Romance recently found itself at the center of a storm — an unexpected one sparked by none other than the CEO of L&T, S.N. Subrahmanyan, with his recommending a grueling 90-hour work week.
What really set tongues wagging, though, was his quip, “What will you do, just stare at your wife?”—a line that took on a life of its own after Anand Mahindra’s cheeky response: “My wife is wonderful. I love staring at her.”
A debate on work-life balance quickly turned into an exploration of relationships, attention, and weekend romance. It had a dominoes effect where people started introspecting about what it truly meant to keep love alive.
The joke struck a nerve, highlighting that sometimes, it’s not grand gestures or elaborate plans that keep a relationship thriving —it’s the stolen glances, the small acts of acknowledgment and care, and the quiet moments of simply being that actuaaly kept the romance in a marriage/relationship alive. Love is clearly a game of endurance, wit, and finding magic in the mundane.
Buckle up as we dive into the quirky, chaotic, and often simple realities of keeping the spark alive in today’s world.
Cyrus Broacha, Anchor, comedian, satirist, podcaster and author
I will be honest. I’ve tried everything. I’ve tried to give more attention to ladies when I’ve been involved with them. I’ve tried to give less because some people said less is more. I’ve tried everything with my wife presently, not 24 years. Batting doesn’t look like it’s gonna change to another one. I have decided to hide as much as possible rather than give her attention because we reach a point where she reads everything you do and judges everything you say. So every move is monitored. It’s almost like CCTV 24 hours a day when the wife’s in the house. So for me, it’s very different after 24 years of marriage. Romantic weekend used to be something like go to Alibaug or go somewhere out, or, you know, spend a weekend in some exotic place. Cheap, of course, because I’m always cheap. But now it’s all changed completely. Now, for me, a romantic weekend would be if she just changed a few things. For example, after my father passed, she moved all the furniture around and now I keep falling and especially early morning, I bang into everything and all I want is for her to take the furniture back a little bit, the chairs and the table that she’s brought in. If she can just spread them out again, that would be the most romantic gesture. So her loving husband doesn’t fall early morning when he gets up and tries to walk his dogs.
I’ll add one more thing. Romance is not the cliche of just going out dates, listening, not listening, paying attention, filling each other’s sentences up. I mean, that’s all very good. The real romance is surviving each other as long as the relationship goes on and on and on. It’s just the survival of the fittest, and trust me, it evolves into something else.
Vicky Ratnani, Celebrity Chef, Author and Culinary Consultant, Founder of SpeakBurgers
As a chef, you’re likely observant and detail-oriented, which can carry over into how you notice your partner. That perfect amount of attention often comes from being genuinely present—acknowledging her subtly without overwhelming her. For example, catching her eye when she’s lost in thought or a light compliment as you pass by can speak volumes.
As for the most romantic weekend idea, imagine your partner surprising you by recreating one of your signature dishes, maybe not perfectly, but with heart. Pair it with a relaxed wine or mocktail night, where she lets you be the guest for once. It’s about her recognizing your world and bringing it into the relationship with love.
Ira Dubey, Actress
Uff teri ada, palat, mud mud ke na dekh, kya ghoor rahe ho? Where oh where would our Indian lexicon be, or the language of love universally – from Plato recognising it as the truest ‘pursuit of the whole’ and a ‘madness’ to the Romantics who’s words have lingered so long on the lovers gaze, eyes or in the East, to Rumi who plummeted its depths- without the lovers’ look, stare and gaze… I would be devastated if my lover didn’t find the time or moments to take me in, even if he made lots of money and worked very hard and changed the world, isn’t that empty without the fingers that touch, shoulders to lean on and eyes to gaze at? The world needs more of the staring, less of the blaring, dictatorial, controlling, oppressive- we respect your achievements but as Mr Davies put it, I paraphrase, to be able to stop, to look, to stare, is to be free.
Mr Vishal Kamat, Executive Director, Kamat Hotels India Ltd
Every cloud has a silver lining, and in this case, it is truly a golden one. The attention sparked by certain comments about working hours and spending time with one’s spouse has done something remarkable. It’s brought a wave of humor and lightheartedness into discussions about relationships, which I think is wonderful. Humor, after all, creates one of the strongest bonds between spouses, friends, and partners.
I believe this should be taken in the right spirit, just as I’m sure it was intended by such a senior and thoughtful individual. The positive impact of these conversations is been evident and many like me, who may not have been overly focused on work-life balance can talk, laugh and reflect on it based on what each ones wants.
Ultimately, we should embrace the good this has brought and not dwell on any negatives. Romance is not a task, nor is it a single action. It’s the ability of a couple to keep the flames burning evolving from passion to compassion to companion. the most romantic thing that my wife Aditi and I can do for each other is to keep lighting one of the three!
Sohini Rohra, Counselling psychologist, Author and Mental health advocate
In my opinion, the sweetest attention lies in those quiet moments when one partner may catch the other stealing a glance at them at home, probably when they’re reading a book or at a restaurant while one is sipping on coffee. It is in these small quiet moments where magic lies because no words are exchanged. Feelings are simply felt in the midst of the chaos of life or the noise.
It is a connection established through just silent affirmation. When the attention is just right, it’s not overwhelming and it’s not even absent. It is being treasured, cherished, nurtured in a sustainable, balanced, but so beautiful way, such a beautiful way. I would feel like on weekends, one of the most romantic things could be planning a surprise breakfast, a relaxing afternoon drive maybe, and simple reminders that home-cooked meals, you know, simple gestures that remind us that love thrives in the simple moments of life.
Delnaaz Irani, Actress
My Percy always gives me a lot of attention. My Percy surprises me with little things, big things. Just like yesterday, for example. I was shooting all day, for 12 hours straight. After that, I had to go to my play rehearsal. He surprised me by showing up at the rehearsal. Before that, he called and asked, ‘Have you left the shoot? Please take some rest, sleep in the car on the way. Did you reach the rehearsal safely?’ Within half an hour, he arrived at my rehearsal and gave me a huge surprise. He stayed with me throughout the rehearsal. Afterward, we went home together, had a cup of coffee, and spent some time together. These little moments mean so much to me. Percy never fails to surprise me, and I absolutely love it. I love all the attention—big or small. I think it’s very important to keep the relationship alive because, otherwise, what’s the point? Over time, all that’s left is companionship. So, little acts of attention like this really help couples grow in their relationship.
Sanjiv Prasad, Vice President, Reliance Industries Ltd.
I believe love lies in the little things. When my wife finally gets to talk about something that she’s been waiting for hours to tell me, that’s when my attention matters the most. You know when you’ve been waiting to tell your partner about a small but personal win, that’s when your attention matters the most. Those little things, like my wife finally getting that refund she has been waiting for. Oh, the excitement with which she gives me that news, i love to see her face. A candle light dinner at a cozy, empty restaurant, where no staff bother us… and it’s just me and my wife looking into each other’s eyes or as the famous CEO’s says “staring at each other”, is long overdue.
