Payal Rohatgi on her marriage with Sangram Singh: 'After our marriage, we have started loving each other more'

Payal Rohatgi and Sangram’s love story is a coming together of two people who are akin to chalk and cheese. She is a glamorous actress; he is a professional wrestler.

And yet, Payal didn’t have to wrestle with her thoughts when she fell in love with a man who brought a basket of fruits when he came to meet her mother. She loved it.

How did you meet Sangram?

The first time we met was on the Delhi-Agra highway. My car had broken down. Later, when we got married in Agra, I was struck by déjà vu.

What was the initial reaction when you saw him and did the bells ring? 

After the Agra incident I met him in the Survivor show in the Philippines. I was definitely attracted to him and I would hug him and sleep as I wouldn’t get sleep in the show. We formed a bond that led us to becoming husband and wife.

What was the ice breaker?

 Sangram was a very good contestant on the Survivors India show. He was a strong contestant, and the others wanted him to be evicted. But I was not able to hold myself and expressed my desire that he should continue. And he said “I love you” on the show itself!

How did your love story progress?

After the Survivor show, we started dating each other. But we were unsure if we were ready for a steady relationship. However, deep down in my heart, I knew that I wanted him in my life. And we started living together.

What gift did he bring for you when he came home to meet you? 

He came to my house to meet my mom when she came down to live with me in Mumbai. He came home with a basket of fruits! In an industry where it is commonplace to drink or smoke, he came into my life as a breath of fresh air. I realised at that moment that he fitted the bill of someone who I would like as my partner.

Did you guys go Dutch on your first date?

No Sangramji paid.

How often would you speak in a day?

I would speak to him two to three times a day, but neither of them is great for talking on the phone. There is an unspoken understanding between us that even if we don't talk to each other for two days, we are okay with it.

How does Sangram make you feel special?

He knows that I am an actor and that I am accustomed to a certain lifestyle. He takes me to the best restaurants but has an affinity for Indian food – no Chinese for him.

Who is the funnier one between the two?

Sangram is funnier because I am a prim and proper person.

Who is the cleanliness freak?

I am.

Who is the one who expresses rage?

I am short-tempered. Once, in a fit of anger, I broke a plate into two. Through yoga and breathing exercises, I am now able to control my anger. 

What do you fight about?

We fight about very trivial things. I like the air conditioner; he doesn’t. Whenever he shaves, he leaves hair in the wash basin. So now I don’t share a bathroom with him.

How has your relationship evolved from being boyfriend-girlfriend to living with each other to being husband-wife?

We both have very strong views, and we don’t give in. But we should live and let live.

I love the fact that he is a wrestler because he has struggled to make a name for himself; he has seen a hard life. I saw one of his matches live in 2017 and though it scared me, I respected the fact that he loves his profession – wrestling. Our relationship has become calmer post-marriage. After our marriage, we have started loving each other more.