Riteish, Genelia's relationship in rough waters

Everyone in B-Town knows that Riteish Deshmukh and Genelia D'Souza have been going around for the last five years, ever since they acted together in their debut film, Tujhe Meri Kasam (2003). Says a source, "Riteish and Genelia are seriously committed to each other. But the reason they have not come out in the open about their relationship is that his high-profile political family doesn't approve. The Deshmukhs want Riteish to marry a girl from their community. Only a Maratha bahu will do for them.

The biggest problem Riteish faces is that Genelia D'Souza is not only not from their own community (Maratha) but being an Anglo-Indian Christian; is from a different religion, too. Says the source, "Genelia's parents are cool about the relationship but Riteish has been facing stiff opposition from his parents. It is a big issue now that his older brother Amit got married earlier this year. They want Riteish, now 30, to settle down as well. Because Riteish doesn't want to hurt his parents both he and Genelia are not coming out in the open."

Earlier this year, Vilasrao's eldest son, Amit got married to Aditi Pratap Ghorpade, the daughter of Bangalore-based businessman Pratap Ghorpade, who belongs to a family of Marathas settled in the South centuries ago. Vilasrao and Vaishali gave their blessings to this reunion because the girl is a Maratha. According to the source, "Genelia has met Ritiesh's brothers and they like her. But they can't push his case at home, as it is a very sensitive topic, one that can impact Riteish"s dad, who is the Chief Minister of Maharashtra."

Riteish brushes aside the query of his family's disapproval with, "I am not getting married now so the question of my parents disapproving or further discussions are baseless and don't arise. These are just rumours. I am happy to be single." He goes on to claim that his parents being unhappy with his choice because they want someone from their own community is not significant because, "My marriage is not an issue with my parents and when it happens, I will let you know." Genelia D'Souza remained unavailable for comment.