The latest twist in the top-ranking TV serial Anupamaa is the introduction of Manish Goel, the actor from Kasautii Zindagi Kay fame, as a falsely indicted criminal, Raghav. However, Anupamaa believes that he is innocent.
An actor for nearly 29 years and married for 23 years, Manish had an arranged marriage with actor Poonam Narula. He doesn’t remember his first Valentine’s evening with Poonam but says that every anniversary and birthday is full of surprises galore.
Q. What was your reaction when you met Poonam for the first time?
A. I met her on the sets of Kasautii Zindagi Kay in 2000. I was a huge, huge fan of hers from Kanyadaan and Aashirwad, and when I got to know she had been cast opposite me in Kasautii, I made sure I reached the set on time. I told her, “I am a huge fan of yours.” And she said, “I’m a fan of yours too.”
Q. Who played Cupid?
A. My mother, Mrs. Kusum Goel. She came on the sets and told Poonam, “I am a huge admirer of your work,” and then randomly added, “Tum mere ghar ki bahu ban jao.” (You should become the daughter-in-law.)
Q. What were the qualities that attracted you to her?
A. Her eyes and her hair. She says she was attracted to my eyes.
Manish Goel and Poonam |
Q. Where did you guys go for your first date?
A. We went out to Barista to have coffee. I left my wallet at home. I had no money, so I told the Barista guy, “You can keep my watch as I’ve forgotten my wallet,” but he refused. So, I went up to Poonam and told her, “I don’t have the change for Rs 500. Can you pay, and I’ll repay you?” She politely paid, not knowing that I didn’t have the money. She paid without a fuss. After marriage, I told her the truth, and we had a good laugh.
Q. Who proposed marriage?
A. Neither I nor she did. I just told her I wanted to get married—simple. Poonam loves Natural Ice Cream. One day, while she was having ice cream in my car, I told her, “My mom is right; you are the perfect girl for me.” Poonam didn’t think I would suggest an immediate marriage; she was only 25, and I was 27. I told her, “I’m serious. I don’t want to get into a relationship. I want marriage.” A few days later, I remember I was shooting with Aruna Irani Ji when I got a call from Poonam. She said, “It’s a yes.”
Q. Did you fight during your courtship?
A. We never fought during our courtship days. We fought after marriage.
Q. Who apologises after a fight?
A. Poonam ki dictionary mein apology naam ka word nahi hai (In Poonam’s dictionary, the word “apology” doesn’t exist). She only says sorry to her dog, Faith, and sometimes to the kids. (laughs)
Q. Who is the spendthrift?
A. Both of us.
Q. Who is the cleanliness freak?
A. Both of us.
Q. How do you review your 23 years of marriage?
A. We are still learning about each other. I want to grow old with her. I want to hold her hand when I say goodbye.
