Power of Love
Love is in the air! VIVA GOA brings back that warm fuzzy feeling that escapes no one – common man and celebrity alike. 1983 World Cup-winning Captain & Cricket Legend, Padma Bhushan Kapil Dev and his wife Romi Dev, and three other eminent Power Couples in Goa, open up to us about their love stories and that special connection.
Love brings two people close, they say. That is exactly what brought the Celebrity couple and the three Goan power couples together. Marriages may be made in heaven, but it is up to the two individuals to make it work. Love, compatibility and understanding are key to any successful marriage.
Whether or not they were destined to be together, we do not know. One thing we know for sure is that their admiration for each other and moreover their ‘head-over-heels’ kinda love certainly made them decide on forever.
Our celebrity power couple’s love story is nothing less than dreamy. Legendary Indian cricketer Kapil Dev met his wife Romi Dev (then Bhatia) through a common acquaintance and was mesmerised with her personality. From being just friends to actually dating for months, Dev finally proposed to Romi in an unexpected way. To his absolute delight, Romi Bhatia happily made the choice to spend the rest of her life by his side.
The chemistry the duo share is rather amusing. The two come from different backgrounds. Their personalities, too, are quite unique. Popularly known as the ‘Hurricane from Haryana', Dev was India’s greatest all-rounder cricketer who led India to its first World Cup title in 1983. This victory was a game-changer for the Indian cricket. Romi - who came from a business family - had a natural business acumen which she used to manage her husband’s businesses and finances.
From being each other’s strengths to fighting all odds in life together, Romi & Kapil Dev have come a long way. This journey for them is only going to get better as they walk the path hand-in-hand.
Speaking of dreamy love stories, the three couples from Goa who are a part of this power couple series have had their own share of romance as youngsters. Like most love stories, theirs too began from college.
Impressed with her charismatic college general secretary, Pratima Dhond (then Naik) befriended Gaurish Dhond but she had fallen in love with him soon after their first encounter. As for Gaurish, love happened eventually over time as he saw his trustworthy friend slowly evolve into the love of his life. Happily married with three wonderful children, Pratima and Gaurish are both independent individuals who have seen success along the way, together.
Playful college ragging is a great ice-breaker for most couples, especially when you are seniors and juniors. That is exactly what happened with
Dr Anupama (then Pai Panandikar) and Dr Mahendra Kudchadkar. He bullied her and they hit it off instantly. They finished medical school together and are today one of Goa’s leading medical professionals.
On the other hand, college sweethearts and now bureaucrats Rijula Uniyal and Ajit Roy met while pursuing their Masters in Economics at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in New Delhi. Rijula saw Roy was a well-read chivalrous man whose outlook towards life matched hers. As for Roy, senior officer of the Indian Administrative Services (IAS), his now better-half is all the motivation and strength he could ask for. Despite holding high government positions, the duo hardly discuss their professions unless absolutely necessary.
These power couples strike a perfect balance between their work and personal lives while respecting each other’s individuality and interests. From being each other’s companions, friends to life partners, they are indeed stronger together.
Through this power couple series, VIVA GOA celebrates their love, success and marriage.
Read the full article in 'Viva Goa' magazine copy.
Viva Goa magazine is now on stands. Available at all major book stalls and supermarkets in Goa.