What does it truly take to build a life and a career together? On the Bombay Times Lounge, the beloved couple Genelia and Riteish Deshmukh break it down to the essentials: trust, humour, and knowing when to step back. As they prepare for their upcoming project, Raja Shivaji, the duo talks about partnership, individuality, and everything in between. Watch the full episode, now live, on the Bombay Times YouTube channel.
Two Decades Together
Genelia and Riteish Deshmukh have been together for over two decades, having met on the sets of Tujhe Meri Kasam. What began as a film turned into a lifelong partnership. Did either of them sense it would be so enduring?
Riteish: "When we first met, we saw each other as friends. That friendship bloomed into a love story. The good thing about our relationship is that we always think of growing together, with each other. It's been an incredible journey so far."
Genelia: "From the beginning, even before we got married, we didn't give our relationship any tags. We never sat down and discussed plans. We just enjoyed every day. For the longest time, Riteish would tease me with other people, and I would tease him with others."
Maintaining Individual Identities
Both have distinct career journeys. How do they ensure their individual identities aren't overshadowed as a couple?
Genelia: "I give Riteish a lot of credit because he respects you as an individual. I might have a thousand opinions; he doesn't have to accept them, but he will listen without imposing his views. We work together as co-actors and producers, but we have clearly different profiles — he handles creative aspects, and I manage logistics."
Riteish: "When working with your partner, the most important thing is your relationship. You have to figure out what each other is good at, because you cannot be a control freak. Knowing each other as friends or spouses is different from working together. We have found a balance, which is important for all couples who want to work together."
Career Shifts and Marathi Cinema
Riteish was widely loved for comic roles before Ek Villain (2014) showed him in a new light. Around the same time, he made his Marathi debut with Lai Bhaari and immersed himself in Marathi cinema as an actor, producer, and director. What triggered this shift?
Riteish: "Ten years into my career, my father (Vilasrao Deshmukh) asked me, 'You're doing so much in Hindi films, what about Marathi films?' Until then, I hadn't thought about it. That was the trigger. We started our banner Mumbai Film Company about 13 years ago, and we have produced seven films, all Marathi, and we take immense pride in that."
Riteish also spoke about a sense of responsibility: "There is a certain beauty in our regional cinema. While we are moving fast towards the West, we need to hold on to our roots, culture, and language. The best way to help any language is through arts — poetry, cinema, theatre, or literature."
Genelia's Multilingual Experience
Genelia has worked in multiple languages. Did she bring that experience to backing Marathi films?
Genelia: "Yes, I did films in other languages long before pan-India movies became a thing. It allows you to tell more stories and understand different regions and cultures. Acting is about experiences, so why not do different roles in different languages?"
Distinct Choices in Hindi and Marathi Cinema
Riteish's roles in Hindi films versus Marathi cinema feel distinct. Are those choices deliberate?
Riteish: "In Hindi films, I choose from what is offered to me. In Marathi films, from inception, I choose what kind of films I want to make. So yes, my choices as an actor in Hindi films are far different from those as a producer or actor in Marathi films."
Genelia's Comeback with Ved
Genelia stepped away at the peak of her career and returned after nearly a decade with Ved, directed by Riteish. He played a big role in encouraging her comeback.
Genelia: "Yes! He just kept saying, 'This is something you love, right? You've got to do it.' He didn't even listen to me. He told me, 'You have to do this.'"
Riteish: "I believed she was perfect for the role. More than anything, I told her that what you love most is being in front of the camera. You are Genelia — the wife, the mother, the daughter. Now you need to meet the Genelia you were. That is very important."
Parenting and Humour
People love the reels Genelia and Riteish create together. Do their sons, Riaan and Rahyl, get Riteish's sense of humour?
Genelia: "Yeah, totally! My younger son (Rahyl) is Riteish Deshmukh. No one can beat Riteish at his wit, but if one person can, it's chhotu. One day, Riteish was in charge of the kids. Our younger one did something naughty. Riteish told him to stand in the corner with hands down. He looked defiantly for five seconds, then quickly put his hands up."
Riteish: "That's Genelia's genes!"
Goodwill in the Industry
Riteish has great support from talent across Hindi and Marathi cinema. Does he believe goodwill pays off?
Riteish: "Our industry has a lot of goodness not often spoken about. Many people have been good to me, so I feel I should be good and pay it forward. It doesn't take much to smile and greet people. On set, I greet every department. It's important to show gratitude to everyone giving their 100%."
Watch the complete interview with Genelia and Riteish Deshmukh on the Bombay Times YouTube channel. Location partner: Luuma House.
