Raj Kundra Gets Real About Marriage: 'The Coochie-Coo Love Lessens Somewhere'
Businessman Raj Kundra recently shared candid thoughts about his marriage to Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty. He described marriage as the hardest thing, noting that the intense early love often fades after a year or two.
The Reality of Long-Term Relationships
Raj explained that when couples become parents and take on responsibilities, the playful "coochie-coo" love diminishes. He emphasized the need for realism in relationships.
"You have to be realistic about it," Raj said. "We have to say we love each other, we are partners for life, we're soulmates, we're going to stick together."
He believes many relationships fail because couples expect the initial spark to last forever. In reality, that spark naturally shifts as life responsibilities increase.
Keeping the Connection Alive
Despite acknowledging these challenges, Raj stressed the importance of making time for each other. He revealed that he and Shilpa maintain Friday night dates.
"Shilpa and I are very particular," he shared. "We have our Friday night dates, where the husband and wife go out."
When their children ask where they're going, they respond: "Now it's mom's time." Raj cautioned against prioritizing children too much at the expense of the marital relationship.
He warned that if parents focus exclusively on their kids, they might later realize their own relationship has melted away.
Expert Perspective on Relationship Evolution
Counselling psychologist Athul Raj provided insights into why the initial spark fades and how couples can maintain emotional connection.
"The first years of love carry a natural rush," Athul explained. "Everything feels new, and attention flows easily."
Over time, daily responsibilities move in quietly. The early spark often shifts into a steadier rhythm. This transition represents not a loss of love but a move toward deeper connection.
Athul identified several practices that help couples maintain strong bonds:
- Keeping curiosity alive by asking about each other's thoughts and dreams
- Sharing physical closeness through hugs and touch
- Creating rituals like morning drinks or evening walks together
- Incorporating laughter and playful teasing
- Talking about future plans, however small
"Love in this stage thrives on deliberate care, not automatic habit," Athul concluded.
The Foundation of Their Relationship
Reflecting on his 15-year marriage to Shilpa, Raj described their bond poetically. "Shilpa and I are the wind between each other's wings," he said.
He acknowledged their relationship has experienced many ups and downs. Yet they have stood strong together throughout these challenges.
Raj emphasized that genuine love doesn't require holding on tightly. "If love is there, it's there," he stated simply.
