Vivek Dahiya on being introduced as Divyanka Tripathi’s husband: ‘Don’t want forced respect’

When people introduce Divyanka Tripathi as the wife of actor Vivek Dahiya, the 38-year-old man is not particularly bothered. In a recent interview, Vivek opened up about embracing their association and not seeing it as a personal insult to his identity. The actor explained that he once reacted to being called his wife's husband, thinking that Divyanka did not give him much reaction at home.

However, he later shared with her that he did not want forced respect, as it would come organically through their work, according to Pinkvilla.

Vivek further added that his identity was once tied to Divyanka's, but he anticipated a time when she would be recognized through him. Cell psychologist Kruti Shah from Mpower Aditya Birla Education Trust noted that the introduction of Divyanka as Vivek's wife is refreshing and not a commentary on his success. Shah explained that when a man becomes her husband, there is often an immediate curiosity about his success, how established he is, and whether he has created a name for himself.

This reflects an old expectation that the man's identity is already established, while the woman's identity is not necessarily up for sharing.

Shah believes that today, there are many relationships where the woman is more recognizable, with a bigger career, social media presence, or income. This growing willingness to accept a partner's success without it becoming a referendum on him showcases a healthier approach to relationships. Shah added that a person's relationship with their partner's success often reflects how they see themselves. If self-worth is heavily tied to being successful or respected, someone else's achievements can feel threatening.

However, a man who knows who he is does not necessarily require his partner to be less successful to feel successful. He can acknowledge her being the bigger name and still believe that his journey has value. This level of security is considered a more interesting measure of a man's identity than being the person everyone recognizes first.