Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap and Shubhra Shetty have often attracted attention because of their relationship and the noticeable age gap between them. The couple has now once again sparked a conversation about marriage, relationships and whether a couple really needs a wedding to prove that their bond is strong.
In a recent conversation with Janice Sequeira, Shubhra opened up about her views on marriage and made it clear that she does not believe getting married is necessary for every relationship. According to her, if two people are happy, comfortable and emotionally secure with each other, a marriage certificate should not be the only thing that defines their relationship.
Shubhra Shetty says marriage is not everything
Shubhra’s statement has started an interesting debate among people. She suggested that marriage is a personal choice rather than a compulsory step in a relationship. For her, the most important things are understanding, comfort, trust and the ability of two people to support each other.
Her perspective also raises a bigger question: Does marriage automatically make a relationship stronger?
A couple can be deeply committed to each other without getting married, while another couple can get married and still struggle to maintain their relationship. This is why many people believe that the quality of a relationship depends more on the people involved than on their marital status.
Their age gap has also been discussed
Anurag and Shubhra have faced public attention over their around 20-year age difference. Age-gap relationships often become a topic of discussion, especially when both people come from the entertainment industry.
However, Shubhra’s comments suggest that what matters to the couple is not what society expects from them but how comfortable they are with each other. Their relationship has continued despite public curiosity and opinions about their personal choices.
What did their parents think?
Shubhra has also spoken about how her parents reacted when they first came to know about her relationship with Anurag. Meeting someone from a different generation and with a very different life experience can naturally raise questions among families.
Parents may worry about compatibility, future plans and whether the couple will be able to handle the differences that come with an age-gap relationship. However, relationships ultimately depend on the understanding between the two people involved.
Can a relationship work without marriage?
Shubhra’s comments have opened up a larger conversation about modern relationships. Marriage is not the only way to show commitment. For some couples, marriage is an important emotional and cultural milestone. For others, a relationship can be equally meaningful without formally getting married.
What really matters is whether both partners have mutual respect, honesty and emotional support. If two people are comfortable with their decision and have the same expectations from their relationship, there is no single formula that works for everyone.
At the same time, marriage itself should not automatically be seen as the reason relationships fail. A healthy marriage can provide companionship and stability, just as an unmarried relationship can be strong and fulfilling.
What should a healthy relationship look like?
Whether a couple chooses marriage or not, a healthy relationship should ideally be built on trust, communication, respect, personal freedom and mutual understanding. Both partners should feel heard and valued rather than pressured to follow society’s definition of a perfect relationship.
Shubhra’s views have therefore started an important conversation: Is marriage really necessary for love, or is being happy and comfortable with your partner enough?
There may not be one correct answer. Every relationship is different, and ultimately, the decision to marry or not should belong to the two people living that relationship—not to society.
