Neha Dhupia and squash pro Ritwik Bhattacharya open up about their decade-old friendship which finally culminated love.
The couple who have kept their two-year-old romance under wraps have finally decided to go public with their relationship. “There has been a lot of speculation in the press about our relationship. There were stories about us not being together,” says Neha to which Ritwik adds, “People who needed to know always knew about our relationship. Also, now we are more comfortable with each other. So, I guess this is the right time to talk about our relationship.”
1. On past relationships?
Neha: We’ve seen each other through different relationships. It was all cool. Looking back, it feels really strange. I’m the same girl who until about four years ago would step out of the room to give him and his girlfriend ‘alone time’.
2. On taking the next step?
Ritwik: While we cherished all the time that we spent together, because of the distance [he was in London at that time; she had moved from Delhi to Mumbai, we never took the next step. I don’t think either of us was capable of handling a long distance relationship.
3. On parents’ reaction?
Neha: My parents know that he is very important in my life. My brother who wouldn’t care about the other men I’ve dated, gets along really well with him. My dad really admires Ritwik. I see a lot of my dad in him.
Ritwik: I knew her dad before I knew her. My parents have also always known about her. I’ve been out of the house since I was 12 years old so they are quite chilled out. My parents love her. Neha is a very simple and grounded girl and that’s why they like her.
4. On marriage?
Neha: We haven’t addressed the question of marriage. We’ll cross the bridge when we come to it.
Ritwik: In all these years, we’ve grown and evolved as people. We’ve known each other from before we became famous. We are with each other for the right reasons.
Neha Dhupia and squash pro Ritwik Bhattacharya open up about their decade-old friendship which finally culminated love.