In a candid conversation, actor Manish Goel shared insights into his romantic journey with his wife, Poonam Goel. Their relationship, which has flourished over two decades, is marked by initial rejection and eventual acceptance, highlighting the complexities of love intertwined with personal histories.

Background

Manish Goel, known for his recent role in Rajan Shahi's popular television series Anupamaa, has been married to Poonam Goel for over 23 years. The couple's love story began on the sets of Kasauti Zindagi Kay, where they first met. Notably, their relationship did not include a traditional courtship period, which adds a unique dimension to their love story.

Initial Rejection

Proposal by Manish's Mother

During the interaction, Manish recounted how his mother played a pivotal role in introducing him to Poonam. He revealed that she directly proposed to Poonam, suggesting she become a part of their family by marrying Manish. This public proposal did not sit well with Poonam, who felt uncomfortable with such a direct approach.

Poonam’s Initial Hesitation

Poonam expressed her disinterest, stating, "You are NOT my type." This rejection stemmed from Manish's past, which included a reputation for being popular and having dated multiple women. Manish humorously recalled their banter during this period, where he reassured Poonam that he was not her type either, indicating a playful dynamic between them.

The Turning Point

The Proposal

Two months after the initial encounter, Manish experienced a change of heart and decided to propose to Poonam. He approached her with a serious intention, stating, "I want to get married to you." Poonam's response was one of disbelief, questioning his sanity. However, Manish persisted, clarifying that he was genuinely interested in marrying her.

Acceptance Delay

Despite his earnest proposal, Poonam took six months to accept it. Her hesitation was influenced by her awareness of Manish's past relationships and popularity within the industry. Manish acknowledged this concern, explaining that he had been involved with many people but was ready to settle down.

The Moment of Acceptance

Poonam's Call

A significant moment in their story occurred when Manish received a phone call from Poonam while he was filming a scene with Urvashi Dholakia. This was a pivotal moment as Poonam conveyed her acceptance of his proposal, saying, "It's a yes." Manish was overjoyed and recalled the date—April 30, 2002—when she finally agreed to marry him.

Engagement and Marriage

Following Poonam's acceptance, the couple moved quickly, getting engaged just seven days later and marrying within the same year. Their marriage has since been characterized by mutual support and understanding, resulting in a family with two children.

Current Endeavors

Manish Goel has recently made a comeback to television after a hiatus of three and a half years, taking on the role of Raghav in Anupamaa. Despite facing initial backlash from fans of the previous character, Gaurav Khanna, Manish is gradually winning over the audience. Meanwhile, Gaurav Khanna has recently achieved recognition by winning the trophy of Celebrity Master Chef.

Conclusion

Manish Goel's love story with Poonam is a testament to the unpredictable nature of relationships, where initial rejection can lead to a deep and lasting bond. Their journey from playful banter to a committed marriage exemplifies the importance of understanding and patience in love. As they continue to navigate their personal and professional lives, their enduring partnership remains a source of inspiration.