Cheating in Marriage: Why 55% of Married Indians Are Breaking Vows – And What We Must Learn From It

🔥When ‘Forever’ Becomes ‘For Now’

In India, marriage is considered sacred—two souls united by destiny, blessed by families, gods, and society. But beneath the glitz of big fat Indian weddings and the hashtags of #CoupleGoals lies an uncomfortable truth.

A recent survey reveals that 55% of married Indians have cheated on their partners.
Yes, more than half. And shockingly, more women than men admitted to infidelity.

Before we jump to conclusions, let’s explore why this is happening, what it means, and how even celebrities—our so-called ideals—are no exception.

🎭 The Celebrity Mirror: Real Love, Real Lies

Let’s start by looking at some high-profile stories. Fame doesn’t protect anyone from the mess of human emotions. If anything, it exposes them more.

🧑‍🎤 Ranbir Kapoor – Confession of a Charmer

Once the poster boy of charm, Ranbir admitted to cheating on Deepika Padukone. His excuse? “I was immature.” But millions of hearts were watching, and many learned: even the charming ones can break trust.

👑 Amitabh Bachchan & Rekha – The Silent Storm

India’s most respected actor was caught in the whirlwind of a silent but scandalous relationship with Rekha, despite being married to Jaya Bachchan. The whole country watched this “unofficial affair” unfold—proof that age, respect, or legacy doesn’t shield anyone from emotional temptations.

🎬 Zeenat Aman – Betrayed During Pregnancy

The beautiful actress found out about her husband’s affair from a magazine while carrying his child. Her reaction? “Marrying him was a mistake.” Painful. Real. Brutal.

👨‍👩‍👧 Govinda – A Love Triangle Nobody Asked For

Govinda kept his marriage a secret from his co-star Neelam while pursuing her romantically. Later, he admitted he was wrong, but not before lives were emotionally shattered.

These aren’t just juicy stories—they are reflections of what’s happening everywhere. Not just in mansions and movie sets, but in apartments, small towns, and gated communities across the country.

💔 Why Are So Many Indians Cheating?

This isn’t just about lust. It’s deeper. It’s emotional. It’s structural. Let’s break it down.

🧊 1. Emotional Disconnect at Home

Many couples stop communicating after marriage. Work stress, family interference, and routine suck the love out. Loneliness creeps in—and people look for comfort elsewhere.

🌐 2. Technology Makes It Easy

From Facebook DMs to WhatsApp flirting, cheating is now just a few taps away. Dating apps like Tinder and Bumble are no longer for the unmarried. Many profiles there proudly say: “Married, but bored.”

😔 3. Marrying Too Young or Due to Pressure

In India, many people marry to satisfy family expectations. But emotionally, they may not be ready. Later, when true love or passion arrives, they take the bait—outside the marriage.

😡 4. Revenge Affairs

Yes, many cheat because their partner did it first. “He cheated? Fine, I’ll cheat too.” Marriage becomes a battlefield of tit-for-tat.

🎭 5. Living a Double Life

Some people genuinely want the security of family life and the thrill of romantic adventure. They want both. And they lie to keep both alive.

👩‍👩‍👧‍👦 Real Life, Not Just Reel Life

Let’s not just point fingers at celebrities. Infidelity exists in middle-class homes, in gated villas, and even in joint families.

Example 1: Ramesh (Age 48, IT Professional, Bangalore)

He married at 25. But after two kids and 20 years of routine, he fell for a younger colleague. “It felt like I was alive again,” he said. But when caught, he lost everything—wife, kids, dignity.

Example 2: Pooja (Age 36, Homemaker, Delhi)

Her husband ignored her for years, glued to his phone and job. One day, she found comfort in a childhood friend who now lived in Canada. It started as a chat. Ended in an affair.

🧠 What Can We Learn From All This?

Infidelity is a symptom. The real disease is emotional starvation, lack of communication, unmet needs, and unrealistic expectations.

Here’s what every couple in India (and the world) needs to ask:

• Are we truly talking to each other?
• Are we physically present but emotionally absent?
• Are we growing together or just surviving under the same roof?

🧘 The Path to Prevention: How to Rebuild Trust and Connection

❤️ 1. Talk Before You Break

If you’re unhappy—speak. Don’t wait till it’s too late. One honest conversation can save a marriage. Or at least, save two people from living a lie.

🤝 2. Get Help Early

Therapy is not just for the rich or depressed. It’s for real people who want to fix real problems. Couple therapy can open locked doors.

🚫 3. Stop Glorifying Toxic Love

Bollywood shows heroes having affairs, and we cheer. Let’s stop doing that. Cheating should never be romanticized.

🧒 4. Teach the Next Generation Better

Our schools teach algebra but not empathy. We teach to obey parents but not to express emotions. It’s time to include emotional intelligence and relationship education in schools.

🛑 Final Thoughts: Affairs Don’t Happen in Bedrooms—They Begin in the Mind

A marriage breaks long before the affair starts. It cracks in the silence. In the “I’m too busy.” In the “Not tonight.” In the “Why should I always try?”

When two people stop seeing each other as partners and start seeing each other as roommates, something else walks in—and takes over.

Let’s build relationships that thrive, not just survive.

Because love is not just a promise. It’s a daily practice.

Remember:
Cheating is not just a betrayal of vows. It’s a betrayal of yourself.

If your relationship is starving—feed it with time, trust, talk, and truth.
Because the real cheating begins when you stop trying.

By Nishanth Muraleedharan (Nishani) | Founder, Save Handloom Foundation | Thought Writer @ nishani.in

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