Actor and positive influencer, Ashita Dhawan, has had 15 years of blissful married life with actor Shailesh Gulabani. She is famous for her serials like Sapna Babul Ka… Bidaai, Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, et al. Currently busy with the serial Prem Leela on Dangal TV, she reminisces about her own prem leela.
Q. Ashita, how and when did you meet your husband, Shailesh?
A. I gatecrashed the Star Parivaar party. My friend had told me that she would introduce me to Shailesh. But maybe he knew about me already because we were dancing non-stop, smiling at each other. Later, I saw him at the bar and noticed that he was checking me out. After a few minutes elapsed, he walked up to me and said, “Hi, Akshita, right?” At that moment, I should have shown some attitude and said, “No, it’s Ashita,” but I just smiled.
Q. What was the initial reaction when you met him?
A. I was completely love-struck.
Q. What was the ice-breaker?
A. His 32-watt golden smile.
Ashita Dhawan and Shailesh Gulabani |
Q. What are the qualities that attracted you to him?
A. He’s good-looking, he’s good-looking, and he’s good-looking. That’s it!
Q. Who took the initiative to get to know each other?
A. It has always been me, whether it was starting conversations, playing little games, or asking questions. Shailesh would just follow my lead.
Q. Where did you guys go for your first date, and did he bring anything for you, like flowers, etc.?
A. He was shooting close to the studio I was at, and he knew I didn’t have my car that day. He volunteered to drop me home. Shailesh and I went together to the Hawaiian Shack. That turned out to be our first date. We had so much fun—we danced a lot and really enjoyed ourselves. We kissed on our first date. Flowers? The only flower I got from him was his last name “Gulab”ani. So, I guess I’ll have to live with that one rose for the rest of my life.
Q. Who said “I love you” first?
A. I fell in love with Shailesh instantly, and he grew in love. Saying “I love you” was just not a thing, it just happened.
Q. How did he propose marriage?
A. He proposed in front of Lalbaugcha Raja. He asked me if I would always be by his side.
Q. Was there any opposition when you both decided to marry?
A. Yes, there was opposition. Our families were not agreeing. My constant question to Shailesh was, “When will you marry me?” Eventually, his parents agreed, but my parents were not okay with it. My father said, “He’s an actor. There’s no stability.” So, I told my dad, “Fine, if not Shailesh, then I won’t marry anyone else either.” Dad knew I was stubborn, so he relented.
Q. Who apologised first after a fight, then and now?
A. Earlier, whenever we had a fight, I was always the one to apologise first. Now, only Shailesh says sorry—I don’t!
Q. Do you believe that one must not sleep over a fight?
A. I can’t sleep with unresolved issues. If needed, we would talk the whole night, but we always ended the day by saying, “Good night, I love you, Om Sai Ram.”
Q. Who is more possessive?
A. Before we got married, I was a little possessive and a little insecure because Shailesh is good-looking and very friendly with other women. Now, he is the possessive one!
Q. Who is the spendthrift?
A. I spend money not just for myself but for my entire building. Whenever I’m in a bad mood, I go shopping. That’s why I never have much money in my bank account.
Q. How has the relationship changed from the time you both were girlfriend-boyfriend to husband-wife, and now parents?
A. Earlier, I was a little scared and worried about doing things that Shailesh would not like. I would apologize first, try to make up for everything, and even dress according to his preferences. But now, I think I’m at a place in my relationship where I can say that I have the upper hand. I don’t demand, but I can command, and things actually happen the way I want. Shailesh has become very calm now. On the other hand, I’ve become more impulsive and spontaneous.
Q. There is a saying that a way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. Do you agree?
A. Yes. A way to a woman’s heart is through her stomach as well. I hated eating eggs, but the first time Shailesh made a Bacardi omelette, I fell in love with eggs!
Love is: Embracing each other’s imperfections.
