Vinay MR Mishra (BOMBAY TIMES; May 27, 2025)
In the eye of the storm and at the heart of public speculation, choreographer and content creator Dhanashree Verma found herself grappling with not just a personal heartbreak, but also a tidal wave of online scrutiny following her separation from cricketer Yuzvendra Chahal first reported by us in January this year. Now, for the first time, Verma chooses to speak about the path she’s walked since, with her head held high and her focus firmly intact. She continues to remain silent on the separation.
‘The negativity and public criticism have never really bothered me since day 1, and it will never bother me ever’
Ask her how she braved the barrage of public judgment in the last couple of months, and she responds, “It doesn’t bother me at all! I have surrounded myself with great inner strength, and I am so dedicated that my focus has always been on my work, as I have a lot of responsibilities. I have guarded myself and have built myself so strong that I just focus on my work, which will speak for everything. The negativity and public criticism have never really bothered me since day 1, and it will never bother me ever.”
‘I am focusing on self-love and inner strength’
For Verma “it is very simple” to filter out unwarranted opinions. “I prefer to ignore the noise that doesn’t contribute to my growth and focus on constructive feedback. I set goals for myself and stay committed to them till I achieve them. When you know your goals, professionally and personally, it is easier to stay away from the distractions,” she shares.
When asked how changing public perceptions affected her personal space, she remains stoic, never airing dirty laundry but instead focusing on rebuilding herself from the inside out. “I have been working on myself even more now. Even though I have been a very hardworking person, I have now completely changed my lifestyle and am focusing on self-love, inner strength, discipline, exercise, good food, and surrounding myself with people who look up to me. I want to be a part of a journey that inspires people around me,” the former Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa contestant adds.
‘Hope I have inspired more people to make strength their guard and weapon’
The journey hasn’t been a walk in the park, but Verma holds tight to her discipline like a compass guiding her through murky waters. “I hope I have inspired more people to make strength their guard and weapon,” she confesses, adding, “I have been extremely disciplined in my life, and that has been one of the reasons, for me to stay positive and motivated, helping me put out the best work. Dancing, singing, and acting make me feel alive, as it is my passion, and it is enough to keep me positive. I stay true to my values and beliefs and keep on reminding myself of the reason why I started this journey. There are tough times, but my passion for my craft helps me stay focused and strong. I believe in working hard and letting it speak for me.”
‘It has been a phase of growth and self-discovery’
While she chooses to not talk about the split, ask her how she has grown as a person since the split, and the lessons learned, she replies, “The challenges life throws at you teach you some of the most valuable and beautiful lessons. The biggest thing I have learnt is the importance of self-reliance and how my parents have raised a strong daughter. It has been a phase of growth and self-discovery, and I would like to continue with this as I am appreciative of how it has shaped me as a person.”
‘Clarifying misconceptions often leads to more speculations’
Verma, who was recently seen setting the screen ablaze in her special number Tinga Linga Sajna has been a victim to mudslinging—from rumors of her demanding a hefty alimony to being branded a gold digger after Chahal was spotted wearing a provocative slogan tee during their divorce hearing. Yet, she chooses not to wash her hands in muddy water.
“I just want to focus on my work and let it speak for itself. Clarifying misconceptions often leads to more speculations, and if I would want any speculations, I would want it to be only and only around my work. I am focusing on my personal growth and professional commitments and would want it to be the leading narrative of my life,” she explains.
‘Your understanding of love evolves over time’
Despite the shadows of a strained separation—Verma and Chahal had gotten married in December 2020—she hasn’t turned her back on love. Her view remains balanced and mature. “I will always say and believe that love is a beautiful aspect of life, and your understanding of it evolves over time. For now, I am focusing on my work and career while simultaneously working on my personal development. I am open to what the future holds for me, but for now, it is my career and my family that are of utmost importance to me,” she affirms.
Verma will soon make her Telugu debut as an actress. “It is an exciting new chapter as I step into acting with this project. I am trying out a new side of storytelling and loving how it challenges me and my craft. I am just excited about everything I’ll learn,” she concludes.