Kajal Aggarwal & Gautam Kitchlu
The doe-eyed beauty, who has taken the South-Indian film industry by storm was in Chennai, when we spoke to her. The modest, talented, award-winning and newly wedded beautiful bride, who recently tied the knot with her long-time friend Gautam Kitchlu,has been on a shooting spree, from the time lockdown lifted. She takes out time from her busy schedule over a candid conversation around her love, life, work and more.
What projects are you currently working on?
I have quite a few releases on hand. In Telugu, I’m shooting for Achaarya. I’m also awaiting the release of Mosagallu that will be out in four different languages – English, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu. We also finished shooting for Hey Sinamika and I’m waiting for the film to release now.
Again, I’m shooting for Ghosty, a Tamil fantasy horror comedy film currently in Chennai. I also have my digital debut of seven-episode series titled “Live Telecast” releasing on February 12 on Disney+ Hotstar VIP. I also have Bharatheeyudu 2, Indian 2, Thathaasthu and Merupu. Besides that, I’m awaiting the release of my Hindi film, Mumbai Saga.
How was the time spent together due to the lockdown last year and now that things are opening up and work has begun, do you consciously take out time for each other?
We planned our intimate wedding, maintaining a lot of safety measures last year and everything turned out great. During the lockdown, it was difficult for us to meet in the initial few months as the lockdown was very strict and tight. We met at grocery stores while doing our chores and grocery shopping for 5 minutes in masks. But then around our wedding time, it was a little better.
Now things have opened but so has work life, resumed. It’s difficult to meet as I’m always traveling for shoot. But, we always ensure that we make the time for each other though. He visits me whenever possible and I go home, the minute I get a break. Of course, the time we spend together is cherished a lot more now as work is back to being hectic.
What is the most romantic thing you have done for each other?
I met Gautam at a friend’s wedding. We have known each other for over eight years and have been good friends, but it was only recently when we decided to get married. The wedding plans happened quite rapidly and we are so happy that we made the right decision. We started planning for it only from June onwards and October 30th we got married. Sometimes we can’t even believe that we’re already married. It still feels like a dream. During the lockdown it was tough meeting each other. I signed up for a few online courses during the lockdown and also did some regular cooking and home maintenance. We could hardly meet during the lockdown. We both really appreciate the fact that we are both very understanding of each other’s work. Since he’s passionate about design and decor, he has done up our home very beautifully. I had to only tell him how I would like it and it turned out even better than I had imagined it to be. What I really like about our relationship is that we prioritise each other’s commitments and we are always supportive of each other’s dreams. He feels extremely proud about it. He’s a fabulous person and is also a phenomenal friend and I feel the most important pillar for any relationship is companionship, trust and friendship. I’m so grateful that I’ve found all these three in Gautam.
We have flown all over the world and at short notices to be there with each other for all important occasions. These gestures mean a lot for both of us. Gautam is all about experiences; he ensures that every occasion is attached to a phenomenal experience. Preferably something new that neither of us have done before. For our honeymoon recently, he made sure we stayed at the Muraka at the Conrad in Maldives, which is an underwater villa and we spent the whole night watching the flora, fauna and marine life from our glass bedroom. It was a surreal, unreal experience that we will always remember.
How do you support each other in times of stress?
We are always there for each other, comforting, finding solutions and encouraging growth. We understand each other’s work pressures and are very happy to help out in whatever way possible. We also do things that the other will appreciate. It’s wonderful having him in my life.
In today’s times of so much uncertainty around, how do you ensure you do those little things to keep the relationship thriving?
We both love experimenting with different cuisines, cooking a meal together, traveling, watching movies and shows, catching up with family and friends, hosting at our place, working out, reading, meditating- basically it’s all about spending time together and acknowledging each other’s interests, whatever it may be. These are basic things and spending an evening with a cup of coffee at home or hearing about each other’s day can also ensure the magic and spark in a relationship is retained. That’s the beauty of companionship.
— By Namita Gupta.
