They Fell In Love On A Film Set. 20 Years Later, They’re Still Setting Standards

A couple that everyone adores, not just for their on-screen chemistry but for their undeniable charm off-screen. Their name alone brings the iconic song “Piya O Re Piya” to mind. Yes, we’re talking about Riteish Deshmukh and Genelia D'Souza.

In recent years, their adorable Instagram reels have been setting major couple goals. But truth be told, they’ve been goals since 2003. From co-stars to life partners to doting parents of Riaan and Rahyl, their love story is anything but ordinary.

When Genelia Met Riteish

Genelia met Riteish during the filming of their debut movie Tujhe Meri Kasam. Given that Riteish was the son of the then Chief Minister and late politician Vilasrao Deshmukh, Genelia initially assumed he might be arrogant due to his privileged background. On the other hand, Riteish found Genelia to be rather peculiar.

But that initial awkwardness quickly blossomed into a genuine friendship. While working on their debut film, their professional relationship evolved into a heartfelt connection. What started as great on-screen chemistry turned into a quiet off-screen romance.

After the film’s release, they began making public appearances together. Both praised each other endlessly in interviews, yet insisted they were "just friends." Despite growing speculation, they kept their relationship private and low-key. Over the years, they starred together in several films, Masti, Tere Naal Love Ho Gaya, Lai Bhaari, Mauli, Mister Mummy, and Ved, each time winning hearts with their chemistry.

Riteish's proposal to Genelia was Bollywood coded. He whisked her away on a speedboat to a yacht, where fireworks lit up the sky, and their favourite food, pizza, was served. It was the perfect, cinematic proposal that made their love story even more magical.

After years of keeping their relationship private, Riteish and Genelia tied the knot on February 3, 2012, in an intimate Maharashtrian wedding, followed by a Christian wedding the next day. The couple welcomed their first son, Riaan, on November 25, 2014, and their second, Rahyl, on June 2, 2016.

Building A Life Together

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A post shared by The Shaili Chopra Show (@shailichoprashow)

In the latest episode of Rulebreaker: The Shaili Chopra Show, Genelia, in a heartfelt conversation with Shaili Chopra, founder of SheThePeople and Gytree, shared how she handles her emotions and why she believes that having honest conversations rather than leaving things unsaid is a sign of a healthy relationship.

"I am someone, who if I am upset, if I am angry, I have to spill it out. Riteish and me are like two poles apart, and when he's upset or angry, he goes to sleep. He doesn't discuss it. When I am upset or angry, he'll hear me out."

She also went on to describe how Riteish would often give her valuable advice. 

"He says that there is no point in having a point of view now, we'll have it in five minutes." 

Together, they also ventured into entrepreneurship, launching their own production house, Mumbai Film Company, and a plant-based meat brand, Imagine Meats. Though both are active on social media, they keep their family life relatively private, sharing just enough to keep fans smiling and believing in the magic of true love.