Riteish and Genelia keep it real with love and laughter on the Bombay Times Lounge

There’s a certain ease and an unmistakable warmth when Genelia and Riteish Deshmukh come together — and it’s exactly what played out on the latest episode of the Bombay Times Lounge. On the show, the actor couple brought their signature mix of humour, affection and high energy, keeping things light and real as they spoke about everything — from marriage and parenting to their evolving careers. While they also opened up about their most ambitious project yet, Raja Shivaji, the conversation was as much about their journey together as individuals as it was about them as a team. Here’s a glimpse from the chat — watch out for the promo today, with the full episode dropping soon.

On why couples can successfully work together

“There is this whole misconception that couples can’t work together. For us, I don’t think there is anyone he trusts more than me & vice versa,” Genelia elaborated.




Riteish on Genelia being a demanding producer

“She is a toughie! I’d rather have her as a tough producer than a tough wife. That’s a good thing!” Riteish joked.

On balancing stress before a film release

Genelia and Riteish are gearing up for their next release, and the actress opened up about how they handle pre-release nerves. She said, “We both have our levels of nervousness, but I think Riteish deals with it better than me. The great thing about us is, if he is rock bottom nervous, I suddenly become this strong person, and vice versa. I have never seen him break down. Sometimes, when he’s very stressed, he just goes to sleep!”

Genelia on a potential sequel to Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na

“I would absolutely love to do a sequel to Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na. Honestly, I believe that we don’t make love stories around people in their 30s - 40s. Why? Love also happens at that age. There’s something magical about mature love stories too," Genelia said.

On their weekly family movie tradition

Genelia spoke about a special ritual she and Riteish share with their sons. She said, “Every week we pick one iconic Hindi film and watch it with our kids. That is our special time together. We recently watched Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander. So, while Riteish started this custom and he says that we are doing it for the kids, once the movie is on, he’s the one who is most engrossed.”

On what to look for in a life partner

The couple shared their simple yet heartfelt advice on choosing a partner. “When people ask us what kind of a partner they should look for, we tell them…be with a person who can make you laugh. That’s what we do with our kids, too. We laugh a lot and enjoy being with each other. Life is too stressful and we all need some lightness.”

Riteish on their viral social media reels

Riteish reflected on how their reels have become a popular way to connect with audiences online. “A lot of people ask me, ‘Release kab hai?’ I say, ‘May mein picture release.’ They say, ‘Nahi reels ki.’ So now they don’t even look at me for movies (laughs). I just feel our reels are a great way to engage with people who are on social media. After a point, how many photoshoot pictures can you put? This love that we get from people who consume our reels is really heartwarming," he said.

Riteish’s take on success and longevity in the industry

When asked about his definition of success, Riteish said, “I always thought my first film would be my last film. But it’s been 23 years, and on this journey, I met the love of my life, I got to produce and direct films. It is all thanks to the people who have tolerated me for so long, and in my perspective, that in itself is nothing short of humongous success."

The complete interview with Genelia and Riteish Deshmukh will drop soon on the Bombay Times YouTube channel

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