Priyamani & Mustufa Raj
Priya Vasudev Mani Iyer made a mark in Telugu, Kannada, Tamil and Malayalam films with many hits like Raam, Raavan, Charulatha, Idolle Ramayana, Ambrareesha and also left us all spellbound with her dance sequence in Chennai Express on the song song “1 2 3 4 Get on the Dance Floor”. Her role in the super duper hit web series, The Family Man with Manoj Bajpayee created a stir in the hearts of Hindi-speaking fans for her flawless performance. She tied the knot with long-time boyfriend Mustufa in 2017 and has been constantly working even after marriage.
What projects are you currently working on?
Mustufa — Eagerly awaiting my directorial debut of my Hindi movie Switch which would be out in February 2021.
Priyamani — I’m working on a couple of interesting web series and couple of projects in the south, including Narappa with Venkatesh sir and Virataparvam with Rana Daggubati.
How was the time spent together due to the lockdown last year and now that things are opening up and work has begun, do you consciously take out time for each other?
Mustufa — We had a great time together. From cooking to cleaning and catching up on our favourite shows. We spent the most time together last year, post marriage. We both are busy now to spend time together due to work commitments, but we plan to take a short vacation soon.
Priyamani — This lockdown has been a blessing for the two of us since this was the maximum time that we have spent together, from the time we got married, since he’s also busy with his work and keeps travelling a lot and so do I. We caught up on some very interesting movies and series on OTT platforms. We also divided the house chores equally and went and bought groceries together, which was also fun.
What is the most romantic thing you have done for each other?
Mustufa — I cooked meals for her a few times and also surprised her with dinner dates. I have taken her out on lot of surprise dinners at foreign locations too, especially on her birthdays.
Priyamani — He’s the more romantic one amongst the two of us. He always surprises me by taking me out on dinner dates and lunch dates. He bakes wonderful cakes as well.I, on the other hand just eat what he cooks for me (feels shy).
How do you support each other in times of stress?
Mustufa — Well we both are there for each other when time is mean.
Priyamani — I think we both are each other’s strongest support system. We know what each other is going through and constantly pull each other out of the stressful times, whenever required.
What are the things you love doing together?
Mustufa — We watch a lot of shows and then I read to her. We play table tennis in our free time which I love to loose from her (he smiles).
Priyamani — We watch a lot of series and movies on OTT(at the moment). Otherwise, we love to watch the latest movies in the theatres, have a nice meal (just the two of us sometimes) and play lots of games together.
In today’s times of so much uncertainty and breakups around how do you ensure you do those little things to keep the relationship thriving?
Mustufa — We respect the differences and appreciate and celebrate the similarities. We are there for each other whenever needed most and I think our love for each other is unconditional, which makes us go strong. The understanding is emotionally attached which makes us inseparable.
Priyamani — I completely agree 100% with what Mustufa just said.
— By Namita Gupta.
Aindrita & Diganth
After a success at the box office, Aindrita Ray and Diganth Manchale decided to tie the knot and the on-screen couple became a real-life couple in 2018. They will soon be seen together again after many years in a Sandalwood film. Here’s what they have to say about their love, life and more.
What projects are you currently working on?
Diganth — I finished shooting for a movie called Mariegold and am also currently resuming shoot for Gaalipata with Ganesh and have finished Yuvarathnaa with Puneeth Rajkumar. I’ve also completed Huttu habbada Subhashayagalu. I have also signed a movie called Evaru, which is a Telugu remake with Haripriya.
Aindrita — We both shot a film titled Kshamisi, Nimma Khatheyalli Hanavilla recently in November and a little bit of is left to complete the film together. Also, on my plate is Garuda, which is completed and is scheduled to release this year. I also did another film with Prem called Premam Poojyam and is again scheduled to release this year. I also did an interesting Hindi film with actor Pratik Gandhi whose web series Scam 1992, based on Harshad Mehta’s story, did extremely well. My film with Pratik Gandhi is called Ravan Leela. I’m also shooting with Vikram Bhat for a new web series soon.
How was the time spent together due to the lockdown last year and now that things are opening up and work has begun, do you consciously take out time for each other?
