‘What did Kanchan chachi die of’: When Twinkle Khanna said she investigated Akshay Kumar’s genes before wedding; role of partner’s medical hory in marriage decisions | Feelings News

Married for over 18 years, Akshay Kumar and Twinkle Khanna have long been considered one of Bollywood’s most adored couples. While Akshay is known for his discipline, fitness, and action-packed career, Twinkle is equally celebrated for her sharp wit and candid nature. 
The two tied the knot on January 7, 2001, in an intimate ceremony attended close friends and family, and the news of their wedding only became public much later. What many didn’t know until years later, however, was that Twinkle had taken an unusually pragmatic approach before saying “yes” to Akshay.
Appearing on Koffee With Karan in 2016, Twinkle revealed that she had investigated her soon-to-be husband’s family health hory before making her decision. She explained, “The reason you get married is primarily to have children. So, you are introducing this genetic strain into your family line. I wanted to know what diseases run in his family. At what age did his uncles lose their hair? What did Kanchan chachi die of?” 
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While the revelation left Karan Johar and Akshay Kumar laughing, the Kesari actor admitted that he only found out about it after their wedding. Initially annoyed, he later realised that Twinkle had a valid point. But did Akshay’s family pass her test? Twinkle answered in her signature style, “They did pass my litmus test. Most of them are still alive because they have healthy genes!”
This brings up an interesting question — should people really be factoring genetics into their decision to get married? We asked an expert to weigh in.
Role of partner’s family medical hory in marriage decision
According to Bhakti Joshi, counselling psycholog, Samarpan Health (Consultant), “The concept of verifying a potential partner’s background — whether medical, behavioural, or character-wise — has long been a part of Indian society, especially in arranged marriages. Traditionally, these background checks were done through astrology, auspicious timings (muhurats), marriage mediators, and informal inquiries. Over time, this evolved into more structured approaches, such as agencies and direct background verifications.”

In recent years, she states that there has been an increasing focus on a partner’s family medical hory, particularly hereditary or genetic conditions, due to their potential impact on future offspring. While this approach reflects a growing awareness of health-related concerns, it is important to navigate such inquiries with sensitivity and mutual consent.
Could this level of scrutiny over a partner’s health background indicate underlying fears or anxieties?
“As a psycholog working with couples and families, I have observed a general lack of awareness about genetics and biology. This lack of psychoeducation can sometimes amplify pre-exing anxieties in the search for an ‘ideal’ partner,” reveals Joshi. Story continues below this ad
Interestingly, she says that societal expectations often “place the responsibility of having a healthy child primarily on women, leading to a shift in ideology post-marriage and pregnancy.” Educating individuals and families about genetic factors — such as recessive disorders, family hory, and carrier status — can help alleviate anxiety. However, it is crucial that such discussions take place with mutual consent and without reinforcing fears or unrealic expectations.
Viewing marriage as a genetic investment
The term “genetic investment” is open to individual interpretation. “What matters most is ensuring that both partners have the right to information — with consent — and that discussions about medical hory happen through open, non-judgmental communication,” notes Joshi.