A real life romance

Paridhi Sharma — you know her as Jodhaa from the hit Zee historical drama Jodhaa-Akbar — and her husband Tanmai Saksena had an interesting love story. They first saw each other while attending a management college in Indore. Then, two years later, they met again, this time, when their alma mater organised a blood donation drive. Tanmai had been in love with Paridhi all this while, but never expressed it. When they met again, however, he was determined to let her know his feelings for her, and he did this the old-fashioned way — by penning a nearly 40-page letter that set out his sentiments. Paridhi was bowled over, and they have been inseparable ever since. The couple sat down with us for an interview, and told us just what they admire most in each other.

What was your first impression of each other?
Paridhi: I found him very charming, full of life, full of energy.
Tanmai: I was so enamoured by her beauty. She came across as very grounded, simple and sweet, and she continues to be the same.

Was it easy, bonding with each other’s friends and family?
Paridhi: Bonding with his friends was not a big deal actually, we had a lot of common friends as we were in the same college. As for family, it took me a very long time to convince mine as this was a love-cum-arranged match. My bonding with his family — which of course, is my family now — is really amazing. They are beautiful people, very supportive, co-operative and very loving.
Tanmai: That’s the perk of falling for a girl who attends the same college — you have lots of common friends. As for our families, yes it took us a lot of time to convince them but then we were successful in getting their ‘green signal’. They are quite happy with us now, so it really feels great. I am in love with her whole family — my mother-in- law is very fond of me and we get along really well.

What’s your loveliest memory from your wedding?
Paridhi: I’ve been fond of dancing since I was a child. On the day of our sangeet, we choreographed a dance routine to perform in front of our families. That was nice.
Tanmai: I was born with two left feet! Our sangeet was the first time I danced in my life. It was indeed a very special moment for both of us.

Tell us about the qualities you admire in each other, and what’s something you’d like to change?
Paridhi: The best thing about him is that he is very independent in his thoughts, very caring as a husband and a very impressive person. Generally guys are not expressive, but thankfully he is very expressive and always makes me feel special. He is also very intelligent and I am blessed to have him as my husband. I wouldn’t want to change anything about him, he is a perfect husband.
Tanmai: The thing that struck me most about her was her simplicity. She is very real and there is nothing fake about her. She is very straightforward and not at all judgmental — which is the best thing about her. She is the best wife and I couldn’t have asked for more.  

What would you like to tell other couples about keeping the romance alive after marriage?
Paridhi: Husbands should know how to cook! Couples should respect each other, spend quality time with each other. Long drives and holidays are a must — whenever possible.
Tanmai: Couples complain that they don’t get the time; I say, take time out. If you really love someone, you will definitely take time out for that person no matter how busy you are. You should respect your spouse.

Tell us about something crazy you’ve done together.
Paridhi: The fact that we are husband and wife is in itself quite crazy!  Each moment we spend with each other is a crazy one. Lately, we have developed this very unique language which only both of us can understand, so whenever we are in a public place, we use this language to communicate. We understand each other so well now and over years have developed a very strong bond.
Tanmai: Yeah the new language that we have developed to communicate with each other (is pretty crazy)! By the time people try to decode what we’re saying and in which language we’re saying it, we’re already done communicating! It’s helped us a lot!