In the complete lockdown, it was a great time spent with family and each other of course. Also, our pets loved it and they got used to having us around a lot. They just didn’t want us to leave anywhere when things started opening up. We got to spend a lot of quality time with people who matter and our pets seemed to be the happiest. We cycled a lot when the lockdown was lifted. We also did a lot of rock climbing and a friend of ours was teaching us nunchucks online, during the lockdown. We also learnt to surf and stand up paddle and some sports. We made two road trips to Coorg. Also, lockdown made us introspect and made us realise how to live in the moment and do whatever possible you want to. So the year taught me to live every moment, learn more, do whatever I have planned to do and not keep waiting.
What is the most romantic thing you have done for each other?
We both come from really grounded and supportive families who stand up for each other so we have that inbuilt in us too. More than showing off romance with flowers etc. we believe in just being there for each other all the time.
How do you support each other in times of stress?
We are always there for each other and that’s more important. We need to give that time to the other person and be there. We also have a very good set of friends and family. I wasn’t much into adventure earlier, but after knowing Diganth and being with him for so many years, I learnt to pick up different sports like cycling and recently rock climbing and surfing and I realised that we keep our relationship exciting by picking up new sports or travelling and experiencing something new. He’s such an outdoorsy adventurous person and life with him is so exciting.
What are the things you love doing together? In today’s times of so much uncertainty around, how do you ensure you do those little things to keep the relationship thriving?
Earlier I wasn’t joining him for all these activities and when I began to do it, life became so much more exciting. Now we have so many things to tick off in our bucket list and many places we want to travel to. There’s never a single dull moment with him.
— By Namita Gupta.
Nakul Jaidev & Shruti Bhaskar
Nakul Jaidev, a popular Tamil actor and playback singer and his wife Shruthi Bhaskar who works with a leading multiplex in Chennai are a lovey dovey couple. We get an insight on why Nakul is head over heels and the love he shares for Shruti.
1. What projects are you currently working on?
I just completed Kadal Kadhai Sullava and it’s produced by Cosmos Entertainment. It has Vijay Sethupathi and Jayaram Sir in the lead. I’m also doing another film with the same banner that hasn’t been titled yet. It is with a new director and it’s going to be a very different kind of film. After that I’m working on another untitled project which is going to be a cop story, so it looks like a pretty packed 2021 for me.
2. How was the time spent together due to the lockdown last year and now that things are opening up and work has begun, do you consciously take out time for each other?
The COVID period was both a boon and a bane for me. Bane obviously as it was a pandemic and many lost their lives and families went into isolation. It was also a boon as I got the opportunity to spend a lot of precious time with my pregnant wife. I was fortunate to be with at every moment of her pregnancy. It was a wonderful adventure without taking any help from anyone else. Our daughter Akira was born in Hyderabad during this period, so we drove to Hyderabad after taking all the permissions to travel to this beautiful place called the Sanctum Birth Village, where she gave a natural water birth. It was a completely challenging yet beautiful time and watching your own child being born has been a blessing. I consciously take out a lot of time to be with her. Earlier I had to step out a lot for work, but last year during the pandemic, we have e-meetings now, so she’s mostly around and so is the baby. Once the shoots are on, I have no choice but to go to work.
3. What is the most romantic thing you have done for each other?
I keep telling her I’m more romantic than her, but I’ll confess that she’s more romantic than me. Everything she does is amazing, but one thing that blew my mind was that she named a star named after me. I was extremely thrilled about that. Apparently, you can do that. You can actually name a star after your loved one. Other than that, we keep doing the usual romantic things for each other all the time.
4. How do you support each other in times of stress?
Stress is always there. Her presence in my life is a stress buster in itself. She’s the reason I have balance in my life today. She keeps making me wonder why I didn’t marry a little earlier. Now life is more settled and I’m lucky to have a beautiful partner who supports me in everything I do. She’s my strength, courage and confidence. I’m blessed to have her in my life. My family lives a little far away, but she has a huge family and they’re fun, melodramatic and stand up for each other. Shruti is everything for me and without her my life is nothing.
