Riteish and Genelia met on the sets of their first film, ‘Tujhe Meri Kasam’ (2003), and fell in love. Eight years later, the actor confesses his feelings for the first time and confirms their wedding in 2012. In a world where one’s relationship status changes as often as the weather, it is heartening to see a couple that has lasted beyond the seven-year-itch. Here Riteish talks about their journey from “I love you” to “I do”.
Marriage on your mind? Tell all. “Yes, Genelia and I are getting married next year. We haven’t fixed the date yet, but it will be early 2012. We are working on the details.” You’ve been together since 2003. For seven years you’ve kept your relationship shielded. Why? “I’ve always been a very private person and wasn’t comfortable talking about it.”
Did your respective families know? “Yes, our families knew we would get married someday. Right from the beginning we’ve had their blessings, but they left it to us to decide when we wanted to announce the decision.” Why is Genelia the one? “I don’t know what to say. I think we grew up together. We learnt about life, love and work together. It was gradual. It wasn’t overnight.
We were friends and the bond just grew and became stronger. I just felt that she was the one. I’m too much in love with her. That’s it.” You’re now working together after seven years. What’s changed? “Earlier, we worked together as friends and we were both new to the industry. Now there is respect for each other as actors. And it’s fun.”
