Loved & Married Too

It is not often these days that a college romance fructifies into wedlock. Corporate Citizen unlocks the story of love that has culminated into marriage, for we believe in the stability of a relationship and family unit. We bring to you real-life romances that got sealed in marriage

"Young as they are, model-dancer Dolly Dhanwani, and husband Sushil Sananase (DJ Sush), are nevertheless, graduates from the University of Hard Knocks. While each has had a tough journey, not to mention a challenging childhood, they have found love and companionship in each other. The events and entertainment industry of which they are both a part may seem glamorous, but it is also hard-work, cut throat competition and unflinching focus. Nevertheless, the duo are determined to make the most of the opportunities as well as obstacles that it has to offer "

Putting her best face forward:
Dolly poses for a shoot

When it became increasingly clear to model-dancer Dolly Dhanwani that she wasn’t in Holland for a gig as promised by the organisers; in fact, chances were that both she and her friend had been kidnapped, she took a deep breath and kept her wits about her. After all, a childhood of growing up in difficult circumstances had taught her that each time life knocked her to the mat, she had it in her to get up again. Besides, this time around, she had a loving husband, waiting desperately to hear from her.

“With the help of some sympathetic locals, my friend and I contacted the Indian embassy and managed to return to India,” she shares. “It was a very scary lesson to have learnt, but learn it I did. How I wish I had listened to Sushil when he told me that there was something fishy about the entire business.”

The episode, like other things in their young life, only served to bring the duo closer. Now both are sure to double-check the details of every assignment they have been offered, given that travelling abroad frequently is a professional requirement.

Back to the beginning

This love story was first scripted not on a college campus (as neither had the luxury of studying too long) but at the local vegetable vendors’ in Pimpri, PCMC, where they both live. An upcoming DJ and owner of a home studio, Sushil Sananase had spotted the lovely young lady who despite the tough schedule of her modelling career duly made it in time to pick out the freshest greens. Intrigued, he had a mutual friend send her a friend request. One thing led to another, the duo was introduced and both got talking.

There was much to share. “And though I clearly had it better than her, I too had a tough childhood with my dad dying early,” says Sushil. “When you go through your own challenges, you understand life-and people better. You also tend to look beyond the surface.”

That Dolly’s childhood had been less than perfect was an understatement. “Dad was a camera-man by profession, but he gradually became an alcoholic. This affected my mother, they fought a lot, and it soon became apparent that she was depressed, a psychiatric patient,” she says. “It was in such a home that I grew up. Often, mummy would go away to our grandmother’s home and we children would be left to our own devices. Dad would do his best, but it was tough. There was deprivation, there was chaos, but let me let you tell you that despite the difficulties, there were moments of joy. My parents were fundamentally good people and that’s how I would like to remember them. Best of all, they gave me a loving elder brother Sooraj, who is a photographer, and who continues to be a source of love and strength even after my parents passed away.”

Dolly’s touching story resonated with Sushil, who too had had to learn and earn his way to a career. What’s more, both are gritty and determined to do well in life. “Besides, we complement each other well,” says Sushil. “She is calm, hard-working and very sweet.” On her part, Dolly says she looks up to him for his maturity and worldly wisdom.

"At long last, I have a proper family life. And I am loving it. We are a joint family, and we support each other all the way”

Dolly & Sushil: Of young dreams
and upbeat spirits

The building blocks of a marriage

He proposed marriage and Dolly was delighted to accept. The couple first had a court marriage in 2014, followed by a traditional ceremony sometime later. Happily, Dolly’s mother who passed away recently really took to Sushil and was pleased for the young couple.

“Though I could not continue my studies beyond HSC due to financial issues, I had taken up dance seriously from high school. I was in Mum-bai for several years, have been a member of the Cine Dancers Association and have performed for several Bollywood dances as well as events,” she says. “It’s hard work, but I loved the buzz.” Apart from this, she takes up modelling assignments for assorted brands. “You have to be confident, individualistic and above all, committed to your values. Tinsel town is a mirage; no one is go-ing to force you to do anything, but it’s up to you to draw your own boundaries,” she says firmly. “My value system is one of the things I share with Sushil, and it keeps us going even when things aren’t going our way. Sure, our work is about con-tacts and networking but at the end of the day one has to decide what’s more important”.

Despite the pressures of both their glamorous and demanding careers, both are about family, roots, growing together and love. “I grew up in very tough circumstances. Nevertheless, I would choose togetherness and family over money any day,” she says. It was in this spirit that she moved back to Pune to be with Sushil and his parents. “At long last, I have a proper family life. And I am loving it. We are a joint family, and we support each other all the way,” she gushes. “His parents have been wonderful to me, and despite the fact that they are Maharashtrians and I am Sindhi, we get along well.”

The mantras of marriage

“We may give each other the silent treatment, have a cooling-off period, and then broach the subject again”

From strength to strength

How much of a task has it been for Dolly to ad-just with a home full of people after a childhood where she had to largely take care of herself ? “It has not been completely easy,” she admits. “But I love having everyone around. Sure, the food was a bit of an issue, as our Sindhi cuisine is vastly different from Marathi food. But these are small things at the end of the day.

What is amazing about her in-laws, she says, is that despite their conservative roots, they have the heart and grace to accept both, a son and daughter-in-law in the glamour line and let them be.“For instance, there’s no getting away from the late nights that are a part of my schedule every single day,” says Sushil. “But they are understanding of it all,” he says.

Quality time for the couple consists of the time at the gym. “We have to be fit. It’s part of the job to look good,” he says. “No matter how gruelling the schedule, exercise and healthy eating are a part of our lifestyle.”

Fights happen, but the couple has learnt over the years to not let things fester. “We may give each other the silent treatment, have a cooling-off period, and then broach the subject again,” he says. “But over time, we both understand each other better.”

The appreciation for each other is mutual and palpable. While he lauds her for her child like ways and simplicity, she credits him with having taught her a lot about life and work. “For instance, in the initial days of our dating, he would gently suggest that perhaps I could consider a different outfit for a gig or an evening out. In our profes-sion, presentation is extremely important and I am grateful that he helped me pick up the basics,” she says. “I am basically a very simple person and learning to look the part of a model-dancer took some practice and help. But I’d like to add that Sushil has always supported and encouraged me through the highs and the lows.”

Both have plans to diversify their career paths. “I will take up event management and choreog-raphy,” says Dolly, while Sushil balances his home studio with his deejaying assignments.

Bringing up baby (but not just yet)

Even as the couple works towards affording their dream home, they wish to do so with Sushil’s parents. “A nuclear home is just not the same as a home where everyone lives together. It will be wonderful when the kids come, though it won’t be anytime soon as we both are busy,” says Dolly. “Right now, though, my devarani (younger sister-in-law) is the one who has a baby and we are all happy doting on their child.” Whenever they decide to go ahead and have a family, though, Sushil is firm that education will be a top priority for their child. “We have learnt the value of a solid education the hard way,” he rounds off.