5. What are the things you love doing together? In today’s times of so much uncertainty around, how do you ensure you do those little things to keep the relationship thriving?
We love travelling and adventure. We also love binge watching on OTT platforms. We also give each other space whenever required. We don’t treat this relationship as husband and wife. We have been friends earlier and we continue to be friends. We like to keep things simple and straightforward. We are very open and honest with each other. Keeping things straight in a relationship is very important. We don’t have any veil or anything hidden from each other. She completes my sentences also and she knows what goes in my head. We also share similar interests. We both value each other so much in this life and we both don’t have any ego. We don’t believe in the regular patriarchal ways that a husband should be in a certain way and a wife should be a certain way. A husband may feel like a king for a while, but at the end of the day, I think such a person is a loser. If you don’t care or give that important person in your life that kind of importance then you’ll never be truly happy.
— By Namita Gupta.
Mahat Raghavendra & Prachi Mishra
He’s a Tamil actor and she’s a model. The duo met through a common friend in Dubai, fell head over heels in love with each other and dated for a couple of years, before they tied the knot at a beautiful beach wedding in Mahabalipuram in 2020. Mahat shares more on his love life…
What projects are you currently working on?
I’ve been working on three movies. Shoot for the Tamil film Ivan Than Uthaman is over and it is set to release in March this year. Yashika is in the lead. The second movie is titled Kettavanu Per EduthaNallavanda with Aishwarya Dutta, who was my Bigg Boss contestant as well. The third one is under Shweta Productions with Nitin Sathya. The same director has made a Hindi film with Kalki and is now making a Tamil film. It will get over in February and I will be announcing another project towards the middle of February.
How was the time spent together due to the lockdown last year and now that things are opening up and work has begun, do you consciously take out time for each other?
I got married in February last year, so it was a long honeymoon for both of us. We were happy that we were together, but we couldn’t travel or go out a lot to meet friends. There were restrictions, but we didn’t complain as we got to spend time with each other. I missed the regular work hours and shoots sometimes, but everyone needs a break and this break made us realise our purpose in life. Now that we all are back to work, we will be missing the time spent together. Prachi is also back to work now. Even if she’s travelling, we make sure we take out time for each other. She went to Dubai on work for 15 days, but we ensured we spend time together whenever we can.
What is the most romantic thing you have done for each other?
I have done a lot of romantic things for her, but she should be the one talking about how romantic I am. She is also very romantic and loves to surprise me. First time we got into a relationship, she flew down from Dubai to meet me, I was in shock and I felt so good. We love each other and just got married. There’s still a long way to go and I hope we keep surprising each other the way we have been doing so far.
How do you support each other in times of stress?
When she’s stressed out, I try to change the topic and divert her with a long drive or a dinner. She gives me a lot of positive energy and always makes me calm and at peace by comforting me and telling me that she’s always there for me. I believe in God a lot and I feel I have embarked on a spiritual journey now. I’m sure everything will be fine as he’s watching over us.
In today’s times of so much uncertainty around, how do you ensure you do those little things to keep the relationship thriving?
We love each other and everything feels great for now. Touchwood! No relationship comes with a warranty card. All you have to do is balance everything out. Nothing should be done too much or too less. Being honest to yourself is important. When you feel clean inside and keep everything right inside you, whatever happens out will also be right. Thoughts matter a lot too. Thoughts lead to manifestation and action. So, keep your thoughts right and try to do your best for each other. Serving your purpose right in this world is very important too. I love the phase of my relationship that we are in right now and we are happy.
— By Namita Gupta.
Aakash Bikki & Akshara Gowda
He’s a filmmaker and she’s an actress – and together they make a super hit pair. In conversation with Aakash Bikki and Akshara Gowda, celebrating the spirit of togetherness and love this Valentine’s Day.
What projects are you currently working on?
Aakash — I’ve just finished making a web series in Telugu for AHA. It should be out soon. And I’m currently writing my next feature.
