As destiny would have it

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 marriagein marriage

Actor Prashantt Guptha and his significant half, dessert chef Mansi Gupta, on their shared belief in karma, destiny, love and the Bollywood dream. Like in the movies, some stories are just meant to be

When the young and successful actor Sushant Singh Rajput ended his own life in June 2020, it brought the dark side of tinsel town aka the Hindi film industry to light. The heartbreak behind the dreams, the tears behind the smiles, the groupism and bullying and ultimately, the loneliness of it all.

Amidst the ensuing chaos and endless debate, one particular voice rang out as the voice of sense. It was an article by actor Prashantt Guptha on the link between mental health and loneliness, the inferiority complex that B-town is rife with and the need to check up on one’s loved ones from time to time. “It’s not as if I knew Sushant too well, but I had sold my house to him and we had met twice or thrice. As someone close to my own age, I could relate to the baggage that tends to accompany life as uncertain as it is in the Hindi film industry,” he shares.

Despite having suffered the rough and tumble of it himself, not to forget the tag of being the permanent outsider, Prashantt has been lucky in one thing: having his wife and family support him all through.

In that sense, it has not been a lone struggle but a shared one. And therein, perhaps lies all the difference.

Back to the beginning

This love story was first scripted in the campus of a business school in New York. Here’s where both Prashantt and Mansi were pursuing a Bachelors’ in Business Administration she in accounts and he in finance. “As it happened, my dad who worked for Air India was posted to New York, giving me the perfect opportunity to study there. A Mumbai girl, through and through, I welcomed the doors and windows a degree abroad would open up in their wake,” reminisces Mansi.

On his part, Prashantt had been born and brought up in the US-albeit in a culturally proud Rajasthani home with an abiding love for Hindi cinema in its myriad avatars.

And when the duo finally met, it was the stereotypical cinematic moment. “Think college canteen, lunch, friends, eye contact and instant attraction,” grins Prashantt. “While I hate to admit it in front of him, it was love at first sight,” says Mansi.

The conversation flowed easily, even as both marvelled at the things they had in common. “We both believe in karma and destiny. If something is meant to be, it’s meant to be,” she says.

Post college, Mansi bagged a job with the prestigious firm Ernst & Young, even as Prashantt pursued his acting dreams full time. “While my parents were fully supportive of my acting dreams, they insisted I complete my education first,” he says. Alongside though, he made it a point to take up whatever acting assignments that came his way. “Coming from an entrepreneurial background, my parents were not averse to taking risks which a career in Hindi cinema would definitely entail. In that sense, I was very lucky,” he says. “They have been my backbone in more ways than one, and given me the strength to reach for the sky.”

Mansi would agree. “He comes from the warmest, most supportive background ever. So I knew that if I were to marry him, we would both have their unflinching backing,” she says. “That has been such a boon even after we moved back to Mumbai in 2007 to pursue his acting career.”

MANTRAS OF A MARRIAGE

• Respecting and supporting each other’s dreams
• Constantly working at the relationship
• Establishing a bond with each other’s families
• Love and intimacy

“Coming from an entrepreneurial background, my parents were not averse to taking risks which a career in Hindi cinema would definitely entail. In that sense, I was very lucky”

-Prashantt Guptha

All smiles for the camera & life: Mansi and Prashantt

The building blocks of a marriage

Though it’s been 13 years of relentless struggle and ups and downs, Prashantt’s career has picked up. From roles in films like Ek Vivaah Aisa Bhi to Neerja and The Tashkent Files, TV commercials and web series, his work profile has gone from strength to strength. “It has evolved to the point that I am writing and producing content, and even making inroads as a public speaker,” he says. “So yes, Mansi and I are both confident that the struggle thus far has been worth it.”

But what about the moments when the doubts have exceeded the faith; and the lows been more than the highs? “Oh, there have been plenty of those,” says Mansi. “But I had faith in his talent, his attitude and qualities. And something or the other would come along just as the going got rough.”

While she had given up work to devote herself to full-time motherhood following the birth of their two boys Vedant and Siddhant, she trained as a patisserie chef and confectioner and set up her own little business ‘Sweet Heavens’. “The size and pace of my work suits me wonderfully. It allows me to successfully balance home and work. Frankly, I have to thank Prashantt for this because he’s been so wonderfully supportive and encouraging all through”, she adds.

“Yes, I would possibly be amongst the few husbands who would insist that she take out time for self-care because she puts everyone ahead of herself, whether it’s me, our children or the elders in the family,” he says. “Amongst the few regrets that I have had is that she left a brilliant and promising job, I suppose in the family way and circumstances of the time. But she has been so graceful about it,” he says. “So I really want her to have that outlet for her talents and dreams, because she is so immensely educated and capable.”

Married for 15 years, their mantras for success are simple enough. “Have a deadline for your mutual dreams. Be practical and grounded,” says Mansi. “Dream but ensure that those dreams are rooted in a realistic assessment of the situation.”

Quality time is important, as is engaging in activities as a couple. “Watch movies, go out on coffee dates and constantly work at your relationship, just as you were when you were dating. Don’t take love for granted,” says Prashantt.

Conflict management after all these years is easy, they aver. “From raving arguments to cold-shouldering each other, we’ve been through the gamut of it all,” he says. “At the end of the day, just ask yourself a simple question: was it worth losing two or three days over the simple matter of an apology? Talk it out and move on. It’s silly to lose days over what could have been resolved in a matter of moments.”

Bringing up babies

Parenting is an important arena of teamwork for any young couple, and Prashantt and Mansi are no different. An obvious question would be: How do Vedant and Siddhant feel about their dad’s work; are they as interested in the Hindi film industry as well? “No, not at all,” says Prashantt. “They are regular, normal boys who are into academics, sports and digital activities,” he says. “Had I been a big star already, it would have affected their understanding and expectations but that’s not how it has been. In a way, I am glad that my career is finally taking off at a time when they are old enough to appreciate right from wrong, and not get carried away.”

While Mansi is the stricter, hands-on parent, especially with regard to their studies, her getting back to work has helped the boys. “They are becoming more independent and responsible and I am glad for it,” she says.

Adds Prashantt, “Above and beyond academic grades, I am all for giving the boys the space and opportunity to make their own mistakes and grow at their own pace. I don’t wish to cushion them the way we were as children, when you fall and get up on your own, the learnings are many. Besides, it is empowering, in the long run, to have them become gritty and self-assured men,” he rounds off.

Prashantt would know all about grit, given what it takes to turn dreams into reality.