Television viewers hooked on to the tube for more than a decade, if asked to select the lady with the best and most soothing smile, would undoubtedly vote for Renuka Shahane, courtesy Surabhi. Ask those same viewers about a person whose smile terrorises them the most, and chances are high that the answer will be Ashutosh Rana, no thanks to his portrayal of Tyagi in Swabhimaan. Currently Ashutosh is busy anchoring sarkaar ki duniya, a reality show on Real TV.

Interestingly enough, holy matrimony binds the two of them – very different personalities in professional and personal life. Happily married for more than seven years, Renuka and Ashutosh are proud parents of two sons. Both of them took time from their busy schedules to speak to Tellychakkar about their lives and how opposites attract!

How did you meet?

Renuka: We met for the first time in 1998, during the trial of a film. The meeting ended with exchanging pleasantries and saying bye to each other. Interestingly, till that day I'd never seen any films that Asutosh acted in. For almost two months after that we never met, however, we did speak to each other over phone. Our friendship started developing and we met again on December 31.

Ashutosh: As Renuka told you, we first met on a film trial at Prakash Mehra studio. I was accompanying my friend actress Rajeshwari. She is a common friend and I think she worked as the bridge for the two of us. After the screening of the film the three of us chatted for a while and discussed the movie.When our discussion got over, I asked her if I could drop her somewhere. She said Shivaji Park. But I was residing in Chembur at that time, and since it was not in my way, we said bye to each other at the studio.

Was it love at first sight?

Renuka: Definitely not! When we met for the first time, both of us had crossed 30 and the concept of love at first sight seemed very childish and immature. We thought more on the lines of how we felt for each other, whether we liked each other’s company or not and whether we were compatible with each other. We are poles apart and the saying opposites attract could not be more true than what you see in our relationship.

Ashutosh: I feel there is nothing like love at first sight. But I did realise during our conversation that Renuka has an amazing sense and taste for films and she can articulate her points very well. And let me tell you that before I met her, I was a huge fan of her acting abilities.

What do you like the most in each other?

Renuka: During my career I have met different types of people, but never did I feel the urge to talk to a person so much. I always wanted to talk to him and spend time with him, since we met. There was a strange charisma and charm in him that I could not resist. In fact, it is this unknown charm and charisma in Ashutosh that made me get married to him!

Ashutosh: An AC works in Ladakh as well as in Rajasthan, though very differently due to different climates. Human nature is like that. It will change according to the atmosphere and the ambience they live in. So I do not think you can judge a person in that thread. For me nothing is wrong with Renuka. I love the way she is.

When did you decide to get married?

Renuka: We had a courtship for two and a half years before we got married. By that time, I had decided that Ashutosh was the right person for me and I would like to spend my life with him. Since we were completely against the concept of a live-in relationship, we decided to get married. Even his spiritual guru suggested that we get married.

Ashutosh: Both of us were happy and content with the way our relationship was going and none of us was ready to get married at that point of time. But our guruji Dev Prabhakarji Shastri whom we fondly called Daddaji adviced us to get married. And we have never ignored his advice. Otherwise we were not living together as we don't believe in that concept. Two persons can always stay under different roofs and still love each other. Staying under one roof is not always the criteria for loving the other person.

How did your families react to your marriage?

Renuka: His family was very impressed with me. They had seen my earlier shows – Surabhi and Imtihaan. In fact, my in-laws were very happy that Ashutosh was marrying me. But my parents were sceptical when they came to know of our decision to get married. Though they did not raise any objections, I could make out that they were not very sure either.

Ashutosh: My family is traditional in some respects and very advanced in some. When they came to know about our fondness for each other, they accepted it. They knew Renuka Sahane and her popularity as an actress were ready to have her as a daughter-in-law.

Tell us something about your marriage function.

Renuka: We got married on 25th May, 2001. It was a very nice function at a Shankar temple in Bandekhpur, Madhya Pradesh. Initially we had thought that we would have a big function there and invite all celebrities, but later decided to have a small function there and a separate reception in Mumbai. Thank God we took that decision, because around 150000 people gate-crashed to see our wedding in MP. We did not have proper security arrangements and the situation turned so bad that even my parents could not reach the venue in time. By the time they reached, we had already tied the knot. I still and forever will, regret this fact.

What do you think are the strengths and weaknesses of each other? Is there anything you would like to change in your partner?

Renuka: He is a great companion, has a great sense of humour and is very understanding in nature. These are qualities that I like in him the most. I think I hate some of the feudal characteristics that he has. Since he comes from a Zamindar family, can't really help that. But I do not think there is anything I would like him to change.

Ashutosh: As I told you earlier, I have accepted her with all the negatives and positives she has. For me, in any relation mutual respect is the most important thing. If you can't respect a person you can't love her. Without respect a relationship will not last for more than a couple of hours, but respect will take you further.

Do you fight with each other?

Renuka: Well, we do argue with each other. This is true for any relation. Arguments help you understand each other better and they are definitely not the end of the road for a relation. Whenever we have differences in opinion, I open up and try to put forward my viewpoint. Though we have had many such arguments, they have never turned abusive.

Ashutosh: I feel it is necessary to have differences in opinions. If both of you have the same opinion about everything, it is like getting married to your twin! The relation becomes so boring if you do not have arguments!

What is the best gift you have got from your partner?

Renuka: Undoubtedly my two sons! That is the best gift Ashutosh gave me. Apart from this, the diamond ring he gave me for our marriage.

Ashutosh: Emotionally many gifts --specially our two sons and materialistically the Pajero car she gifted me. That too of my choice of colours -- red and white.

What is the dress you like to see your partner in?

Renuka: I feel he looks best in kurta-pyajama. However, he also looks very handsome in jeans and white shirt.

Ashutosh: In whatever dress she is comfortable. I will always support her in whatever she does. She knows herself best and has an amazing sense of dressing.