By: Lifestyle DeskNew Delhi | November 7, 2025 11:29 AM IST 4 min readWhen Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan discussed marriage with Oprah (Source: Express Photo)When Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show, their conversation offered a glimpse not only into their relationship but also into how Indian couples think about marriage, family, and commitment.Abhishek shared a story that made the audience smile. “I was filming in New York, and I used to stand on the balcony of my hotel room and wish that I could be with her. Some time later, I took her to the same balcony, and she asked me to marry her.” The host then played a clip showing the crowds outside their wedding and remarked on how elaborate Indian weddings can be. Abhishek explained that Indian weddings are long celebrations because, as he put it, “Indians like to celebrate everything.”Oprah jokingly added that it must be hard getting a divorce after such an elaborate ceremony, to which Aishwarya immediately responded, “We don’t even try and entertain that thought.” The conversation then shifted to family life, with Oprah asking, “So you’re both living with your (Abhishek) parents? How does that work?” Abhishek replied by flipping the question back to her, “Do you live with your parents?” When Oprah said no, he asked, “How does that work?” leaving the audience in splits. The exchange highlighted two key ideas that shape many marriages in India: a strong cultural belief in the permanence of marriage, and the tradition of living in joint families.But how can viewing marriage as something non-negotiable impact a couple’s ability to navigate conflict?Sakshi Mandhyan, psychologist and founder of Mandhyan Care, tells indianexpress.com, “Seeing marriage as a lifelong commitment often creates emotional stability and a strong sense of belonging. It helps couples stay anchored during difficult phases and gives meaning to perseverance. However, at times, the value of permanence can cause cognitive rigidity and poor coping mechanisms. Some couples internalise the belief that admitting to struggle equals failure. This mindset brings denial of reality and over-reliance on defence mechanisms and emotional suppression.” She adds that healthy commitment requires psychological flexibility —the capacity to adapt, reflect, and speak openly without fear. When partners approach conflict with curiosity instead of defensiveness, they build secure attachment, which allows repair after disagreement.Effects of a joint family setup on marital dynamics“Living in a joint family can bring immense comfort,” notes Mandhyan, adding that there’s emotional safety, shared support, and also a sense of belonging that few other arrangements offer. “But I have also seen how this setup can test a couple’s ability to define their own space. In the early stages of marriage, partners are still discovering their rhythm, and when expectations from different generations overlap, the process becomes more complicated,” she says. Story continues below this adALSO READ | ‘I don’t think fathers…’: Abhishek Bachchan credits Aishwarya for parenting Aaradhya, says she does not use social media; how parents can share responsibilities fairlyEmotional independence is not about distance from family; it’s about staying connected while maintaining one’s individuality. “In psychology, we call this differentiation — the capacity to remain close to others without being absorbed by their emotions or opinions,” explains Mandhyan. Striking a healthy balance between cultural expectations and individual emotional well-beingMandhyan states, “In my view, the healthiest partnerships are those where two people can stay emotionally connected while still holding on to their own identity. Many couples today are trying to navigate between the pull of tradition and the need for personal growth. This balance begins with self-awareness, the ability to recognise how our upbringing and emotional history quietly shape the way we approach love, responsibility, and personal freedom. When partners understand these influences, they relate to each other with more empathy and less pressure to fit into fixed roles.” For more lifestyle news, click here to join our WhatsApp Channel and also follow us on Instagram© IE Online Media Services Pvt Ltd