I was excited that my partner will become a star, admits Sandeep Sejwal

Pooja Banerjee and her fiancé Sandeep Sejwal have absolutely no traits in common. But, as they say, opposites attract. The couple, who have been in a relationship for the last four years, have planned to tie the knot on February 28, in Delhi. We caught up with the couple and got them talking about their journey, as well as their upcoming nuptials.

So, the two of you bonded over swimming?
Pooja: Yes, it was our love for swimming that connected us instantly. We kept bumping into each other at national level swimming competitions. We took things to the next stage at one of the many swimming competitions. Since then, we knew we were made for each other.
Sandeep: Since the both of us are national level swimmers, we have had a lot to share. In 2012, when I was in Mumbai to treat my injury, I messaged her. Luckily, she was free, and we decided to meet up and that changed a lot of things for us.

While you did take your time to express your relationship, was it love at first sight?
Pooja: Yes, most definitely. I knew he is the one for me from the moment. His carefree nature and honesty is what attracted the most to me.
Sandeep: She stole my heart the instant I saw her, though I am yet to figure out if it is her innocence or her nature.

You guys have been dating even before Pooja came into the industry. Sandeep, were you apprehensive about her choice of career at any time?
Sandeep: No, not at all. In fact, I was excited that my girlfriend will be a star and a lot of people will be jealous of me.

You come across as a very secure guy but do you get insecure at any point when you see her romance good-looking men on screen?
Sandeep: It is natural for me to get insecure but I trust her completely. I know at the end of the day, she will always come to me.
Pooja: I don’t think Sandeep gets insecure at all, though he does get awkward about it. He understands that I am doing my job.

You two will soon be settling down. Do you think this will hinder your prospects in television?
Pooja: I am just getting married, yaar. I’m not taking a retirement for life. There are so many good-looking actresses in the industry, who are happily married. They are doing well for themselves. So, I think there is hope for me. Marriage is not going to change anything.
Sandeep: I don’t think settling down will affect her prospects in television.

Was the transition from being lovers to life partners smooth in your case?
Pooja: It wasn’t smooth at all. We all go through ups and downs but love always wins.
Sandeep: It took us a long time before we decided to become life-partners because we belong to different communities. We faced the same problems that everyone else faces in an intercaste love marriage. But I am happy that we are getting married with our families by our side.

So it’s going to be a grand wedding in Delhi for you two. Are you getting butterflies in your stomach thinking about your big day?
Pooja: We have been busy with the preparations. There is no time to think about anything! I always wanted a grand wedding so I am looking into every aspect. There will be mehendi, sangeet and a grand reception. The marriage will have flavour of both our communities.
Sandeep: Madame wants a grand wedding, so I am leaving no stone unturned to ensure it is a memorable one for her!

Who makes peace first when you fight?
Pooja: Obviously Sandeep.
Sandeep: It has to be me. Always. (Laughs)

What is the craziest thing you have done for each other?
Pooja: Saying yes to each other.
Sandeep: We haven’t spent much time with each other. She is busy with her shooting. I always have some competition coming up, so I am busy with it. But I think the decision of getting married has been a crazy one.

Rapid fire

Endearing names you use for each other:
Sandeep: Bangalan.
Pooja: Jatt.

Your most memorable date:
Sandeep: The first time we went out.
Pooja: At Sea Princess in Mumbai. This was our first one.

Your favourite holiday destination:
Sandeep: Anywhere in the mountains.
Pooja: Anywhere he will take me personally. But I personally like the Alps.

One song that you keep humming for each other
Sandeep: Tujhe dekha toh ye jaana sanam.
Pooja: It changes every time when the degree of love changes. (Laughs)