PARNO MITTRAH (ACTOR)
I really don’t know if Valentine’s Day has any significance in my life (laughs out loud). Actually, it never has! I am like, it’s okay, I am not dying! (Laughs out loud)
Actually, I am not sure if I am comfortable sharing my space with somebody. When you’ve lived your life a certain way for a very long time, being independent and had no one to tell you what to do, it’s hard to share that space, unless the person you are going to share that space with is equally chilled-out or has the same mindset. You cannot become a different person because you love your space, doing things on your own and your girl time. Peace of mind is important. No drama, please! (Laughs)
I have learnt to let go of things if it’s not working out and not push them because holding on to them will get you nothing.
TINA MUKHERJEE (ENTREPRENEUR)
I think the last time I was in a relationship was very long back in time. It’s been at least five years. All my relationships have been long-term and when they don’t work out, a part of me gets left behind. That has emotionally drained me over the years. So, if I have to do all of it again, I should be at least sure of the person. It cannot be extra stress.
When we are younger, we are sure of what we don’t want. With experience, I know what works for me, from my past relationship experiences, and I am not ready to settle for anything else. I do feel that I have sold myself short so many times in the past, but now, if I do get into a relationship, the idea would be to make both of our lives better. It’ll never be a bed of roses, but you make it work because you know this is the person you will be with, in the long run. My only requirement in life right now is peace! (Laughs) I have a full life, full of love. I won’t say I don’t miss a partner, but I also don’t feel that I don’t have enough love in my life. I am open to love but it has to blend into my life.
SHAHEB BHATTACHERJEE (ACTOR)
My mother is looking for a bride for me! I have to be single for that, right?! (Laughs) But on a serious note, nothing is working out! (Laughs) But honestly, this is an important phase in my life. What I do now professionally will decide for the rest of my life. There are certain pillars that support a person’s life — profession, love, and family. I am trying to professionally and financially become more secure and that is taking up a lot of time. I have been working on films back to back since last year and I am also exploring opportunities in Bombay. And, I feel I am old-school in how I think. I might have that persona of being flamboyant but I am old-school when it comes to relationships. I am probably looking at a live-in, you can say. Would my parents accept it? I think they would be unwillingly okay with that, hoping it leads to marriage! (Laughs) I have certain responsibilities towards myself and my family, and I am not ready to jump into a relationship, get married, and pick up roses for the wife on my way back from work! (Laughs) My parents want me to get married and settle down, but the people I meet are female versions of me! (Laughs)
Life is not too bad. I am not complaining. I haven’t yet arrived at a phase where I miss the companionship and where I want to go back home to someone. Being in a relationship or marriage is often like an iPhone and Android phone coming together. Poles apart, but you make a life together. I haven’t really given it a thought as to what I am looking for in a person, but you’ll know when it clicks. Yes, I have been in love many times recently. An actor is an emotionally strained, hopeless lover.
I am working on V-Day and will be promoting my new series Swet Kali. So, nothing much is happening that day. Isn’t it good that I don’t have a girlfriend? She would have killed me for working on V-Day. (Laughs)
USHOSHI SENGUPTA (MODEL AND ENTREPRENUER)
Adult relationships are complicated. I am not looking for a partner who will complete me. We can grow together as people. My parents have been childhood sweethearts and that’s the kind of love I want in my life too. The first two hours in the morning before others wake up are their we-time. They’ll have tea and talk. I haven’t found that kind of love. The day I find it, I’ll settle down. When I was in my 20s, it was like you have to be together all the time! (Laughs) Now in my 30s, I want to be someone with whom I can be at peace with. In your 20s, I think it’s more about how people perceive you as the ‘it’ couple and in my 30s, it’s about being with someone I can literally vanish with! The relationship should be fulfilling emotionally.
One of my biggest learnings has been that no one is in charge of making you happy. If you want security in a relationship, you have to be secured yourself. Love and relationships cannot be forced. After a while, love is about finding the right friend for life. It is about coming back home to yourself. You don’t have to pretend to be anybody else. That’s the love I have seen growing up. I am not going to give up till I find the perfect partner! I am an old-school romantic and am not someone who can download an app and find love in it. That’s also why I feel I am single! Old school in the Gen Z era, but I am sure there is another old-school romantic in the Gen Z era. If you are reading this, I am waiting for you. (Laughs) I love LOVE (laughs out loud).