The age gap

“It’s scientifically proven that if you like the same kind of music, you are meant to be,” smiles Tarana. “Because it’s such an emotional hook in our life,” adds Gaurav.

The fact that Gaurav grew up listening to what was playing in the ’80s and the ’90s, which is retro music for Tarana, can be a bit unnerving. “When (band members) Tapan and Karsh come over, we play hours of ’80s music,” explains Gaurav and Tarana cuts in: “I can’t deal with the ’80s anymore.”

He pushes her to deliver the best, his experience in the music industry making him an honest critic. She inspires him on a creative level.

“He always has a vision of where something is going and I immediately know what he’s talking about and can compose it,” says Tarana. This synergy is quite visible in the studio.

Of course, it’s stressful too. Both are perfectionists. “A high level of skill comes with a strong sense of what you think is right,” explains Gaurav.

Your favourite piece of each other’s work?

Tarana: Naina Laagey. Gaurav: Little On e.

The one relationship rule you follow? Tarana: No hitting below the belt.

Gaurav: And no raising your voice.

A lockdown learning? Gaurav: Patience. Tarana: That I can go for walks!

Success mantra

The realisation that they were a power couple arrived shortly after they started dating and did the Made In Heaven (2019) soundtrack together. “The filmmakers didn’t want someone from Bollywood to do it, and doing the soundtrack felt right. How long can I continue to dance in front of 100 people every other week?” laughs Gaurav.

The success of the soundtrack changed the dynamics for them. “Gaurav Raina can’t do what he does without Tarana Marwah. We now work as a powerful couple who deliver solid life-changing stuff,” he says.

And to those who say Tarana knew just the right person to date? “I know merit brought me where I am,” says Tarana. “If I don’t bring something to this level, it won’t work.”

Is the 19-year age difference ever an issue? After all, Gaurav is 46 and Tarana is 27. “The big issue with an age gap boils down to the roles you play. But that’s not a thing with us,” says Tarana.

Of course, some people thought she was crazy to date a man almost 20 years older than herself. But close family and friends have only been accepting.

“Today people are what they are and they will do what they want,” says Tarana. “If you are self-aware, how can you not be supportive of people doing so well together?”

Gaurav on the other hand, was told that he was having a mid-life crisis. “But a year later they saw how happy I was!” he grins.

The two of them work so well because he is young at heart and she is mature for her age. “So our mental wavelengths match,” Tarana laughs.

They’ve been dating for five years and moved in together right before lockdown. So, of course, there are fights. Who wins?

“We both lose,” they snigger collectively.

karishma.kuenzang@hindustantimes.com Follow @kkuenzang on Twitter and Instagram