Akshara — Currently, I’m working on two movies. One is a Tamil -Telugu bilingualnamed Soorpanagai/Nene na, where Regina Cassandra and I play the leads. And second is a Tamil movie named Idiot, directed by Ram Bala with Mirchi Shiva, Nikki Galrani and me in it.
How was the time spent together due to the lockdown last year and now that things are opening up and work has begun, do you consciously take out time for each other?
Aakash — We’ve been together since the lockdown and it’s been emotionally high and low as well. The key is to understand the need to support each other in our respective endeavours.
Akshara — I’m someone who believes that relationships don’t require work! Be it anything – friendship, parents or a partner. They just have to happen on their own… You don’t make it happen. We do plan our schedule as much as we can, and if not let’s just say that distance makes you grow fonder of each other!
What is the most romantic thing you have done for each other?
Aakash — Taking all the nonsense that she throws on me!
Akshara — Throwing all that nonsense he takes! (laughs) Jokes apart, he did cook for me during lockdown and I did clean the house. So the whole idea of romance is suddenly in dilemma!
How do you support each other in times of stress?
Aakash — Talking it out with each other and probably finding logical reasoning.
Akshara — Well, he is the most sorted person I’ve seen, who’s mentally so strong. On the other hand, I panic and stress very easily. So he balances me out in that way. There is no particular way of dealing actually, maybe we’d just go down to a coffee shop and have a coffee together and suddenly the world will seem alright.
What are the things you love doing together?
Aakash — Having a meal together or visiting a coffee shop together. It’s very basic.
Akshara — Going running or watching something together!
In today’s times of so much uncertainty around, how do you ensure you do those little things to keep the relationship thriving?
Aakash — We’re uncertain about a lot of things too, but the need to stay together is strong!
Akshara — I think, I must have said “I’m done, I’m walking out” over a 100 times. But he knows that I’m a big drama queen and won’t go anywhere. (smiles) Having said that, I think when you want to grow with a person the need to stay together and the bond is stronger. Maybe that’s love! Something we can’t define
What would you describe your relationship as?
Aakash — Relationship – does it have any description? It keeps changing, as it has always kept changing. Right now It’s all about finding the right date or time to get married! Since our parents and Akshara have asked me about it zillion times.
Akshara — Don’t worry I’m not saying yes anytime soon without seeing the ring! So let him first put a ring on it! But I guess, ring or not, marriage or not, we’ll be together forever. The rest of what we will be doing are just to keep up the society norms. I’m already very content and secured about my relationship.
— By Anahita Ahuja.
Shruti Ramachandran & Francis Thomas
Shruti Ramachandran would be familiar as the Pretham actress for Malayalis, but she’s also an architect and a writer. Shruti has co-written the much talked about segment Ilamai Idho Idho of the Tamil anthology film Putham Pudhu Kaalai, along with her husband Francis Thomas. A professional copy writer and screen writer, Francis is the writer behind the play A Very Normal Family and the feature film Anveshanam. The two met at an entrance coaching class, way back in 2007, and according to Francis, he “spent the entire time flirting with her and she didn’t even realise it.” He finally had to ask her out seven times before she said yes, and the two made it official in 2016.
What projects are you currently working on?
Shruti — I have four projects in the works. The Malayalam films Kaanekaane with Tovino Thomas, Madhuram with Joju George and two other projects I can’t talk about at the moment. Francis and I are working on writing two films of our own.
Francis — I’m presently working on a webseries for Hotstar with Bejoy Nambiar and juggling a full-time job as well. As Shruti said, we’re writing something together and hopefully I’ll get to direct one of them. Fingers crossed.
How was the time spent together due to the lockdown last year and now that things are opening up and work has begun, do you consciously take out time for each other?
Shruti — I feel a little guilty saying it, but I loved the lockdown. I got to spend so much time with Francis. I also got to spend more time with myself which is something that I had not done for long. I did a lot of things I normally wouldn’t have – like brushing up my designing skills, trying my hand at writing for films and even baking elaborate surprise hampers for family and friends.
What is the most romantic thing you have done for each other?
