‘We didn’t need anyone’s approval’

JAANE KYA HOGA RAMA RE

Their’s is not a traditional tale of love. Manini had a four-year-old daughter (Dianoor) when she first met Mihir and so sure were they of each other, that they tied the knot in a week. Eleven years down the line, the two are very much the young bride and groom that they were on the day of the wedding—at least on the matters of love. We speak to them about their love, life and much more...

How did the two of you meet

Mihir: We met at a common friend’s party. We knew of each other since we used to work on the same set, but we had never spoken. It is because of Sanjit Bedi (who passed away earlier this year) and his party that we met and fell in love instantly. Manini: Yes, we met at Sanjit’s party and it was love at first sight. How else would we end up being married in a week’s time of knowing each other

Why did you choose to keep the wedding hushhush

Mihir: I knew instantly that she was my soulmate and didn’t want my friends and family to interfere with the decision. Manini: It was Mihir’s decision (to keep it low key) and I was fine with it, so we went ahead anyway. Certain people at that moment would have said things like ‘hasty decisions won’t lead you anywhere’, but as we were very sure about our decision, we didn’t need anyone’s approval. Here we are, married for 11 years now!

Any special memories from the wedding

Manini: There are lots of memories, as it was an unconventional wedding—we got married in Mihir’s living room. As it was also a hasty wedding with no time to plan and prepare, there was not even kalash in the house. Instead, there was this heavy-duty brass pot at the door, which I had to knock off with my leg. When the time came, I used so much energy to knock it down that the glass table next to it also felt the impact! So it was quite a powerful entry. (laughs) Mihir: I was thrown out of the bedroom on our first night after the wedding due to a misunderstanding; I was made to sleep with the dog. So I can positively say that sparks flew from the day we got married. (laughs)

What’s your equation with Dianoor like

Mihir: When we first met at my place, I came down to her level and started talking to her. Dianoor is not easy to please and doesn’t talk to everyone even today, but she took a liking to me instantly. In no time she was playing with me and jumping on my back and after a week of moving in with me, she started calling me ‘dad’. As of today, we behave less like father-daughter and more like siblings, as we fight a lot; that is how we express our love-hate relationship.

What are the things you like and dislike about each other Mihir: I like the fact that she is very organized. It proves to be helpful when you have a kid. What annoys me most incidentally is also that she can be way too organised about everything at times. Manini: I like Mihir’s zest for life. His ‘never give up’ attitude is very endearing. What annoys me about him is his smoking and procrastinating. What are the changes that your spouse has brought about in you—for the better Manini: Mihir has made me a patient person. Before my marriage to Mihir, my daughter used to take the credit for helping me become patient, but after marriage, Mihir and Dianoor contribute in making me a zen person. Mihir: Manini too has made me calmer and now I think before talking, which wasn’t the case before meeting her.

What are your plans for the future—personally and professionally Manini: We live in the moment and are uncertain about the future. What we know for sure however is that we will hold each other’s hand till the last breath. When we got married, we promised to be soulmates with undying commitment and love, as we aren’t the family we were born in. We chose to be together, so we shall keep our word till our last breath. Mihir: I will talk on the professional front. We are working on our own production house, which is in the last stages of planning. Also, as we both are tremendously passionate about animals we are planning on having an animal shelter and leaving a legacy for our kid. What is the best compliment you’ve received from your partner Manini: Whenever I am unsure of myself, Mihir tells me, “look at yourself from my eyes and you will see how beautiful you are’. This line always melts my heart as he makes me realize that what is most important is your inner beauty and how you make an impact in the lives of others. Mihir: Manini keeps saying that I have a heart of gold and that she learns the art of forgiving from me.