Valentione's Day: Still Going strong

Through thick and thin, for better or worse... these are the words the dream ladies of Kollywood live by. Juggling successful careers and family life, they are powerhouses, and their marriages — iconic. Still strong after years together, it’s something many couples aspire to have. On Valentine’s Day, the superwomen reveal their romantic side and how they are still young at heart when it comes to expressing themselves.

DC talks to veteran actresses in the industry on what keeps their marriage going strong, being in love, best memories, friendships, and more! One thing they agree on — it’s not easy and you need to work hard to make a marriage work because in their words... “Behind every successful woman, is her family.”

Poornima and Bhagyaraj: After 30 years, romance has changed into affection, care, liking and commitment. We still fight with each other — believe it or not. But what’s romance without small disappointments? (grins) We met, fell in love and got married. Through these years, we have gained understanding of each other’s feelings, slowly. Hardships did come, but we learnt to forgive each other and crossed many hurdles together. It’s a long journey together, indeed and we made it possible and successful by respecting each other!

Sri Priya and Rajkumar: I feel innocence is missing in today’s relationships. Romance has no age but now, spending time with our two kids has become priority. I would say behind every successful woman is her family! The way I see love and romance is different. You know ‘Happily ever after’ is not a fairy tale — it’s a choice. My husband and I don’t go out that often, but when we do so, we make sure the children are there, too! Rajkumar doesn’t believe in exhibiting romance. However, after 25 years of marriage, I feel ‘love’ is when ‘me’ changes to the ‘we’. The four of us go abroad on trips and to me, happiness lies in this.

Khushbu and Sundar: It’s almost 20 years sicne we got married, we still keep our promises to each other. Marriage doesn’t make you happy — you make your marriage happy. Sundar and romance are poles apart, but I know he will always be there for me, no matter what the situation is! Sometimes, he does forget birthdays and our anniversary,  but makes up for it. Nothing, I repeat, nothing ever cripples me from being my bubbly self. Now, that’s the spirit, right?

Saranya and Ponvannan: Many think that mine was a love marriage, but no! It was arranged! (Though my husband proposed to me first). I didn’t like him then. I thought he was grumpy, because he used to keep things to himself and would never mingle with anyone on the sets. We hardly interacted with each other, but he had the nerve to call me up and ask my hand in marriage. (laughs). Now, things have changed drastically. Actually, arranged marriages may sound unromantic, but I’d say ours led to a realistic approach towards love and romance. Ultimately, we became really good friends. Though we don’t have anything in common, our bond has become strong. I’m way more in love with him now, than when we got married (smiles).

Raadhika and Sarathkumar: A great marriage is something that must be created. Sharath is an extremely romantic person. Even now, when we are at home, we make tea and sit together and talk to each other for hours. He has been a doting husband and an awesome dad. Beyond love, after many years of marriage, the partnership of us being together has brought out the very best in each other. Love or arranged marriage, both the partners need to constantly keep working hard to make any relationship work.