For Siya ke Ram leading man Ashish Sharma, it was love at first sight when he accidentally bumped into his wife Archana Taide for the first time in the jungles of Baroda. From there on, the actor had pretty much made up his mind that Archana was the girl for him and began wooing her relentlessly till she also fell in love with him.
Eventually, the relationship culminated in marriage and the couple has been happily married since the last three years. The pair shares interesting facts about their journey from lovers to man and wife in a free wheeling chat. Excerpts...
How did your paths cross?
Archana – In the jungles of Baroda, we bumped into each other. I guess destiny wanted us to meet.
Ashish – We were destined to meet. I think, we were at the right place at the right time and destiny kept crossing our paths from there on.
Was it love at first sight?
Archana – Not for me, but for Ashish it was.
Ashish – For me, yes. I fell for her the moment I saw her.
So, What attracted you to each other?
Archana – I’m a person who strictly works on vibes. In the case of Ashish, when I met him for the first time, I found him to be a very soft spoken person. A man with a good heart. The aura around him was positive and pure. Since the time I met him, he used to pamper me like anything. I got attracted to his simplicity and loving nature.
Ashish – Our wavelengths and values matched. We both seek similar things from life and knew we can rely on each other even if we aren’t dating or together as a couple.
What was the moment like when you guys said ‘Chalo Shadi kar lete hai’?
Archana – Ashish had proposed in January 2012 itself, but I took my own time to decide. His marriage proposal kept playing in my mind. I clearly remember, Ashish was shooting for Rab Se Sona Ishq in Chandigarh and out of the blue I just called him at night around 2 o’clock and told him "chalo shaadi kar lete hai." He happily agreed.
Ashish – She called me in the middle of the night and told me to talk to my parents. That was it. We knew we were getting into something substantial.
Was the transition from lovers to becoming life partners smooth?
Archana – Yes, the transition was very smooth indeed, because when we were lovers we were best friends and even after getting married we are still best friends.
Ashish – We were never lovers per say. We were best friends and still are. We keep falling in love all over again with each other.
What makes your relationship work?
Archana – First and foremost, honesty. Secondly, Ashish and I belong to the old school of thought. We believe that a happy marriage is about three things: memories of togetherness, forgiveness,and a promise to never give up on each other.
Ashish – We talk and discuss about every thought that crosses our mind. Transparency and communication are most important in any relationship. We are brutally honest with each other. That makes our relationship work.
Does marriage in any way push the friendship out of the window? What’s your take?
Archana – Not at all. We are best friends even after getting married.
Ashish – In our case, it hasn’t.
One thing you like about each other and one thing you dislike?
Archana – Ashish is a very liberal man. He always encourages me to pursue my dreams. My goals are his goals. He is very forgiving and he lets go of things. I like all these qualities in him. I dislike his carelessness and laziness.
Ashish – I Love her honesty and hate her stubbornness.
Who makes peace first when you fight?
Archana – I’m a scorpion, so for me, saying sorry first is next to impossible. It’s always Ashish who makes peace first.
Ashish – Of course me. I am the man. It is always my duty to bow down.
Do’s and don’ts in a relationship ?
Archana – Don’t give up on each other. Don’t ever cheat. Don’t forget the passion. The Do’s are: compliment each other, kiss often and listen to each other.
Ashish – Always be honest and transparent about everything. Loyalty to your partner is a must. Never disrespect each other’s views. Never promise something you can’t live up to.
Craziest thing you did together ?
Archana – One day late in the night, we felt really hungry. We had nothing at home, so we stole somebody else’s tiffin that night. I think that’s quite a crazy thing to do.
Ashish – We stole somebody else’s tiffin in the night because we were hungry and couldn’t order food at that hour of the night.
How has the journey been so far walking together hand in hand?
Archana – Beautiful and very smooth. Touch-wood, we shall walk together holding each other’s hand till the last breath of our lives.
Ashish – Still warming up, still trying to figure out each other and life along with it. But that’s what it is all about. Exploring each other at every stage, so there’s always something to look forward to.
A special thing you both did for each other that brings a smile on your face?
Archana – This Easter, in spite of having hectic shooting a schedule Ashish made all the arrangements and surprised me with a beautiful evening. He baked a cake and even cooked a lovely meal for me. His loving gesture did bring a smile on my face. From my side, this anniversary, I took him for a romantic hot air balloon ride early in the morning. We cut our anniversary cake at sunrise and it was beautiful and romantic.This surreal experience definitely brought a smile on Ashish’s face.
Ashish – She plans surprises really well and knows me enough to plan things that will make me happy.
Looking back, what is it that you will like to change in the relationship?
Archana – Nothing. It’s all been just perfect.
Ashish – Nothing at all.
If marooned on an island, what are the things you would like to take along ?
Archana – I would like to take my dogs Carbon, Scotch, and Toofan along with us.
Ashish – Just Archana, rest she will figure out.
When you are away from each other how many times do you call each other ?
Archana – Ashish has been staying in Hyderabad for Siya Ke Ram for six months now.We call each other five to six times in a day.
Ashish – Depends on how my schedule is. 5–6 times maybe, or just once at night.
Rapid fire:
Endearing names you use for each other?
Archana – I Call him baby. I don't even remember the last time when I addressed him as Ashish. He loves calling me with different names, his favorites are Babu & Shona.
Ashish – She calls me Sharmaji. I call her babu.
The most memorable date?
Archana – I had signed a new show and when I came back home to share the news with Ashish, he had already arranged a very beautiful candle-light dinner to celebrate my success.
Ashish – I took Archana for a cycle ride on our first Valentine’s Day.
Your ultimate romantic fantasy?
Archana – To drive outside the city and lay on a blanket while gazing up at the night sky.
Ashish – Just to live on a hill top in a wooden house overlooking the valley surrounded by the clouds. I’d definitely like that.
