The love story between entrepreneur Varun Manian and Trisha Krishnan captivated South Indian cinema fans in 2015. What seemed like a fairytale romance ended abruptly, leaving millions wondering what went wrong. Today, we explore how Trisha chose her passion for acting over marriage.
Varun Manian and Trisha: Relationship Timeline
| Date | Event | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Meeting | Met through mutual friends |
| January 23, 2015 | Engagement | Private ring ceremony |
| November 2015 | Breakup | Engagement officially called off |
| 2016 | Trisha’s Revelation | Public explanation during Kodi promotions |
Background: Trisha Krishnan, one of South India’s most celebrated actresses, was preparing for what fans thought would be her dream wedding. But beneath the surface, fundamental differences were emerging.
Who is Varun Manian?
Varun Manian comes from an influential Chennai business family. As an entrepreneur, he’s involved in various business ventures and belongs to a traditional family with strong social values. His father, a prominent businessman, reportedly never fully supported the match from the beginning.
Family Expectations: Varun’s family preferred someone from a similar social and business background—a common preference among traditional Indian families. The film industry, with its unpredictable schedules and public scrutiny, didn’t align with their vision.
Trisha Krishnan: Career Before Engagement
Before the engagement, Trisha had established herself as a powerhouse with blockbusters like Ghilli (2004), Athadu (2005), and Vinnaithaandi Varaavaya (2010). She had multiple Filmfare Awards, brand endorsements worth crores, and consistent box office hits. Her career showed no signs of slowing when Varun Manian and Trisha got engaged.
For more inspiring stories, check our South Indian actresses guide.
The Breaking Point: Career vs. Marriage
In 2016, during Kodi promotions opposite Dhanush, Trisha made a startling revelation about why the engagement ended.
Trisha’s Own Words: “That’s why my wedding was called off. The person I was supposed to marry, asked me to stop acting. Instead of films, I chose to put a full stop to my engagement.”
This statement revealed the core issue: Varun wanted her to quit acting after marriage. For Trisha, whose passion for cinema ran deep, this was non-negotiable.
Her Stand: Trisha stated she would only take a break if she became pregnant, and even then, wouldn’t leave the industry entirely. “My wish is to act until my last breath,” she declared.
This bold stance resonated with working women across India who face similar pressures. Trisha became an unlikely feminist icon, showing that passion and professional ambition matter just as much as relationships.
Explore more about successful South Indian actresses in our Raashii Khanna profile and Aishwarya Rajesh journey.
Family Pressure and Social Expectations
Varun later revealed that his father never favored the match. From the beginning, the family didn’t support the entrepreneur marrying an actress. They hoped he’d choose someone from a similar social circle.
Cultural Context: In many Indian families, especially traditional business communities, marrying within similar social strata remains important. The film industry often faces prejudice from conservative families who view it as unpredictable.
This pressure on Varun Manian and Trisha intensified as wedding plans progressed. Eventually, these external pressures combined with their fundamental disagreement about Trisha’s career proved insurmountable.
The Engagement: January 23, 2015
The private engagement ceremony was intimate, with only close family and friends attending. Photos showed a radiant Trisha in traditional attire, looking hopeful.
Behind the Scenes: While the public saw happiness, private discussions about Trisha’s future in cinema were becoming increasingly difficult, creating tension that would eventually end the relationship.
Life After the Breakup
Following the split, Trisha delivered memorable performances in Kodi (2016), 96 (2018), Paramapadham Vilayattu (2021), Ponniyin Selvan (2022-2023), and upcoming Thug Life (2025) with Kamal Haasan. Her post-breakup career trajectory proved her decision right.
Current Status: As of 2025, Trisha remains unmarried and focused on her thriving career, expanding to pan-Indian projects.
Discover more breakout performances through our Saanve Megghana story and Kalyani Priyadarshan’s journey.
Public Reaction and Support
When Trisha revealed why the engagement ended, public reaction was overwhelmingly supportive. Fans praised her courage to prioritize passion over societal expectations. Social media erupted with hashtags celebrating her decision.
Industry Support: Fellow actresses and filmmakers backed her publicly, appreciating her honesty and commitment to her craft. This solidarity showed how the film industry can rally around principles like professional freedom and gender equality.
Where Are They Now?
The story of Varun Manian and Trisha ultimately became one of self-discovery and staying true to one’s passion. Trisha continues thriving in cinema with upcoming releases including Thug Life. Her choice to prioritize her career hasn’t dimmed her star power—if anything, it’s made her more respected.
The lesson? Sometimes the hardest decisions lead to the best outcomes. Trisha’s journey reminds us that choosing yourself isn’t selfish—it’s necessary.
FAQs
Why did Varun Manian and Trisha break up?
Is Trisha Krishnan married now?
No, as of 2025, Trisha remains unmarried and continues focusing on her successful film career. Following her breakup with Varun Manian in 2015, she has stayed single by choice, prioritizing her passion for acting. She’s currently working on high-profile projects including Thug Life with Kamal Haasan. Trisha has stated she would only consider taking a break if pregnant, and even then would return to character roles. Her decision has made her a role model for women prioritizing professional ambitions.
