‘We were just friends’

It was love at first sight for Naagin actor Arjun Bijlani when he met Neha Swamy at a party. Right then and there he was sure of marrying her some day. And as was destined to be, one fine day in May 2013, the couple tied the knot. Today, they are proud parents to son Ayaan, who was born earlier this year. In a candid chat with us, they share their story of love. Excerpts from the interview:

How did you two meet What was your first impression of each other Arjun: We met through a common friend at a party. I found her sweet-looking and innocent. The best thing I like about her was her simplicity; that’s mainly what attracted me to her. Neha: For Arjun it was love at first sight. However, it wasn’t the case for me since I was shy and reserved. After a few meetings, we became good friends. Then we started meeting often, and finally started to go out. Then how did the love story begin Arjun: We were just friends initially though I liked her since the day I met her. She is the perfect girl, so I confessed my feelings to her. A few days later she accepted my proposal. Neha: We started meeting frequently. That’s when I got to know him. Our love story began the moment I said yes to him.

What are your favourite memories from the wedding Arjun: We have amazing memories from the wedding — we got married at the Iskcon temple. We had the sangeet, mehendi and reception on different days. Neha: From the wedding preparations to the honeymoon, it was an amazing journey throughout. What are the qualities you love about each other Is there any quality that annoys you Arjun: I love that Neha is caring but this also has a downside. Because she is good-natured as a person, she tends to think the same about others. So she never makes herself the priority. Neha: Arjun’s best quality is that he is always ready to help people. One annoying habit has to be that he watches only news channels when he is at home.

Tell us about your most memorable vacation together Arjun: It has to be the Costa cruise in Europe for 10-15 days.

Who is the shopaholic among you too Arjun: It has to be me. I can shop anywhere. It is almost like a stress buster for me. Neha: Arjun can shop till he drops.

How do you guys react to flirtatious fans Arjun: Neha understands my profession, so she doesn’t create a hue and cry about it. Fans are fans; and who doesn’t like adulation Neha: I do get surprised. Plus it’s part of his profession, so I totally get it.

Are you open to doing a show together Arjun: Yes, of course! I would love to do a show with Neha, especially a reality show. Neha: That has to be a big yes.

Rapid Fire You can’t live without: Arjun: My cellphone Neha: My morning tea.

TV shows you are hooked to: Arjun: Jhalak Dikhla Jaa Neha: Naagin, of course. I also like shows on Zindagi channel.

Songs you are humming these days: Arjun: Title track of the movie Khamoshiyan Neha: Hasi Ban Gaye from Hamari Adhuri Kahani. What is your favourite style statement Arjun: You should be what you are and it becomes your style Neha: Be yourself.

A drink you are addicted to Arjun: Green tea. Neha: Tea. Your comfort food is: Arjun: I love pani puri and chicken salad with barbecue sauce. Neha: I love Indian food.

Favourite holiday destination: Arjun: Australia. Neha: Europe.

Describe your partner in one word: Arjun: Gorgeous. Neha: Addictive