 runs in the semifinal, and the onus of it all fell on Kohli, who scored just 1 run at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Anushka, who was also in attendance at the stadium, was brutally trolled on social media for Virat's poor form.

Anushka maintained a stoic silence on the issue despite a witch hunt against her, but Virat had had it enough. The cricketer blasted the trolls on social media, stating if anything, she has only motivated him and given him a way forward.

The alleged separation

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Like every relationship, Virushka's love also went through ups and downs but stood the test of time. In 2016, the rumor mills worked overtime after the hint of trouble in paradise. The couple allegedly split for a brief period but got back together before anyone knew it. The lovebirds couldn't get enough of each other. Soon after getting back together, Virushka was inseparable. From PDA-filled outings to posting each other on social media, the couple was head-over-heels in love, and it was the most adorable thing on the internet. 

The fairytale wedding

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The impact that Virat and Anushka's low-key destination wedding in 2017 had on Bollywood shaadis is a topic for another time, but we wouldn't be wrong in saying it was a trendsetter. The aesthetics, the warmth, and the love were infectious in the picture shared by the newlyweds on Instagram.

Happily ever after!

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Virat and Anushka are now parents to two kids: daughter Vamika, born in January 2021, and son Akaay, born in February 2024. The couple keeps it low-key on the private front and lives in London, UK, with their children.