‘Didn’t want to wake up our parents’: Bhagyashree on 35 years of date nights with husband Himalaya and staying connected through long-distance

The actor also recalled their early days as a couple, describing the unique way they expressed their love when they couldn’t meet freely. “We used to come at night, and we didn’t want to wake up our parents. So we used to go to the kitchen and make sandwiches. He used to sit on the kitchen countertop, and I used to keep on cooking, and he used to feed me. And that was our romance.” 

Even after marriage, when they had to spend time apart, she made sure to stay connected. “When I was pregnant with Avantika, he had opened a factory in Madras. At that time, there was no mobile phone; there was a trunk call. There was only one phone in our hall room. Papa was sitting there. How could we talk? We could not talk. Once I said, ‘I’m missing you.’ As soon as I hung up the phone, my father-in-law scolded me. He said, ‘Missing you? Wahan pe kya khelne ke liye gaya hai? Missing you bologe ko wapas bhaag ke aane ki ichcha hogi. So, after that day, I used to write him a letter every day,” she revealed. 

 

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How important is it for couples in long-term relationships to continue dating each other, and what are some creative ways to do so?

Sonal Khangarot, licensed rehabilitation counsellor and psychotherapist, The Answer Room, says, “Consistently making time for date nights with your spouse is essential for maintaining emotional connection and preventing complacency in a relationship. Engaging in activities that evoke the excitement of early courtship helps rekindle romance and strengthen bonds. Research from the Institute for Family Studies suggests that couples who prioritise date nights tend to experience higher marital satisfaction and stability.”

Here are some creative ways to keep the dating spirit alive, she notes:

• Explore New Hobbies Together: Trying new activities fosters shared experiences and personal growth.
• Surprise Gestures: Thoughtful, unexpected acts — such as a handwritten note or a spontaneous outing — can reignite excitement.
• Schedule Quality Time: Setting aside dedicated time despite busy schedules reinforces commitment and deepens connection.

Can small, intimate gestures like handwritten letters strengthen emotional connections in modern relationships?

In today’s digital era, Khangarot states that the personal touch of handwritten letters holds profound significance. “Bhagyashree’s practice of writing daily letters to Himalay during periods of separation exemplifies this. Such intimate gestures convey deep thoughtfulness and effort, fostering a unique emotional closeness. The tactile nature of a letter can evoke nostalgia and a sense of being cherished, elements sometimes lost in instant digital communication.​”