Shruti — The most romantic thing for me is spending time together; it doesn’t really matter what we do. Actually, I’m the happiest when we are eating good food.
Francis — I jumped off a train once to spend more time with her. Honestly my romance is a little wasted on her. Like she said, she’s okay if I’m just around. I don’t really have to do anything. Except maybe order the food and do the dishes.
How do you support each other in times of stress?
Shruti — By listening rather than talking. And giving him good food. Food plays a huge role in our relationship.
Francis — A very specific order of Chinese food from her favourite restaurant and her favourite ice cream for dessert. Works like a charm every time.
What are the things you love doing together? In today’s times of so much uncertainty and breakups around how do you ensure you do those little things to keep the relationship thriving?
Shruti — We love to eat and we love to travel (and eat wherever we travel). As for how we keep our relationship thriving, I think both of us make an effort to be kind to each other and treat the other person with respect.
Francis — I love sitting in cafes with her and eavesdropping on conversations of complete strangers and making up stories about who they are and what they’re thinking. About keeping the relationship thriving, I don’t know. With her, it doesn’t really feel like work. So, picking up ice cream when she’s having a bad day, doing the boring chores around the house she hates, letting her choose what we’re going to watch – they’re second nature now. The only difficult part is dealing with the fact that she likes to bite to show affection.
— By Asha Prakash
Ranjini Haridas & Sharat Pulimood
In an exclusive interview, popular TV and stage anchor and Ranjini Haridas in Kerala, tells us about the new man in her life, her thoughts on love, relationships, marriage and more…
When Ranjini Haridas appeared on TV recently all dressed up as a bride, Malayalis went into a tizzy, was THE Ranjini, thought to be a chronic bachelorette, finally getting married after being a presence on TV, stage shows and more for the past 10-15 years? At the end of the TV show, it was finally revealed that she was just hosting a show featuring couples, but all is not lost. If not marriage, a relationship is definitely on the cards for the real-life Ranjini as she reveals to us exclusively. The lucky man, Sharat Pulimood, is a childhood friend of hers and a businessman from Kochi. Sharat is into his family business in construction, and used to run the eatery The Drawing Room in Fort Kochi earlier. And right now, he ‘’is in a stage where he is figuring out life itself,” according to Ranjini. Their friendship graduated into a relationship a year back, when they met at a New Year’s party.
What projects are you currently working on?
I’m hosting the show Inganeyoru Bharyayum Bharthavum, a weekend show featuring couples. The theme was hilarious, as they staged my wedding in the launch episode. I got flooded with questions from people asking me who I’m getting married to.
How was the time spent together due to the lockdown last year and now that things are opening up and work has begun, do you consciously take out time for each other?
We started dating last January officially. We met for the first time at a boat party when I was 16 or so. It was the usual story, we both tried to be arrogant at first, and then we kept meeting at parties. So we have always had a connection, but were just friends. We would just catch up a couple of times a year. Later he got married while I got into a relationship but he was someone always concerned about my well-being. When we connected a year back, I was single and he was separated; I guess the time was right. The lockdown was the best time for us ever. We spent quality time together and got to know each other really well. We watched a lot of Netflix and ate a lot. Sharat is a great cook, thank God. We had parties with our neighbours in the apartment building with whom we were quarantining together. I don’t think we have partied so much in our lives. We didn’t fight at all and it was only when lockdown ended and real life started that we started fighting. (laughs)
What is the most romantic thing you have done for each other?
Love may be universal, but the only time you get butterflies in your stomach is with romantic love, right? However, I feel like an old ammumma inside actually; my soul is old. The year after this I’ll turn 40 and I’m like yay, I’m finally there. I’m happy that at my age I can still fall in love. So I’m not a romantic at all. I can’t show I love a person, whether it’s my mom or brother even. You have to just understand it. But I like getting flowers from the guy I’m in love with. That’s the only Mills and Boon thing in my head. Now I ask for it and am quite shameless about it. Neither is Sharat a romantic but he did surprise me for our anniversary by taking me out for dinner. My neighbours had got me a bouquet so he stole a flower from it. Jokes apart, it’s too early to say anything else. We’re very similar to each other and we have a very comfortable space now. He’s a very sensitive and caring guy who takes care of people, not just me, and everyone loves him. He is the kind who buys you groceries which I find very romantic. The only problem I have with him is that he eats a lot but doesn’t put on weight while I do!
