Honeymoon Album 2.0

10 years and three kids later, actors Samita and Ashish Chowdhry went to the Maldives to rekindle their romance. Here are a few Snapchat-worthy moments to remember

In a social-media universe, can Twitter help a couple redefine their idea of a holiday? Actor Ashish Chowdhry seems to be a firm believer. Early last month, he stumbled upon a gorgeous picture of a then-unidentified island, which nestled in its midst a gorgeous resort with private villas, pools and more. Tweeting the picture, he asked his followers if they knew where this ‘paradise’ lay. A week later, Ashish and his wife Samita Bangargi were on a seaplane to the picturesque Huvahendhoo island in the Maldives. For the couple, the dream vacation was a second honeymoon. They’ve been married for ten years, and have three kids – son Agastya and twin daughters, Salara and Sammah. They left their kids with Ashish’s parents and took off.

Soon enough, their pics hashtagged #livingitup, #rejuvenation, #beauty started doing the rounds. “It’s a crazy life at home, with the kids, work commitments, and we’re in the middle of shifting houses,” says Samita, as Ashish adds, “I hardly ever take holidays. Even when I’m shooting abroad, I never extend my trips. This holiday was like pressing the restart button.”

Interestingly, the pristine beauty in their pictures is almost overshadowed by the couple’s crackling chemistry and fit physiques. Chowdhry is a known gym rat, but how does Samita keep herself so fit after three kids? “I’m a fan of functional training and crossfit. While I don’t diet, my metabolism isn’t the same as before, so I eat healthy. Ashish’s obsession is inspiring,’’ she says.

The couple has been together for nearly two decades, but Samita says that they’re as different as chalk and cheese and spar on many issues – he’s obsessive about cleanliness while she’s messy; she loves to party while he’s more a family guy. Throughout it all, they’ve found a method to the madness. When Samita lazed on the sundeck, the adventurous husband indulged in jet blading. Together, they snorkelled to the depths of the ocean, discovering coral reefs and colourful marine life. “We’re beyond those initial issues of trust and jealousy that plague couples. Now, our fights centre around the kids,” says Ashish. Their secret to a successful relationship has been a combination of mutual sacrifice, compromise, respect and understanding. “Weird as it may sound, I don’t believe in ‘love’. Because if that’s the only driving emotion, it will fizzle out soon when you live together,” he adds.

“I do not believe in love... if that's the only driving emotion, it'll fizzle out soon.” ASHISH CHOWDHRY

LAID OUT NICELY “I get a very bad tan,” says Samita, who spent most of the time on the lounge chair, while Ashish chilled in the pool. “Holidays are incomplete without a tan,” he says

KISS AND TELL The gorgeous background called for a cheesy, romantic picture. ‘‘The picture was staged, but the feelings weren’t,’’ says Ashish

BUBBLING UNDER THE SURFACE When they went snorkelling, “The experience was almost meditative,” says Samita

THE FUN OF FLYING Ashish calls Samita a big fattu when it comes to flying. “She actually prays before take off and landing, it’s very cute,” he says

WALKING ON WATER Adventure junkie Ashish tried out flyboarding for the first time. It's a watersport that involves balancing midair on a ski that is powered by a speedboat. “Once I got the hang of it, I continued for nearly three hours."

GUNS AND POSES Most pictures were clicked by their butler. But despite the lack of professional photography, the chemistry shone through. “Samita’s a natural poser, so she just tells me what to do,” says Ashish

WALK THE TALK Spending quality time comprised of long, peaceful walks and romantic, candlelight dinners

LOVE ME TENDER, LOVE ME TRUE Ashish and Samita get into the mood for love by a blue, blue lagoon

PIER PRESSURE: Samita strikes a pose by the pier