In a world obsessed with instant connections, whirlwind romances, and cinematic love stories, there’s a quieter, more enduring narrative that often gets overshadowed — the story of love that blossoms from friendship. For many Indian couples, this journey from confidants to companions has not just led to meaningful relationships but to partnerships that have withstood the test of time — and even made headlines.
As an entertainment journalist, I set out to explore the often underrated idea: Friendship Before Romance. And what I discovered was not just heartwarming stories but solid evidence that the strongest relationships are grounded in trust, mutual respect, and years of knowing each other — as friends first.
The Foundation of Forever: Why Friendship First Works
Friendship lays a foundation that romantic love sometimes skips in its rush. It brings honesty without pretense, the freedom to be your raw self, and shared experiences that help two people evolve together. Psychologists have long stated that couples who start as friends tend to have higher levels of marital satisfaction and communication. But let’s move beyond theory — India has seen powerful public examples of this very idea.
Real-Life Power Couples Who Started as Friends
- Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma – From Friends to #CoupleGoals
Before becoming India’s most celebrated power couple, Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma were friends — a connection that developed during a shampoo advertisement shoot in 2013. Their friendship grew over shared values and understanding of each other’s high-pressure careers. In several interviews, including with Filmfare and Hindustan Times, Anushka has reiterated that it was their friendship that helped them maintain balance in their relationship, despite constant media attention.
In a 2019 interview with India Today, Virat credited Anushka for grounding him emotionally and mentally, a sign that emotional friendship played a major role in their journey. Their fairytale wedding in Tuscany wasn’t just a spectacle but a culmination of a bond that began with casual conversation, shared meals, and mutual admiration.
- Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh – A Love Rooted in Laughter
Known for their electric chemistry on-screen, Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh built their relationship slowly — and as friends. Before “Ram-Leela” turned them into Bollywood’s most talked-about pair, the two often spent time understanding each other off the sets.
In an exclusive with The Indian Express, Deepika shared that Ranveer was her “best friend” before he became her partner. “He never tried to impress me; he just listened,” she said. Their friendship gave them the space to grow individually and together — and today, they are often cited as the most emotionally intelligent couple in the industry. They were recently honored at the 2023 Filmfare Glamour & Style Awards as the “Most Stylish Couple,” further showcasing their influence and bond.
When Friendship Beats Arranged Setup: The Case of Manoj Bajpayee and Shabana Raza (Neha)
Acclaimed actor Manoj Bajpayee and his wife Shabana Raza (formerly Neha) also share a friendship-first story. The two met during a film premiere in the late 1990s and instantly connected — not romantically, but emotionally. As Bajpayee shared in an interview with The Hindu, “We were friends for the longest time. I didn’t even realize when it turned into love.”
Their story stands as a strong testament that when romance takes a backseat, deeper understanding takes the wheel. Manoj, known for his raw, emotionally complex roles (including National Award-winning performances), has often cited his wife’s friendship as the “anchor” of his life.
College Friends Turned Entrepreneurs – A Delhi Love Story
Let’s step outside the film world and into the heart of Delhi University. Meet Anjali Mehra and Rajat Gupta, who met as batchmates at SRCC. Friends for years before even acknowledging feelings, the duo co-founded a startup in 2017 called Dastak – A Cultural Voice, promoting regional Indian literature and art.
Their journey from friends to lovers to business partners has been featured in The Times of India’s Young Entrepreneurs column. In 2021, Dastak received the Indian Cultural Impact Award by the Ministry of Culture. Their bond is proof that when two friends decide to build something meaningful, both love and legacy follow.
Science Says It Too: The Psychology of Friendship-First Love
A study by Dr. Danu Anthony Stinson of the University of Victoria, published in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, found that 68% of romantic relationships start from friendship. In India, where cultural expectations often drive arranged setups, couples who are friends first report greater emotional safety and lower divorce rates.
In an interview with The Hindu Weekend, Mumbai-based psychologist Dr. Renuka Hegde explained: “When love grows from friendship, there’s a shared memory base, conflict management skills, and a lack of performative pressure that romance often brings.”
Conclusion: Why Slow is Beautiful
In a society that’s speeding toward quick matches and dating apps, these stories remind us that slow love — rooted in long talks, goofy laughter, and shared chai — often wins. Whether it’s Anushka and Virat’s public admiration, Ranveer’s unfiltered love for Deepika, or entrepreneurs like Anjali and Rajat building dreams together, the message is loud and clear: Friendship is not just a chapter — it’s the prologue of lasting love.
So the next time you’re asked, “Are you just friends?” — smile, because history shows, that might just be the beginning of your best love story yet.
