When Rupali Ganguly shared how friendship with husband Ashwin evolved into a beautiful marriage: ‘I thought yeh toh line maar raha hai’ | Life-style News

She said, “Jab wo shooting ho rahi thi… tab woh yahan aaye. Maine aise socha tha ki main nahi karungi acting… you’re young and you get disillusioned very fast with certain things. You don’t have the resilience and the willpower to stay back and fight back and still go ahead,” adding that despite her unwillingness to act, her father received a call after which she reluctantly agreed to meet them. 

Recalling the moment she met her husband, she said, “Ajeeb se kapde pehne the maine… I still remember, he still remembers. Par kuch cheezein yaad reh jaati hain… toh shayad kuch connect tha… kuch past life shayad unko mera chukana hoga because he’s been nice. So, we met there and he was the client and I was the model in that ad, aur maine woh sirf kia tha Ashok Mehta (cinematographer) ke liye, kyuki mujhe unki frame mein aana tha.”

“Aur bas jab main buddhi ban kar aayi, and he said, ‘I don’t mind growing old with someone like you’. I thought yeh toh line maar raha hai… and he still is such a good-looking man. He’s like 6’4’’ and then this little squeaky me, and then somebody saying a line like that. Toh main toh tabhi I was floored,” Ganguly said

She shared that she waited 12 years for him and was meant to marry him. They were never the overly romantic type, and she couldn’t do that. They remained friends for a long time, and there was never an “I love you” from either side. “Mujhe toh propose bhi nahi kiya, maine toh aise hi shaadi kar li.”

Demonstrate care through small, meaningful gestures rather than relying on traditional expressions of love. (Source: Freepik)

Her journey challenges traditional notions of romance and highlights the beauty of love that doesn’t rely on conventional expressions or grand gestures. 

How does building a relationship on friendship first impact long-term compatibility and trust in a marriage?

Psychologist Anjali Gursahaney says, “Starting as friends strengthens the emotional foundation of a relationship, allowing couples to understand each other’s personalities, values, and quirks without the pressure of romance. This friendship promotes genuine understanding by fostering honesty and transparency, which lays the groundwork for a healthy relationship. Additionally, it makes conflict resolution easier, as friends often have pre-established communication patterns that help navigate disagreements. A relationship built on friendship also encourages mutual respect, valuing the individual beyond romantic attraction, ensuring a deeper sense of care and respect.”

Some ways couples can navigate and sustain relationships without adhering to traditional romantic norms

Gursahaney suggests the following:

• Define Your Own Norms: Communicate openly to establish what works for both partners.
• Focus on Actions, Not Labels: Demonstrate care through small, meaningful gestures rather than relying on traditional expressions of love.
• Prioritise Authenticity: Be true to individual personalities and avoid forcing behaviours that don’t feel natural.
• Cultivate Mutual Growth: Support each other’s goals and embrace changes in the relationship dynamic over time.
• Celebrate Friendship: Keep the friendship alive through humor, shared hobbies, and open communication.