Veteran Bollywood icon Madhuri Dixit has opened up about her life away from the film industry's glare, her pivotal move to the United States, and the distinct career aspirations of her two sons, who view the Hindi film world as a 'circus'. In a candid conversation, the actress shared details about her family's life in Denver and her children's forays into technology and music.
Choosing a Quiet Life in Denver Over Bollywood Fame
Madhuri Dixit, one of Indian cinema's most celebrated actresses in the 1980s and 90s, made a life-altering decision in 1999. At the peak of her career, she married Dr. Sriram Nene and relocated to Denver, USA. In a recent interview with Mid-Day, she reflected on this choice, emphasizing it was the fulfillment of a personal dream.
"Everybody has dreams for their lives, and this was a big part of my dream for myself," Madhuri stated. She had always envisioned a life centered on marriage, a home, and children. The transition, aided by prior visits to her siblings in the US, was smooth. "I knew what life there is all about... I enjoyed the quiet time," she said, cherishing the anonymity that allowed her to take her kids to parks and ski trips without recognition.
Arin and Ryan Nene: Tech, Music, and Steering Clear of the 'Circus'
The conversation naturally turned to her sons' futures. Madhuri's elder son, Arin Nene (born 2003), recently graduated in May 2025 and is now an engineer at Apple. He is actively working on projects related to noise cancellation technology. While he had some initial interest in films, his true passion lies in music. He produces his own tracks and balanced his academics by majoring in Computer Science Engineering with a minor in Music.
Her younger son, Ryan Nene (born 2005), is currently studying at the University of Southern California (USC). He is a dedicated STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) enthusiast with a sharp focus on technology and engineering. Madhuri described him as "amazing" in these fields.
'It's a Circus Now': Why the Dixit-Nene Sons Stay Away from Bollywood
When asked if she deliberately shielded her children from the limelight, Madhuri clarified it was their choice. The family moved back to India when the boys were just 6 and 8 years old, exposing them to the industry's environment. "My kids are different," she explained. "My younger one is not interested in this whole circus, just out of it. It is a circus now when you step out to go anywhere."
She respects their independence, taking them to events only when they wished to go. "The older guy is more out there and open, but both of them have never been actually into the industry," Madhuri concluded, affirming their paths are firmly set outside the cinematic world.
On the professional front for Madhuri herself, her psychological thriller web series 'Mrs. Deshpande' premiered on JioHotstar on December 19, 2025, directed by Nagesh Kukunoor. She also has the film 'Maa-Behen' in the pipeline, co-starring Triptii Dimri, Ravi Kishan, and Dharna Durga.
