Sudhanshu Pandey on his marriage with Mona Pandey: 'She was possessive about me...'

In sharp contrast to the much-harried, twice-married husband in the hugely popular TV serial, Anupamaa, Sudhanshu Pandey is happily married to Mona. The Free Press Journal caught up with the actor for a chat about his love story.

When and how did you meet your better half?

I met Mona, my wife, for the first time for a photoshoot for an international fashion show. It was handled by my wife’s agency.

Who played Cupid?

My friend Puneet Kalia, who lives in Canada now, I haven’t met him for a long time, but the credit goes to him.

What was your reaction when you saw Mona for the first time?

My first memory of meeting her was when I had called the agency to ask for my cheque. Mona received the call and said we have already paid you. And I did not believe it because I didn’t remember that I had already spent the money. So she said, ‘Why don’t you come to the agency, I’ll show you your signed receipt.’ We started with an argument, but I liked her from the moment I saw her.

Did you think the bells began tolling immediately or did it happen later?

I don’t think the bell started tolling immediately, but we were attracted to each other.

What did you like about your partner when you first met her?

Her eyes. Mona has big eyes.

Did you guys exchange numbers?

Yes, I asked her for her number. She lived in South Delhi while I was in Central Delhi living with a friend. Thereafter, I got in touch with her. Mobile phones weren’t around yet, so we spoke on the landline.

How many times a day do you guys speak to each other?

I would speak to her once or twice a day because we would have to walk to a PCO to make a call. We had long conversations once or twice a day.

Did you keep thinking about her after you came home?

Yes, I did. I wanted to meet her again, and I was the first one to take the initiative to fix a date. She took some time to agree to it, but, finally, she said yes.

Where did you guys go for your first date?

I don’t remember exactly which was the place we went for our first date, but I do remember that we used to go to one particular South Indian restaurant in Defence Colony, Delhi, very often.

Did you guys go Dutch?

I was making money as I was a model, and whatever I used to always pick up the tab.

Did you take any gifts for her on your first date?

Mona likes chocolates, and I made sure I took some for her each time.

Who said I love you first?

It’s been so many years. I don’t even remember who said I love you first. We were in love, and we knew that we wanted to carry this forward. But I must have said I love you first.

Who is more possessive?

Mona was possessive about me, understandably, because I am in a glamorous profession. But with the passage of time, the possessiveness faded into the background. Now it is very peaceful.

Who’s the funnier one between the two?

I guess I am. I don’t have a wicked sense of humour, but I can play with words. Or so people tell me.

Who is the cleanliness freak between the two?

Both of us are cleanliness freaks in a big way.

Who blows a fuse easily?

Mona is short-tempered, and I am hot-tempered. If I come across something unethical, I get very angry.

Did Mona and you fight during your courtship days?

No, the only bone of contention was how long we should wait to get married. So, to put a full stop to the doubts and ensuing arguments, we got married.

Who proposed marriage?

Mona was the first to broach the subject of marriage. She wanted to ensure that the relationship was not frivolous. When she proposed, I readily agreed, and a year after our engagement, we got married.

Did you face opposition when you were ready to marry?

My mom was not very happy because she felt I was not of a marriageable age. But all that is now in the past, and now there is love, respect, and happiness in our family.