Valentine’s Day Special: What makes a celebrity marriage last? Celeb spouses speak up

By Subhash K. Jha -

February 14, 2019 - 11:31 AM IST

Shabana Azmi (married to poet-thinker-lyricist-writer Javed Akhtar): “Our relationship is based on friendship and the same world view. There is a magic code between us... in the middle of what threatens to become a nasty fight , one of us will say “DROP IT” and over years of practise , we are able to do so immediately.3-4 days later when tempers have settled down , we thrash it out . In rage one can end up saying things that one doesn’t even mean, are largely exaggerated and downright spiteful. It can leave deep wounds. One should be very wary of that. Also the idea of giving gifts on prescribed days like birthdays, anniversaries, Valentine’s Day bores me to tears. The only thing I enjoy receiving are beautiful sweet scented flowers with long stems not on occasions but just ....My friends complain it’s a nightmare to give me a gift because I will return it without the slightest guilt . Similarly if a friend doesn’t like what I’ve given, I don’t get offended and am for them to exchange it.”

Valentine’s Day Special: What makes a celebrity marriage last? Celeb spouses speak up

Preity Zinta (married to American financial analyst Gene Goodenough): “Since I was married in 2016 it’s been only a few years that we have been married. Respecting each other and giving each other space is very important in a marriage. And of course not to take each other for granted.”

Renuka Shahane (married to actor Ashutosh Rana): “Since I was married in 2016 it’s been only a few years that we have been married. Respecting each other and giving each other space is very important in a marriage. And of course not to take each other for granted.”

Namrata Shirodkar (married to actor Mahesh Babu): “It would have to be trust and belief in each other... marriage is a very strong institution of sorts for me... which is the basis for any relationship to grow and evolve into a strong bond between two people... children born form the foundation of that relationship cementing it lifelong .”

Ashwini Iyer Tiwari (married to filmmaker Nitesh Tiwari): “Trust. Seeing both the sides of point of views. Adapting from both sides. Equal responsibilities and walking side by side shedding the ego, to let each other grow in their own spaces does not matter who they are and what they do.”

Khushboo (married to producer director actor C Sundar): “Patience...perseverance...not compromise but giving in without an ego...understanding and love is the bottom line…most importantly, absolute no nagging and giving them their space, which they desperately need.”

Ayesha Shroff (married to actor Jackie Shroff): “I would say the biggest secret to a good marriage is a foundation of friendship. Treat your spouse like a friend, then automatically the negative expectations in the usual boy girl relationship fall away. And when things get rough, remember the good stuff you’ve shared and why you fell in love in the first place! Patience and space are magical.”

Simran Bagga (married to Deepak Bagga): “Patience is needed big time. Lots of compassion. Dealing situation with wisdom. Facing any, any adversity with lot of courage. Hearing out the loud anger or deep silence with patience is required. Marriage is not just a wedding affair or fantasy .It is commitment for partnership. Life partnership where both the partners need to make an effort to work happily towards oneself and as well as their partners happiness together, not outsiders.”

Dia Mirza: “Marriages are a deeply personal commitment and understanding. The marriages that have inspired me are one’s in which both partners nurture each other’s growth; there is strong mutual respect and friendship.”

Saira Banu (married to acting legend): “Live life with ‘Sabr’...(PATIENCE) and Sukoon...belief in Allah and Faith in your Life Partner that that HE or SHE are the VERY BEST THAT THERE IS IN THE WORLD....As is My KOHINOOR(husband) whom I have been blessed to treasure and spend time with...moments...hours and days have been gems in my existence...I have discovered a new glorious facet in my life Partner every single day believe me....This is true heartfelt ....we need to believe in one another and have deep respect for a relationship rather than throw it at a crossroad at any given opportunity When I had trouble in my marriage my maternal family stood firm with us BOTH THAT THIS HAS TO BE SET RIGHT...IT was just an aberration and had to be cured positively without any rancour.”