Riteish and Genelia Deshmukh, often regarded as one of Bollywood’s most enduring couples, recently shared an interesting detail about their relationship. Despite being together for nearly a decade before tying the knot in 2012, the two revealed that they never lived together before marriage.
The couple, who are now parents to two sons and recently celebrated 14 years of marriage, opened up about their journey on Sania Mirza’s podcast.
“Growing Together Was The Most Important Part”
Reflecting on their relationship, Riteish Deshmukh emphasised the importance of evolving together over time.
“I think growing together was the most important part for us. We were constantly in each other’s lives so as to know exactly what was happening. That kept us together. When you are happy and content with what you have, then you want to be in that constant state for a very long time,” he said.
He clarified that although they were in a committed relationship for 10 years before marriage, they maintained clear boundaries.
“For 10 years, we were together. But when we got married, it was the first time we stayed together. It wasn’t like in those 10 years, we were living together. We had gone for holidays, but we had never stayed together. We were always with friends. We always stayed in separate rooms, even when we were on holiday. Even when we were shooting, we had separate rooms,” Riteish added.
“We Only Got Together When We Got Married”
Genelia Deshmukh echoed his sentiments, describing marriage as the beginning of a new chapter.
“We only got together when we got married. That was a time when it was a new life,” she shared.
Their remarks offer insight into how the couple navigated a long-term relationship before officially building a home together.
A Heartfelt Birthday Tribute
Earlier this year, on Riteish’s 47th birthday, Genelia penned an emotional note celebrating their bond.
“I know everyone who knows us wonders how we are inseparable and yet so happy about it, even after all these years. But the truth is it’s all YOU,” she wrote.
She continued, “You are love. You are grace. You make me laugh, and even if I cry, you wipe away every tear. You have the most amazing ways of making a connection, and everyone feels they matter when they are in your company. For me, I have you 24/7 — just imagine what I get to experience from the man who has a heart of gold.”
Genelia concluded, “I will celebrate you every day, every minute, every second because you are all that and more. Happy Birthday, my heartbeat. You have my heart — just keep it safe with you.”
14 Years And Counting
The couple marked their 14th wedding anniversary on February 3 this year, continuing to remain one of the industry’s most admired pairs.
Their recent revelations highlight how their relationship was built on companionship and gradual growth — long before they officially began living under the same roof.
