Actor Parmeet Sethi has offered a heartfelt glimpse into the foundation of his long-standing marriage with fellow actor Archana Puran Singh. In a candid conversation, the Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge star revealed the simple yet powerful pact that has guided their relationship for decades.
The 'Girlfriend-Boyfriend' Pact That Defines Their Marriage
Parmeet Sethi, 58, explained that from the very beginning, he and Archana decided to avoid traditional marital traps. "We had a pact with each other when we got married," he told Pinkvilla. "We said we would still live like girlfriend and boyfriend. We didn't want to get into the trap of 'you are now my wife, you need to cook for me' or similar expectations."
He emphasised that their relationship is not built on cinematic romance but on a deeper connection. "We are not filmy at all. As far as I understand, you have to be best friends. Then you can tackle any problem because there will be communication, no ego," Sethi stated. He highlighted the importance of give-and-take, a principle inherent in any strong friendship.
Friendship: The 'Quiet Backbone' of Lasting Love
Psychotherapist and life coach Delnna Rrajesh, reflecting on Sethi's confession, explained why this approach resonates. "In the real world, long-lasting love isn't sustained by grand gestures or cinematic intensity. It's held together by something quieter and far more profound – friendship," she told indianexpress.com.
She elaborated that while marriage often begins with romance, it survives on friendship. This foundation creates a safe space for imperfection. "Conflicts become conversations instead of cold wars; mistakes are owned, not weaponised. There is humour, playfulness, and emotional breathing space," Delnna shared.
According to her, this friendship forms an "emotional home" where partners can return without fear of judgment, which is where true love evolves.
How to Rekindle Friendship in Your Relationship
The expert assures that the core of friendship can be revived in any marriage, even one that feels distant. It doesn't require grand gestures but small, intentional acts:
- Speak to each other like friends, not like project managers managing a household.
- Revive shared rituals or inside jokes that once brought joy.
- Create judgment-free zones in your conversations.
- Learn your partner's emotional language as you would a new skill.
- Be willing to be vulnerable with each other again.
Parmeet Sethi's own experience mirrors this advice. He acknowledged that their relationship has faced struggles but emerged stronger by always returning to their friendship. "This relationship, this fun, this masti was working for us. That friendship we have should be preserved. If we can preserve the friendship throughout life, the marriage will always prosper," he concluded.
Delnna Rrajesh summed it up perfectly: "Friendship isn't about losing individuality. It's about creating a shared space where both can flourish." For Parmeet Sethi and Archana Puran Singh, this shared space, built on a pact made years ago, continues to be their greatest strength.
