By: Lifestyle DeskNew Delhi | January 19, 2026 02:00 PM IST 4 min readRaj Kundra on his marriage with Shilpa Shetty (Source: Instagram/Shilpa Shetty Kundra)Actor Shilpa Shetty and her husband, businessman Raj Kundra, are one of Bollywood’s most admired couples. In a recent conversation with Filmygyan, Raj candidly reflected on how relationships evolve and why sustaining them requires effort, maturity, and prioritisation.Sharing his perspective, he said, “Vo rishta hi kya jo pakad ke rakhna pade (What is the point of that relationship if you have to hold on to it). If love is there, it’s there. You don’t have to hold onto someone. If she’s yours, she’s gonna come back to you. If you have to let a person go, you’ve to let them live. Shilpa and I are the wind between each other’s wings. And, I think people have seen that over the last 15 years. There have been so many ups and downs. Yet, we have stood strong with each other.”Raj also described marriage as the “hardest thing”, explaining, “The love stays for around a year or two, and then it melts away. When you become a father and have kids, you take on responsibilities, and the ‘coochie-koo’ love lessens somewhere. You have to be realistic about it. We have to say we love each other, we are partners for life, we’re soulmates, we’re going to stick together.” He noted that many relationships falter because couples expect the early spark to last forever, when in fact it naturally shifts as responsibilities grow.Despite these challenges, Raj emphasised the importance of carving out time for each other. “Shilpa and I are very particular; we have our Friday night dates, where the husband and wife go out, and when the kids ask, ‘Where are you going?’ So we tell them, ‘Now it’s mom’s time.’ I always tell Shilpa that Indian parents tend to prioritise kids too much. I want to tell everyone that if you are in love, your kids will grow up and proceed with their lives, and by then you realise that you concentrated on them too much that your own relationship melted away.”Is it natural for the initial spark to fade, and how can couples keep their emotional connection alive during this phase?Counselling psychologist Athul Raj tells indianexpress.com, “The first years of love carry a natural rush — everything feels new, and attention flows easily. Over time, daily responsibilities move in quietly, and the early spark often shifts into a steadier rhythm. This is not a loss of love but a transition to a deeper form of connection. The couples who navigate this well are the ones who keep curiosity alive. That means continuing to ask about each other’s thoughts, feelings, and dreams, not just schedules and bills. A lingering hug at the end of a long day, sitting close while sharing a cup of tea, or noticing the small efforts your partner makes can keep intimacy alive. Love in this stage thrives on deliberate care, not automatic habit.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Shilpa Shetty Kundra (@theshilpashetty) What are some other simple yet effective practices couples can adopt to keep their bond strong over the years?Connection grows through the little things repeated over time. Couples can create their own rituals — a favourite morning drink together, a regular evening stroll, or cooking one meal side by side each week. “Physical closeness matters more than many realise; with my clients, I have seen how touch can reduce stress and create emotional safety. Laughter works the same way, building ease even during difficult times. Teasing playfully, sharing a funny video, or recalling a light-hearted memory can shift the mood instantly. Talking about future plans, however small, keeps couples feeling like they are moving forward together. These everyday habits, simple but consistent, are what make love last,” states Athul. For more lifestyle news, click here to join our WhatsApp Channel and also follow us on Instagram© IE Online Media Services Pvt Ltd