They were just 12 days into marriage when Bollywood stars Riteish Deshmukh and Genelia D'Souza tried their hand at the relationship quiz put together by tabloid!.
Short of completing each other's sentences, the couple — who dated for almost a decade before tying the knot this month — nailed the answers with a confidence that can only come with familiarity. While the D'Souza scored full marks at how-well-do-you-know-your-spouse quiz, Deshmukh lost out on one of the questions.
"Of course, we will do well because we have known each other for a decade now. Our equation remains more or less the same. We are friends first and will always remain friends," said Deshmukh. Perhaps it's this easy camaraderie that helps them sail through trying times.
"We didn't even celebrate our first Valentine's Day after marriage because we were busy promoting Tere Naal Love Ho Gaya. It's our first film together after marriage," said D'Souza.
In the romantic comedy, the new bride plays Mini, an heiress who kidnaps her father's employee Viren Shah (Deshmukh) to escape an arranged marriage.
"It's a space I own. And, it's going to be a step better than the roles that you have seen me in — Mini is adventurous, full of life and fun to be with."
Comic timing
It's not a tall claim since the majority of her films show her in uncomplicated and endearingly sweet girl-next-door roles. Deshmukh — who is known for his comic timing with hits such as Heyy Baby and Housefull — couldn't agree more.
"I was serious when I said she acted much better than me in this film. She has this innate ability to make me look good on screen." Asked if his new wife was already cracking the whip on him, he tells me to watch out for the scene in which they are drunk onscreen.
"You must look out for that scene. She's so good in that — just shines through." The wife is not far behind either as they continue with their mutual admiration. "Don't believe him there — he was just being modest and nice. I couldn't have asked for a better co-star than Riteish and the fact that we knew each other personally helped us say our lines better."
Even when it came to squashing rumours that Tere Naal Love Ho Gaya could be D'Souza's swan song, Deshmukh responded in his perfect partner tone. "It's her decision entirely and everything depends on whether what she wants to do. We discuss such things but I never intrude."
Meanwhile, D'Souza denied those rumours. "I want to do a lot more work — good work. But now, I have to prioritise since I am starting a new life and setting up our own space. But that doesn't mean I am quitting or anything."
Currently, she's just having fun being Mrs Deshmukh. "We are taking each day as it comes and not letting pre-conceived notions or pressures from the outside bog us down."
Riteish on Genelia
Who's Genelia's favourite fashion designer?
"I don't think she has any particular favourites. She picks random stuff mostly and sticks with a designer whom she is comfortable with. Maybe, Manish Malhotra or Neeta Lulla."
Correct!
What's her favourite restaurant?
Royal China in Bandra, Mumbai
Wrong! Correct answer: "Any place that we can eat pizza together."
What's her all-time favourite movie?
"She likes all kinds of films and cry at the drop of a hat. From Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge to Kal Ho Na Ho, she likes them all."
Correct!
What's her favourite holiday destination?
"Home, where we can be together"
Correct! "At this point, all we care is being together where he doesn't have a zillion other things to do," says D'Souza.
What's her favourite TV show?
"She doesn't like watching TV particularly."
Correct! "I don't watch TV."
What's that one gift that brings a smile to her face?
"She doesn't really believe in gifts. Even a flower will do - she's what you call low-maintenance."
Correct! "We like doing the usual couple stuff like going out for dinner and all. But we are not into giving each other expensive things," says D'Souza.
Genelia on Riteish
Who's Riteish's favourite fashion designer?
"He enjoys wearing casual clothes but doesn't follow any designer or their clothes."
Correct! "I am not much into fashion," says Deshmukh.
What's his favourite restaurant?
"He loves Chinese food, so I am going with Royal China in Bandra."
Correct!
What's his all-time favourite movie?
"Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge."
Correct!
What's his favourite holiday destination?
"New York. He loves exploring that city."
Correct!
What's his favourite TV show?
"He loves watching television — but I can't name any right now."
Correct! "I love TV — American series mostly. But I can't think of any particular serial right now," says Deshmukh.
What's that one gift that brings a smile to his face?
"He's not much into gifts. At this moment, spending time with him will be a good gift for both of us."
Correct! "I don't expect any gifts," says Deshmukh.
