Even global superstars crave a quiet cup of coffee on a chilly London afternoon. That’s exactly what Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma were doing this week—strolling through the British capital in cozy winter wear, smiling for a rare selfie with a fan, and soaking in a moment of normalcy far from the relentless spotlight of Mumbai [[1]]. But this seemingly simple outing has once again thrust the couple into a larger cultural conversation: Why are two of India’s biggest icons choosing to raise their children thousands of miles from home—and is it fair?
Table of Contents
- The London Sighting: What Happened?
- Why Virat and Anushka Chose the UK for Family Life
- Privacy vs. Patriotism: The Public Backlash
- Their Unique Approach to Celebrity Parenting
- Are They Alone? Other Indian Celebs Living Overseas
- Conclusion: Can Fame and Normalcy Coexist?
- Sources
The London Sighting: What Happened?
On a crisp January day in 2026, paparazzi and fans captured images of Virat and Anushka walking hand-in-hand near Kensington Gardens in central London. Dressed in stylish yet practical winter attire—think puffer jackets, beanies, and scarves—the couple appeared relaxed and happy. In one heartwarming moment, they paused to take a selfie with an overjoyed fan, showcasing the warmth that has long endeared them to the public [[1]].
This outing comes amid reports that the family has been splitting time between Mumbai and London for the past two years, primarily to give their children—Vamika and Akaay—a more private, grounded upbringing. “They’re not hiding,” a close friend told media outlets. “They’re just protecting their kids’ right to a childhood without headlines.”
Why Virat and Anushka Chose the UK for Family Life
The decision wasn’t made lightly. Several factors appear to drive their transcontinental lifestyle:
- Media Intrusion in India: Despite repeated pleas for privacy, the couple has faced constant surveillance—from drones outside their home to invasive questions about their children’s schooling and health.
- Education & Environment: London offers world-class international schools, green spaces, and a multicultural environment that aligns with their vision for holistic child development.
- Anushka’s Production Base: As the founder of Clean Slate Films, Anushka has increasingly collaborated with international streaming platforms, making the UK a strategic hub for her creative work [[3]].
As noted by parenting experts at the National Childbirth Trust (UK), high-profile families often seek environments where anonymity is possible—even if temporary—to foster emotional security in young children [[4]].
Privacy vs. Patriotism: The Public Backlash
Not everyone is supportive. On social media, critics have questioned whether it’s “unpatriotic” for national icons to raise their kids abroad. “They earn crores from Indian fans—why not give back by raising future Indians here?” read one viral tweet.
But defenders argue this is a false dichotomy. “Love for country isn’t measured by zip code,” countered film critic Anupama Chopra. “Virat still captains Team India. Anushka produces Indian stories. Their hearts are here—even if their home is temporarily elsewhere.”
This tension reflects a broader global trend: from Priyanka Chopra in LA to Ranveer Singh reportedly considering Dubai, many Indian celebrities are redefining what “home” means in an interconnected world.
Their Unique Approach to Celebrity Parenting
What truly sets Virat and Anushka apart is their fierce commitment to shielding their children from fame. Unlike many celebrity parents who monetize or showcase their kids online, the couple has never posted a clear photo of Vamika or Akaay on social media. They’ve even requested media outlets blur their children’s faces—a plea that’s often ignored but speaks volumes about their values [[5]].
“We want them to discover who they are without the weight of our identities,” Anushka once said in a rare interview. This philosophy—rooted in mindfulness and intentionality—has become a quiet manifesto for modern celebrity parenting.
Are They Alone? Other Indian Celebs Living Overseas
Far from it. The couple is part of a growing cohort:
- Priyanka Chopra & Nick Jonas: Based in New York and London, balancing Hollywood and Bollywood careers.
- Karan Johar: Frequently shuttles between Mumbai and London for his children’s education.
- Ranbir Kapoor & Alia Bhatt: Reportedly exploring international schooling options for their daughter Raha [[6]].
This shift signals a new era where global mobility is a privilege—and a strategy—for protecting family life in the digital age. For more on how Indian celebrities are redefining work-life balance, see our feature on [INTERNAL_LINK:celebrity-lifestyle-trends-2026].
Conclusion: Can Fame and Normalcy Coexist?
The image of Virat and Anushka in London—smiling, bundled up, and momentarily free from the chaos of stardom—is more than just a paparazzi snap. It’s a symbol of a universal desire: to be present for your family, away from judgment and noise. While debates about patriotism and privilege will continue, one truth remains—every parent, famous or not, wants the same thing: a safe, loving space for their children to grow. And if that space happens to be under London’s grey skies for now, perhaps that’s a choice worth respecting.
Sources
- [[1]] Times of India: Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma spotted on day out in London
- [[3]] Forbes India: Anushka Sharma’s Clean Slate Films Goes Global
- [[4]] National Childbirth Trust (NCT): Keeping Your Child Safe in the Public Eye
- [[5]] Hindustan Times: Why Virat & Anushka Don’t Share Kids’ Pictures
- [[6]] Vogue India: Indian Celebrities Raising Kids Abroad: A New Norm?