How do you support each other in times of stress?
I don’t think I’m the ideal girlfriend or partner in that I might stress you out more when you’re stressed. But then, Sharat and I can talk about anything under the sun easily and we understand each other. I have commitment phobia because I have been disappointed through my life. I was cheated in a relationship and it was only then that I realised that human beings can be such blatant liars. I had let one into my life, my family, my personal space, my heart! That one guy made me lose trust in men and love and my phobia shot through the roof. Sharat is helping me work that out a little.
What are the things you love doing together? In today’s times of so much uncertainty and breakups around how do you ensure you do those little things to keep the relationship thriving?
We are the kind who can watch the silliest chick flick and cry together. He loves animals like me, and he’s got a dog at home who he adopted from the street. My dogs love him and every time we fight he would say, I’m leaving and am taking Buddy with me. About keeping a relationship going, I really don’t believe in that concept. In today’s world one has too many options and temptations with dating apps etc. If something doesn’t work out, it’s not supposed to, I’d say. That’s the beauty of relationships and that’s why I hate the concept of marriage because it binds people. The moment there is a legal contract, it becomes a responsibility forced on you.
So you are not thinking of marriage at all?
I feel I’m too young for it! If it changes I’ll be surprised. Also, I don’t understand marriage. When you have the option of living together, when it’s legal and accepted why would you want to sign a contract and make it complicated? I don’t deny the beauty of two people coming together, having children and having a family but that doesn’t need to happen in a marriage. I know so many people who find that special someone and don’t get married. I would say we are all conditioned to follow a certain path which is why the majority follow that. In the past, that was the only option for women as all the laws of society were made by men. But things are different now, and with women’s empowerment came the realisation that financial independence and living alone is possible. But people need to be taught that they have a choice, not be groomed early to be wives and mothers. At no point should marriage be considered a financial plan for any woman, and that’s where the mistake lies, I feel. When you need that, it becomes easy to let the basics go; like, Oh, he’s the father of my child, so I will let this go, he’s giving me money, so I will let that go, etc. Thankfully, my family has never tried to push me into marriage. My mom and brother are always there for me, rock-solid, come what may.
For me, all I need in a relationship is respect, honesty and trust, more than love, which makes it more difficult to find. I’m an open book and the best thing about Sharat is that he is also very honest about everything. I have dated some wonderful men as well, and I still love them for the qualities which attracted me, but I have always had a one-and-a-half-year itch by which point I know them too much and vice versa. But I am older now. At this point, I would like things to go forward with Sharat and hope we will be together for a long time.
— By Asha Prakash
Priyanka & Upendra
What projects are you currently working on?
Priyanka: Last year right after the lockdown opened I finished Life is beautiful, produced by Lohith of Friday Films from the Malayalam film industry. They’re ad film makers. Another one is a period thriller film titled 1980 directed by Rajkiran J.
And I’m doing a cop story called Ugravatara where I play the role of a police officer. Ugravatara is half done and we will be having a teaser launch in January. Another one that I’ll be shooting for is a psychological thriller, titled Kaimara, which also has Priyamani in it. The shoot for the psycho fantasy film, Kaimara will start soon this year. Besides all this, I’m reading a couple of scripts and will be starting film production as well.
Uppi: I’m currently working on Kabza. I’m also doing Veda Vyasa, with Ravichandran. The title of the film was changed from Ravichandra to Veda Vyasa and there’s another film called Trishulam. It is a remake of the Telugu movie Balupu and is a romantic action entertainer directed by Om Prakash Rao and produced by Kankapura Srinivas. I’m also writing scripts and working on direction for my 50th film.
How was the time spent together due to the lockdown last year and now that things are opening up and work has begun, do you consciously take out time for each other?
