We are committed to each other; everything else is just paperwork: Vinay Rai and Vimala Raman

In a candid Valentine’s Day chat, Vinay Rai and Vimala Raman reflect on how a chance meeting at a film premiere grew into a relationship rooted in friendship, fun and mutual admiration. The couple also address the online chatter around their marital status and underline that what matters most to them is their commitment to each other, not labels.

‘THE TIMES OF INDIA HAS HAD A PART TO PLAY IN OUR LOVE STORY’Vinay: We met for the first time at the car park in Sathyam Cinemas. A common friend introduced us when we were invited to The Times of India’s premiere show of Righteous Kill (2008). So, I guess TOI has had a part to play… My first impression was that she was very beautiful. I had a crush on her, but didn’t want to show it. Our relationship was natural and organic. She was flying to the US and we were on FaceTime. I told her I’m at a point in my life where I want to explore a serious relationship. She, too, made it clear that she had no time to fool around.
Vimala: It was in 2015 when he told me he’d always liked me and had a soft corner for me. I also had it, too, but I didn’t want to admit it. I held back initially, but I gravitated towards him because I trusted him. We met common friends and got to know and understand each other better. As we are from the same industry, we understood what the work entails.

‘WHENEVER WE ARE TOGETHER, IT’S VALENTINE’S DAY’Vinay: On Valentine’s Day, we usually hop out for dinner in a nice restaurant, have a great meal, and make a special night of it. This year, there are no special plans because it’s a friend’s birthday, and I start filming shortly after. So, we’ll make up for it with a post-Valentine’s date.
Vimala: Whenever we are together, it’s V-Day. V-Day is just another reason for us to go on a date. Whenever we are free, we make it a point to go out for a romantic dinner. As a couple, it’s important to give time to each other. Being on the phone or watching TV isn’t the same as sitting across from each other, making eye contact and talking.

‘WE MAKE IT A POINT TO SAY ‘I LOVE YOU’ TO EACH OTHER AS OFTEN AS POSSIBLE’Vinay: She’s got a way with words. She’s diplomatic and sweet, while I’m to the point and straightforward. She adds a sense of humour and is the softer touch in my life. She’s more playful and she has made me playful. We make it a point to say ‘I love you’ to each other as often as possible. It comes naturally for us. It’s not like we force it upon ourselves.
Vimala: He is an intense person and wears his heart on his sleeve. I’m a passionate person, too, but he has a level of depth that I’d love to have. Everyone always says that opposites attract. But even with opposites, there has to be a midway. We ground and complement each other personality-wise. He is overly analytical, and I’m a bit of a free spirit. That combination works.

‘EVERY TIME I GO TO TELUGU STATES AND KERALA, EVERYONE CALLS ME VIMALA RAMAN’S HUSBAND’Vinay: She has built her reputation on her own standing. If there is anything now that I’ve got to do, it’s only to compliment her in whatever she does. Every time I go to the Telugu states and especially in Kerala, everyone calls me Vimala Raman’s husband. No one calls me Vinay Rai. I told her, ‘This is what people have been calling me and I’m proud of it.’ I’m more than happy to be Vimala Raman’s husband.
Vimala: And I’m proud to be called Vinay Rai’s wife. We’re both very independent when it comes to ourwork. But if we need each other’s opinion, both of us are more than willing to give our suggestions.

‘JAPAN IS POSSIBLY ONE OF OUR FAVOURITE DESTINATIONS TO TRAVEL TOGETHER’Vinay: She is my travel buddy. We travel a lot together, and it’s a big part of our lives. I’m a history student. So, instead of enjoying Hawaii, I’m more interested in seeing Pearl Harbour. And if I start talking about it, she’d be like, ‘Oh, he has started.’
Vimala: He loves the history of war. And he’ll always be telling me about the World Wars. I’m like, ‘Oh God. Can I go shopping?’ That’s also what works between us. Japan is possibly one of our favourite destinations to travel together. Italy and Greece are quite romantic. There’s a sense of passion in those countries.

‘We understand that people talking about us is part and parcel of our job’Vinay: We are committed to each other and everything else is just paperwork. That’s how we look at it. We understand that people talking about us is part and parcel of our job. On social media, I read certain comments on us that use vulgarity. They talk about us like they know our lives well and what’s happening… whether we are married or living together. We don’t want to correct it. Say what you want… We laugh about it and we like to keep it that way because it’s good fun for us.
Vimala: In 2021, we were flying off to Australia to see my parents in Sydney. He posted a picture of us and put #couplegoals while we were sitting on the plane. By the time we landed in Sydney, the media had already married us off and even said we were having a destination wedding.

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