Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma are one of the most captivating couples in the glamorous worlds of cricket and film. Millions of people have followed and celebrated their story, which culminated in marriage in December 2017 and now includes their two children, a newborn son named Akaay and a daughter named Vamika.
However, many fans still cherish a sweet and witty moment that occurred long before their idyllic wedding. It involved Shah Rukh Khan, the king of wit in Bollywood.
As RCB makes a historic win at IPL 2025, let's take a look at IPL 2014 opening ceremony when SRK teased the cricketer with his girlfriend at that time and now wife's name, Anushka Sharma.
SRK, who is always full of charm and mischief, decided to add some fun to the evening by staging a mock "swayamvar" on stage, which is a comical search for India's cricketing idol's ideal life partner.
As the crowd roared in excitement, Shah Rukh Khan asked Kohli about the qualities he desired in a partner. Kohli, smiling but slightly flustered by the attention, candidly replied that he liked “a lady with good hair and big eyes.”
#ViratKohli's Swayamvar by #ShahRukhKhan at IPL 2014 Opening Ceremony! pic.twitter.com/WINX6Le98h
SRK UNIVERSE (@Sandeep28312790) January 15, 2022
Clearly enjoying himself, SRK then proceeded to present a series of photographs, encouraging Kohli to choose from them. The light-hearted setup took an unexpected turn when the final image presented was that of Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma.
Kohli, caught off guard and visibly embarrassed, blushed and laughed, pleading, “Aise mat karo yaar” (Don’t do this, man) as the audience laughed along. Nevertheless, he eventually picked Anushka’s picture from the four options, a gesture that sent fans into a frenzy — and one that seemed to foretell the beginning of something truly special.
Virat also told Shah Rukh Khan that he keeps Anushka's photo in his wallet, saying "Aapne itna Kasht kyu uthaaya photo choose krne ke liye, mere se hee mang lete, mere paas hai [I have her photo in my wallet you could have asked me]" while taking her photo from his wallet.
Rumours of a developing romance between Anushka and Kohli had just started to surface at the time. Although neither star publicly acknowledged anything until later, the "swayamvar" incident fuelled the rumours.
Their relationship only got closer in the years that followed. The pair started showing up together at events, encouraging one another through highs and lows in their careers, and posting glimpses of their lives on social media.
In addition to their individual accomplishments, Kohli and Anushka are now respected for their sincere affection and regard for one another as spouses and parents.
The pair continues to be an example of friendship based on respect and understanding, whether it is Anushka supporting him from the stands during a fierce game or Kohli paying her a heartfelt homage on her birthday.
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