Initially it was unexpected, so we were all busy coping with the new change. My son’s 10th standard exams were going on and after that we were stuck at home. For the first couple of days was unprecedented, but we were happy that no one was stuck anywhere outside or out of the country and we were all safe at home. I have my in-laws living with me so we asked our staff to take a break from coming from outside for their safety. We also have pets, so the house was buzzing with lots of cooking, cleaning etc. Uppi also helped around. We grew our own vegetables in our garden and our farmhouse. We loved spending family time with our kids, in-laws and pets. Even the kids helped with all the chores and Uppi also helped with cooking and even dishes too.
We focused on our priorities in life and it was time to introspect on the bigger and important things in life. It was a trying period too, as we lost some close relatives also. I lost my aunt in Kolkata. It was all sad and scary and we felt sad for people who were hit financially too. Lot of people lost their jobs too and suffered losses. At the same time, we tried to focus on the good.We did some work for the artists’ association and some charity work for our NGO also.
Since Uppi has always been busy with work, I took a conscious decision to take up less work. If both parents work all the time and are outsideshooting then running a household will be tough. That’s why I pick and choose to work whenever I can. My son is now in the 11th grade and my daughter is in the 10th. I signed four films and have just completed two. Uppi and me are mostly at home these days, so we take out time to be with each other and with the family. Apart from whenever we are shooting, we are mostly at home. We are not the party kinds. We love to plan our family holidays or spend the weekends at our farm. Our recent family trip was on Uppi’s birthday, when we had gone to Ayatana Coorg. We also went to our own resort. Of course, when work happens all of us get busy but thanks to technology we can always keep in touch.
What is the most romantic thing you have done for each other?
I plan surprises on most of his birthdays and some other times also. More than flowers he knows what really moves me. We are both family oriented. On my birthday recently, he gave me such a sweet surprise. He knew I was missing my mum so he flew her and my brother down from Kolkata. I felt that was really sweet of him. It’s these small romantic gestures that matter more than the flowers, chocolates or gifts.
How do you support each other in times of stress?
Touchwood! Our relationship has always been very grounded and we have similar kind of beliefs in what we expect from life and from each other. Uppi and I are in this industry because we both love art. We both have similar values when it comes to work and how we want our kids to be raised. He’s a little private kind of person and I’m more outgoing, but we both share similar basic values and sensibilities and I feel behaviour towards each other is also important. I’m getting a few offers now and I’m also excited that we are always there for each other. God has been grateful and we speak and communicate all the time. His parents are with us and we spend quality time with each other too. When I’m low, I speak to him and he speaks to me. We bounce off each other if required. He’s an easy person although his movies are complicated. Uppi is a very simple person. That’s what motivates him to do his films the way he does as well.
We are both into yoga also and meditation too that helps us stay at peace and calm. I’m also more into puja and rituals.
What are the things you love doing together? In today’s times of so much uncertainty around how do you ensure you do those little things to keep the relationship thriving?
We love watching movies and that also helps us bond. He’s into politics also and is aware of what’s going on around him. He started Prajakiya, his political party. We also like to discuss health issues related to women and children and we are doing what we can in this space.
I also love music. He introduced me to Kannada Cinema and I introduced him to Bengali Cinema and we enjoy watching both together. I love food and we like to go out sometimes to try out new places and cuisines. We also love travel and architecture. This house that we live in, was done by him and his brother, but our farmhouse was built by both Uppi and me together.
One has to grow together in a marriage. We both met when we were really young. After a point, romance and love is not about fancy stuff. Things change over the years. What is important to me is that he’s there for my kids and is a wonderful family man. I also, love him for what he stands for – his values and morals. As long as that’s there, it’s all sorted for everyone as a family. He’s not only a good father, but also a good son. When we got married we had an understanding that we will both be adjusting to his parents around as they live with us. I accepted them and we are all happy together. He has given me space to explore my art and I’ve give him his space too. We care for each other and trust each other and that keeps our relationship thriving.
— By Namita Gupta.