Navigating a marriage where both partners are prominent figures in the same high-pressure industry is a unique challenge. For actor-producer Jackky Bhagnani and actor Rakul Preet Singh, who tied the knot last year, the secret lies in a foundation of mutual respect, clear boundaries, and a shared commitment to professionalism. In a recent candid conversation, Bhagnani shed light on how they successfully separate their personal and professional lives, reserving special praise for his wife's grounded nature.
"The Most Sorted Human Being": Jackky's Praise for Rakul
Speaking to Moneycontrol, Jackky Bhagnani expressed profound admiration for his partner. "I must have done something amazing in my life to have Rakul as my partner," he stated. He described her as "one of the most balanced, one of the most sorted human beings on this earth." The cornerstone of their professional understanding, according to Bhagnani, is Rakul's principled stance on not expecting special favours.
"She never ever expects anything extra, even at times when she can clearly demand as a partner, she never does that," he revealed. This respect extends to giving each other ample space. "We both really respect each other’s space. We don’t interfere in each other’s work," Bhagnani emphasized, highlighting a key rule in their relationship.
A Real-World Example: Sticking to the Budget
Bhagnani provided a concrete example from their recent professional collaboration. During the promotions for his film 'Mere Husband Ki Biwi', a standard budget was set for all involved. Despite being the producer's wife, Rakul Preet Singh strictly adhered to the allocated budget without seeking additional perks.
"I told her that you could have asked me for it, but she didn’t budge. I got to know later," shared Jackky. "I said, if that’s the rule for everyone, it should be for me. So she’s amazing." This incident, for him, epitomized her integrity and commitment to fairness in their professional dealings.
Expert Advice on Maintaining Boundaries in a Partnership
How can other couples who work together cultivate a similar healthy dynamic? Psychologist Anjali Gursahaney explains that maintaining clear boundaries is non-negotiable for preserving both professional productivity and emotional intimacy.
"Defining each person’s role in the work setup helps reduce power struggles or confusion," she notes. Echoing Jackky's point, she agrees that not interfering in each other's work fosters trust and a sense of individual competence. A crucial strategy is to consciously separate work from the relationship, such as scheduling discussions about personal or emotional needs strictly after work hours.
Gursahaney also stresses the importance of a pre-agreed method for handling disagreements. "Agreeing on how to handle disagreements (e.g., not escalating at work, debriefing later) helps maintain harmony," she advises. Furthermore, allowing each other mental and physical space for solo work is vital to preserve individuality within the togetherness.
The Pillars of a Sustainable Professional-Personal Relationship
Why is upholding fairness and equality so critical when personal dynamics could easily blur the lines? Gursahaney outlines several key reasons for long-term relationship health:
Avoids Resentment: Unspoken one-sided privileges can fester into hidden frustration over time, damaging the bond.
Preserves Individuality: Equality ensures both partners maintain their own identity, ambitions, and sense of dignity outside the relationship.
Encourages Honest Communication: In an atmosphere of fairness, partners feel safer to express themselves openly without fear of judgment or a power imbalance.
Models Mutual Respect: As seen in Rakul's choice to not demand special treatment, such actions reflect a deep commitment to professionalism. This mutual grounding ensures both partners feel respected in each other's eyes, both as professionals and as life partners.
The dynamic shared by Jackky Bhagnani and Rakul Preet Singh serves as a contemporary case study in balancing love and work with grace and principle, offering valuable insights for couples in all fields.
