Vivek Agnihotri Recalls Being Anushka Sharma’s Neighbour, Reveals Virat Kohli’s Visits Before Their Wedding in Italy

The love story of Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma has always fascinated fans, not only because it unites one of India’s most celebrated cricketers with one of Bollywood’s most successful actresses, but also because of the quiet dignity with which the couple managed their relationship. Long before their fairy-tale wedding in Tuscany, Italy, director Vivek Agnihotri happened to witness glimpses of their courtship days when he was Anushka’s neighbour in Mumbai.

The The Kashmir Files filmmaker opened up about this on The Raunac Podcast, where he shared some anecdotes about living in the same society as Anushka Sharma before she got married. Although he admitted that he was never personally introduced to Kohli, Agnihotri recalled how he would often see the cricketer visit Anushka’s apartment, something that would instantly spark excitement in the neighbourhood.

“Anushka Sharma was my neighbour back then. We lived in the same society. Later, we moved, and I think they did too… but her father is still a good friend of mine,” Agnihotri revealed.

Virat Kohli’s Visits Became a Local Highlight

Agnihotri explained that his main memory of Kohli from those days was watching children of the society get overjoyed whenever the star cricketer would arrive. “Much before their wedding, Virat would often come to her house. The kids in our street used to go crazy. They would run behind his car. That’s the only memory I have of him. I’ve never met him personally,” he clarified.

Interestingly, Agnihotri also admitted that he doesn’t follow cricket much and stays too occupied with his work, which is why he never felt the need to connect with Kohli directly, despite having been in close proximity.

Anushka’s Family Roots in Mumbai

Shedding further light on Anushka’s background, Agnihotri said that the Sharma family had earlier shifted from Bangalore to Mumbai and moved into the same residential complex where Agnihotri lived with his family. Over time, he developed a close rapport with her father, Colonel Ajay Kumar Sharma. Although their paths diverged when the families moved, he maintained that his bond with Anushka’s father continues to this day.

Virat-Anushka: From an Ad Shoot to a Lifetime Bond

Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma first crossed paths in 2013 while shooting for a shampoo advertisement. Their chemistry was instantly noticed, and soon, rumors of their budding romance began to dominate gossip columns. While both remained tight-lipped about their relationship in the early years, their appearances together at public events and cricket matches only added fuel to speculation.

Their relationship was not without its share of challenges. Rumours of a brief breakup circulated around 2016, but the couple silenced all speculation by reuniting stronger than before. In December 2017, they tied the knot in a private, picturesque ceremony at Borgo Finocchieto in Tuscany, Italy—an event that became one of the most high-profile celebrity weddings of the decade.

Building a Family Together

Since then, Virat and Anushka have gone from strength to strength, balancing their careers with their family life. They welcomed their daughter Vamika in January 2021, followed by their son Akaay in February 2024. The family often splits time between India and the UK, with Anushka and the kids frequently accompanying Virat during his international cricket assignments. Recently, the couple was spotted in London, enjoying quiet strolls, chatting with locals, and soaking in the summer sunshine—an appearance that fans loved, as it showcased their down-to-earth nature despite global fame.

Updates on Their Careers

On the professional front, Anushka Sharma’s last big-screen outing was in 2018 with Zero alongside Shah Rukh Khan and Katrina Kaif, directed by Aanand L Rai. Although her much-anticipated biopic Chakda Xpress, based on the life of legendary Indian cricketer Jhulan Goswami, had fans excited, reports suggest that the project has been shelved. Anushka has since chosen to focus more on her family life, though speculations remain about future comebacks to cinema.

Virat Kohli, on the other hand, continues to be one of the most celebrated cricketers of his generation. After the conclusion of the 2024 T20 World Cup, in which India emerged victorious, Kohli announced his retirement from T20 Internationals. In his emotional speech during the post-match presentation, he said it was the right time to step aside from the shortest format and focus on other priorities. His decision further cemented his legacy as one of the most successful batsmen in modern cricket.

A Love Story that Inspires Millions

The memory shared by Vivek Agnihotri is just another heartwarming reminder of the early days when Virat and Anushka were slowly building the partnership that has today become one of India’s most beloved celebrity unions. From casual visits and neighbourhood excitement to their low-key wedding and growing family, the journey of “Virushka,” as fans fondly call them, remains a true example of grace and balance under the spotlight.

Even today, whenever the couple is seen together—whether attending cricket matches, walking the red carpet, or simply taking a stroll in London—they continue to inspire millions with the way they handle fame, family, and love. And perhaps, memories like Agnihotri’s best capture the simplicity behind this otherwise larger-than-life pairing.