Actor Allari Naresh, who got married last May, reflects on his marital journey with wife Virupa, shares his adventurous memories and explains how they hit it off from the word go
First meet
We had an arranged marriage and I really didn’t know her before marriage. We met in a coffee shop in Chennai. My mother and her friends arranged the meeting and I readily agreed on meeting her. Two weeks after we met, we decided to get married. Virupa is an architect and has her own firm. She is passionate about her work and very good at what she does. Seeing her commitment to work, we decided that she should continue working even after marriage.
Tying the knot
I was very exited and also a little nervous on our wedding day. There was a huge crowd on the mandap and it was a chaotic situation, with my fans trying to climb the mandap just to get a glimpse of the both of us and the bouncers too had a tough time trying to stop them. Virupa was really taken aback, since she was not used to all the media attention and paparazzi. But I assured her it was going to be alright.
Giving each other space
Since we both are working and are always tied up with our work schedules, we never miss out any chance to spend time with each other. When at home, we don’t talk much about our professional lives. I forget all my worries and never talk about problems at work. Neither does she. We just enjoy our own space, away from all our tensions.
That adventurous drive
We were traveling to Vijayawada from Nellore in a car. We were following the path the car’s GPRS had shown us, but somehow lost our way and ended up in a forest pathway. The only source of light was the car’s headlight. It was pitch dark outside and the path was very narrow. We could not find a proper road for the next half an hour. While my friend and the driver were really scared, my wife and I thoroughly enjoyed going into the unknown. It was a very adventurous trip.
Favourite thing about each other
I’m a jovial person and she really likes my sense of humour. She is the kind of a person who likes being around people who are jovial.
Jumping into marriage
The day I met her, we spoke for a very long time. I found her really interesting – I still do! But there was a very little time from the day we first met to the day we got married. It all happened in a span of one month. And yet, this didn’t stop us from getting to know each other completely. After all, we had to spend the rest of our lives with each other.
Sense of relief
I can never forget my mother’s expression on the day of my marriage. She was very excited and happy to see me and Virupa getting married. There was also a huge sigh of relief as she was always worried about my marriage. Now that I am married, she feels all her responsibilities are over.
Lovely memories
Within a few days of our wedding, Virupa and I went on a holiday to this island called Aruba,which is located near Venezuela. It’s a very romantic place, with the deep blue sea all around, and was a much needed break for the both of us. There were a lot of adventure sports lined up and me, being an adventure junkie, enjoyed it a lot. Initially, she was scared of the water but ,I helped her overcome the fear and she too enjoyed it. We also had ample time to know each other’s likes and dislikes. (laughs)
Marital tips
I think a husband and wife would obviously have clash of opinions, which would lead to fights. But it’s important that they stick to each other. Instead of thinking about all the bitter memories they’ve had with each other, they should look back at the good times they had. That’s how the couple can save their marriage.
Role models
I always look up to my parents’ marriage life and take it as an inspiration. My dad had worked really had to make his mark in the industry and my mom always supported him. So, I always strive hard to be like him in personal as well as professional life.