Dhurandhar On OTT: Meet Ajit Doval's Wife, Aruni, Married To Real-Life NSA Chief Played By Madhavan

Dhurandhar has been dominating headlines since its theatrical release on December 5, 2025. The film is back in discussion following its OTT drop on January 30, 2026. However, the reason for the buzz is not entirely positive. The spy thriller's digital release has been met with heavy backlash from viewers due to alterations from the theatrical version. The OTT version features heavy censorship, including muted profanity. Despite the film carrying an 'A' certificate, many curse words and intense dialogues have been silenced.

Specific references, such as those to the surname 'Baloch', were reportedly muted or altered. Viewers have compared Dhurandhar to films like Animal, which remained uncensored on streaming platforms, and have questioned why Dhurandhar was treated differently. The theatrical version was approximately 3 hours and 34 minutes, while the Netflix version runs 3 hours and 25 minutes. Even amid the controversy, the actors' performances have continued to emerge as a positive talking point. Here's all about the wife of the real character Ajit Doval, essayed by R. Madhavan.

Who is Ajit Doval's wife, Aruni Doval?

Aruni Doval (maiden name Aruni Dasmana) is the wife of Ajit Doval, India's National Security Advisor and former Director of the Intelligence Bureau. She was born in a Garhwali Brahmin family in Bagyali, Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand. She largely maintains a private profile, but occasionally appears at official or religious events alongside her husband, such as visits to the Vindhyavasini Temple in Mirzapur. Aruni is not involved in politics like Ajit, focusing instead on social activities and philanthropy. She is associated with organisations such as the IPS Wives Welfare Association (IPSWWA) and hosts cultural performances at their residence.

According to showtelltimes, Aruni Doval is 75 years old as of January 2026. A lesser-known fact about her is that she is a retired teacher. As for her academics, she graduated from Uttrakhand University with a focus on humanities and social studies. Little is known about whether she is currently in a full-time professional role. Despite Ajit Doval's growing popularity due to R. Madhavan's portrayal of him in Dhurandhar, Aruni Doval remains out of the spotlight. She isn't even active on social media, and glimpses of her are only available during her public appearances with her husband.

Aruni Doval and Ajit Doval's marriage and children

Aruni and Ajit's relationship is rooted in a shared regional and cultural background. Both of them hail from the Pauri Garhwal district in Uttarakhand. Aruni Doval is from the Dasmana family in the village of Bagyali, while Ajit Doval is from the village of Ghiri. The couple married in 1972. At that time, Ajit Doval was an IPS officer in the Kerala cadre, having joined the service in 1968. Aruni and Ajit have two sons, Shaurya Doval and Vivek Doval. Shaurya is an investment banker and politician, and Vivek is a chartered financial analyst.

More about Ajit Doval

Ajit Doval, 80, is India's National Security Advisor (NSA), currently serving his third consecutive term under Prime Minister, Narendra Modi. A retired 1968-batch IPS officer, he is widely regarded as India's most powerful security bureaucrat and is often called the' James Bond of India' due to his extensive career in espionage and counter-terrorism. He was born in Ghiri Banelsyun village in Uttarakhand to an Indian Army officer. Ajit attended the Ajmer Military School and later earned a Master's degree in Economics from Agra University. He spent over 33 years in the Intelligence Bureau, eventually serving as its Director (2004–2005).

Ajit Doval's portrayal in Dhurandhar

In Aditya Dhar's film, Dhurandhar (released December 5 2025), Ajit Doval's character is portrayed by actor R. Madhavan. The actor plays a character named 'Ajay Sanyal', the head of the Intelligence Bureau, who is heavily inspired by the real-life National Security Advisor (NSA). Madhavan underwent a significant transformation for the role, including a directive from the director to thin out his lips to better mimic Doval's facial structure. Fans and critics noted his unrecognisable look and striking resemblance to the NSA Chief. The film features scenes inspired by Ajit Doval's career, including the IC 814 Kandahar hijacking.

What are your thoughts on Ajit Doval's better-half, Aruni Doval? Let us know.

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