Bollywood actress Ameesha Patel has candidly shared her reflections on love, marriage, and long-term companionship, explaining her decision to remain single despite numerous proposals. In a recent appearance on Ranveer Allahbadia's podcast, Patel delved into her personal journey, highlighting how her career aspirations took precedence over traditional marital expectations.
Ameesha Patel's Stance on Marriage and Career
Patel emphasized that marriage was never her ultimate goal. She recounted, "I never used to chase boys in school; they used to do that. I have got a lot of proposals since then, and they continue to come till now." However, many of these proposals came with conditions that conflicted with her ambitions. "A lot of the people I met wanted me to stay at home and not work after marriage, and that didn't sit right with me," she revealed.
Her desire for self-identity was a driving force. "I wanted to become Ameesha Patel first, because I had already spent so much of my life being someone's daughter, and I didn't want to spend my adulthood as just someone's wife," Patel stated, underscoring her commitment to establishing her own identity before considering marriage.
Choosing Career Over a Serious Relationship
Patel shared a poignant example from her past, detailing a serious relationship that ended due to her career choices. "I had one serious relationship, and it was before I joined films. He belonged to a very big industrial family from South Bombay, like mine. Had the same background and education, and the family setup was the same. It ticked all the boxes," she explained.
However, when she decided to pursue a career in films, her partner objected. "My partner did not want a person in the public eye, and that is how I chose my career over love," Patel said, highlighting the sacrifices she made for her professional aspirations.
Openness to Future Companionship
Despite prioritizing her career, Patel has not closed the door on marriage. She expressed openness to finding a compatible partner, saying, "I am all up for marriage, as long as I find someone worthy." She added with a touch of humor, "They say that 'Where there is a will, there is a way,' so the person who finds me through everything and mauke par chauka maarlege (takes advantage of the situation) will be my person."
Patel also noted that she continues to receive proposals from various quarters, including younger suitors. "I still get all kinds of proposals from a lot of well-to-do families. People half my age want to take me out on a date, and I am open to it because a man has to be mentally mature. I have met a lot of people older than me who have the IQ of a fly," she remarked, emphasizing the importance of mental maturity over age.
Psychological Insights on Prioritizing Career Before Marriage
How common is it for individuals to prioritize self-identity or career before marriage, and what impact does this have on long-term happiness? Psychologist Rasshi Gurnani provides insights into this growing trend.
"Many individuals, especially women, increasingly choose to establish a strong sense of self and independence before marriage," Gurnani explains. "From a psychological perspective, this fosters autonomy, self-efficacy, and higher self-esteem, which are vital for long-term well-being."
Prioritizing identity or career helps create a secure base, she adds, making relationships healthier because they stem from choice rather than dependency. Research indicates that when people feel fulfilled in themselves, they tend to form more stable and satisfying partnerships later in life.
Navigating Trade-offs Between Career and Relationships
Trade-offs between career and relationships often create cognitive dissonance—conflicting values pulling in different directions. Gurnani states, "Psychology suggests that balance is less about dividing time equally and more about aligning decisions with core values. When individuals sacrifice one domain entirely for the other, it can lead to regret or burnout."
A mindful approach involves recognizing personal needs, setting boundaries, and adopting flexibility, allowing both love and ambition to coexist without one erasing the other. This perspective resonates with Patel's journey, where she balanced her career aspirations with an openness to future companionship.
Ameesha Patel's reflections offer a glimpse into the evolving dynamics of relationships and career priorities in contemporary society. Her story highlights the importance of self-identity and the potential for finding meaningful partnerships while pursuing personal ambitions.
