Madhuri Dixit, the celebrated Bollywood actress, has recently shared the reasons behind her and her husband Dr. Shriram Nene's decision to leave their "peaceful life" in the United States and return to India. In a candid interview on Ranveer Allahbadia's podcast, Dixit opened up about the factors that influenced this major life change, highlighting the importance of family and a sense of calling.
Dixit married Dr. Nene, a cardiothoracic surgeon, in 1999 and subsequently moved to the US, stepping away from her thriving career in Bollywood. The couple resided in the US for nearly a decade, where they raised their children. Reflecting on her time in America, Dixit described it as "amazing and peaceful," cherishing the opportunity to be a hands-on mother. "I had my kids, and I was spending every moment with them, basically living my dream," she shared, recalling taking them to the park and engaging in everyday activities.
However, several factors prompted the family to reconsider their location. A primary reason was Dixit's parents' desire to return to India as they grew older. "My parents were getting older, and they wanted to come back to India," Dixit explained. "All my life and career, they were with me, and I didn't want to leave them alone". With her siblings and Dr. Nene's family also residing in the US, the decision weighed heavily on Dixit, who felt a strong sense of responsibility towards her parents.
Another significant factor was the increasing difficulty of managing her work commitments in India while living in the US. Dixit revealed that she frequently traveled back to India for work, which became exhausting due to the distance.
Furthermore, Dr. Nene expressed a desire for a change and a calling to contribute to healthcare in India. Dixit mentioned that her husband felt that many patients in India were seeking medical help at a late stage. He was motivated to develop a system focused on early intervention and promoting overall wellness. According to India Today, Dr. Nene has become a health influencer on YouTube, sharing information related to health, diet, and wellness.
The convergence of these factors led the family to believe that moving back to India was the right decision for everyone. Dixit emphasized that the move would fulfill her parents' wish, bring her closer to her work, and provide her husband with a fresh start. "We both thought that maybe this is a calling, because everything was falling into place," she said. "I already had my work here, and he wanted a change as well, so we thought that moving to India would be a great move for the entire family". She admitted to missing India, her friends, and the food while in the US.
Dixit's decision to prioritize her family and return to India reflects her values and commitment to her roots. Her story resonates with many who grapple with balancing personal aspirations and familial responsibilities. It also highlights the evolving dynamics of her marriage, which she describes as a "great combination of art and science". She has stated that her husband holds a higher place in her life than her career, stating that "Career was there, it still is, and it will continue to exist, but I think the bigger blessing is my husband".
Since returning to India in 2011, Dixit has successfully resumed her acting career, while Dr. Nene has pursued his interests in healthcare and digital content creation. Together, they navigate their professional and personal lives, demonstrating a strong partnership and commitment to each other's aspirations.
