From their magical onscreen wedding in Ramayan......to their romantic engagement in Pati, Patni, aur Woh......this happy couple has decided to make true the dream of all their fans and enter the new stage of life as wife and husband!
In 2004, there was a Sahara Bollywood star contest held, where actors from all over the country were auditioned, and the winner would obviously be well promoted. Debina came in from Kolkata and me from Mumbai. Only 15 were shortlisted and the two of us belonged to this shortlisted lot. We were held up at a 5-star hotel here in Mumbai. We never really had any kind of conversation actually. It was only confined to the eye sight! Yes, once in a while joking around or just a simple hi-hello was exchanged but nothing beyond. Then one day, we were all sitting for dinner in the hotel where Debina was seated next to me. I casually asked her where she's from and where she stayed before entering into this contest. She replied Adarshnagar and I faked that I was from there too and how we must get married! I told her I would talk to her parents for her hand and we would live happily ever after in Adarshnagar! And truthfully this was all said with non seriousness at all! I guess it turned out to be one of those things that we just happen to say and turn true
After the contest, Debina bought a flat and we had a common friend from the contest, thus meeting and keeping in touch was always on even post the contest. Time past and very soon we realized we were smitten by each other! We struggled together though I was not as financially strong as her. But Debina was always my pillar of support... she was my family! She held my hand when times were rough and always pushed me forward when I would slacken. Fortunately I always groomed myself and worked on my acting, action and dance skills. Because this industry has cut throat competition and I believe what leaves a remarkable impression behind is impactful acting, not just plain acting. So my self-preparation was progressing. Debina was familiar and experienced with the South industry and had done good work there. She introduced me to a director from there who offered me a villain's role in a 3-D serial while Debina was the actress. "Mayavi" (the 3-D serial) was well received especially in South India. There was the 'Seoul festival' for 3-D movies where our serial was screened. It was a hit and we even bagged an award for it after which it was even shown at Mumbai. Suddenly I felt from within that now I was prepared for films and I should start trying for them. That is when Subhash Ghaiji's Mukta Arts was making a film in Goa. It was a one month shoot. I was shortlisted and wrapped that up soon. But unfortunately like the many films in Bollywood, this one too is over delayed for release but will hopefully come onto the big screen some day! Soon I was then offered a role in "Ramayan".
A lot of people told me how I should or shouldn't do it since its mythology! But I've always maintained in all my interviews too, how I'm eager to do something different and not ordinary. In this industry that is what works and long lasts! So I thought trying for "Ramayan" would be something hatke! I went for the auditions, and got selected for Ram's role! I was extremely happy! I asked Debina too to try out the auditions and she bagged the role of Sita! When we announced this to all our friends and family, they were very surprised and couldn't stop congratulating us! Because being in a relationship for four years, and then playing such a holy couple on-screen, was quite a 'mythological' coincidence! I was very, very happy! More so with the reviews I got. Many of the fans said they began watching the show after seeing Ram. It was a moment of pride for me...I would be spotted and called out as 'Ram'! The show had earned me so much fame and love! But obviously an actor would want to be known for his own name.
Long time right? Sorry for not being able to reach out to you all earlier but schedules have been quite hectic. Today we both are in a nostalgic mood as its been a year since Ramayan ended. We thought why not share our thoughts on these golden days with you.
Debina: I had to cry for the last scene of the last episode, my tears far from being just on-screen became quite visible off-screen. I was in pain as my character of Sita which I had played for 1.5 years was coming to an end; I had felt Sita's pain throughout the portrayal of the character and it was difficult to see this journey come to an end. After a day or so, we all sat down together to see the episode and I had to ask Guru to tell me if people around could feel Sita's pain. It was with the death of Sita that our whole team realized that the show had really come to an end. As I narrate this day to you all, my eyes are again filled with tears. Those were really the golden days and unknowingly we created history.
Gurmeet: With the end of Sita, we all came to the realization that the show as about to end. For the first time in my life, I cried loudly like a baby. Debi somehow managed to calm me down. I still remember my last scene in which I had to walk barefoot on a hot ground and then enter a river. It was really hot that day but the pain inside me was so immense that I felt no external pain. I loved living the character and eating, sleeping, drinking Ram. I thought let me drown Ram today and though I was not required to cry for that scene, my heart was shedding a thousand tears.
Even today I miss those days but Ram went into the river and Maan emerged out. Work has to go on but the satisfaction and enjoyment I felt in portraying Ram's character is unmatched. I actually never realized how effortless my days were during Ramayan with Debina on my side but it is after the end of the show I began to miss Debina's chirpiness, her voice and having her by my side. To this day, I keep calling Deb in the middle of shooting to hear her voice as that keeps me going. We both loved Ramayan and as a couple we both really created history with the show.
Gurmeet & Debina
Happy New Year!!! We hope everyone had a great 2010 and may you all have an even better 2011! I had a blast bringing in this year with my friends! Hope all of you also welcomed the new year with lots of fun!
Well Debina and I are really looking forward to this year! There is just lots to look forward to! January sees Geet and Maan's wedding, which is going to be quite an exciting period for the show! Debina gets back this month and her show will be going live in February. Wipe Out is a great show and so we are really looking forward for it to air in Feb! Amidst all this, I am really excited to have Debina back this month and hopefully we will get to go away for a few days and spend sometime with each other. Shooting schedules have been nonstop and so I am really looking forward to a break!
Its time for me to sign off but I just want to once again wish everyone a very very Happy New Year! Hope 2011 is ROCKING for you all!
Love,
Gurmeet
