When Fame Fades: Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma Unexpectedly Asked to Leave a New Zealand Café

Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma are among India’s most celebrated couples—he, the world’s number one batsman, and she, a leading Bollywood actress. Despite their efforts to stay away from the spotlight, they often find themselves at the center of public attention. In search of privacy and a peaceful life, the couple relocated to London, hoping to escape the constant glare of celebrity status and VIP treatment they experienced in India.

But sometimes, anonymity comes with its own surprises.

Recently, it was revealed that Virat and Anushka were asked to leave a café in New Zealand—a story shared by Indian women’s cricket star Jemimah Rodrigues. Speaking to Mashwell India, Jemimah recounted how she and Smriti Mandhana wanted to meet Virat for some batting tips. After discussing cricket, Virat invited them to a café at the hotel where both the men’s and women’s teams were staying. Anushka joined Virat at the café, and the group became so engrossed in conversation that four hours flew by.

Eventually, the café owner, unaware of the celebrity guests, politely asked everyone to leave as their stay had extended far beyond usual. The owner didn’t realize he was asking the world’s top batsman and a famous Bollywood actress to vacate the premises. Respecting the request, Virat, Anushka, and the cricketers left without any fuss.

Since becoming parents, Virat and Anushka have chosen to settle in London, seeking a quieter life away from paparazzi and constant limelight. Anushka even gave birth to their second child, Akaay, in London. They are often spotted enjoying the freedom of strolling through the city’s streets with their children, relishing the ordinary moments that fame rarely permits.

Though they visit India occasionally, their trips are low-key, often limited to seeking blessings at temples rather than public appearances.

This incident in New Zealand shows that even global icons sometimes experience the world just like everyone else—reminding us that fame, while powerful, isn’t always recognized, especially far from home.