Arjun Tendulkar’s engagement to Saaniya Chandhok echoes Sachin’s own journey, sparking fresh conversations on changing relationship norms in India
In a moment that rippled across social media and cricketing circles, Arjun Tendulkar—India’s rising left-arm pacer and son of the legendary Sachin Tendulkar—announced his engagement to Saaniya Chandhok, a Mumbai-based entrepreneur and animal welfare advocate. While the couple’s joy was unmistakable, what drew wider attention was a simple detail: Saaniya is older than Arjun. The pairing, though hardly unprecedented, has reignited conversations about evolving relationship norms in India—especially in the cricketing world, where tradition and public scrutiny run deep.
A Tendulkar Echo
Arjun’s choice mirrors his father’s journey. In 1995, Sachin Tendulkar married Dr. Anjali Mehta, a renowned pediatrician six years his senior. Their enduring partnership—built on mutual respect and balance—was often cited as Sachin’s emotional anchor during his demanding career. That both father and son chose older partners underscores a quiet but powerful message: personal happiness can transcend societal expectations.
What Sociologists Say
Prof. Abha Chauhan of the Central University of Himachal Pradesh contextualizes this shift: “The phenomenon of wives being older than their husbands is increasingly visible across India. Its success depends less on the age gap and more on compatibility, trust, and shared life goals.”
She cautions, however, against reading too much into celebrity examples, stressing that such unions thrive when grounded in shared values.
Dr. Sudha Khokhate of Bangalore University adds: “Marriages where women are older challenge long-held gender norms. Yet, over time, societal acceptance has grown. Age should not be seen as a barrier when emotional harmony exists.”
Together, their perspectives reflect a broader cultural evolution—where individual choice and emotional compatibility increasingly outweigh rigid conventions.
Other Cricketers Who Broke the Mold
The Tendulkars are not alone. Several Indian cricketers have chosen older partners, quietly challenging norms:
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Virat Kohli is six months younger than his wife, actor Anushka Sharma.
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Jasprit Bumrah is two years younger than sports presenter Sanjana Ganesan.
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Shivam Dube married Anjum Khan, over six years his senior, in an interfaith union.
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Robin Uthappa is four years younger than former tennis player Sheethal Goutham.
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Anil Kumble is two years younger than Chethana Ramatheertha.
These relationships, though not common, reflect a willingness to prioritize emotional connection over societal prescriptions.
A Changing Narrative
Such stories highlight a gradual but significant shift in how relationships are perceived in India, particularly in high-visibility fields like cricket. From Sachin to Arjun, the Tendulkar family’s choices affirm that love need not conform to a template.
As Arjun embarks on this new chapter, his engagement is not just a personal milestone but also a cultural reminder—that respect, trust, and shared dreams matter far more than the numbers on a birth certificate.
