Riteish Deshmukh and Genelia Deshmukh, married in 2012 after dating for nine years, are a beloved Bollywood couple with two sons. Despite their long relationship, few know that Riteish had to touch Genelia’s feet eight times as part of a ritual during their Maharashtrian wedding.
The couple had appeared on a ‘shaadi special’ episode of Super Dancer Chapter 4. During a performance of ‘Maahi Ve,’ Genelia became emotional, sharing with the contestant that it reminded her of her own wedding with Riteish.
Genelia revealed a unique tradition from her Maharashtrian wedding, where Riteish had to touch her feet eight times as part of a ritual. This gesture was both admirable and a refreshing break from patriarchal norms, reflecting equality and mutual respect in their relationship.The actress reflected on the contrast between modern weddings and traditional ones, describing modern ceremonies as more like parties. She expressed gratitude for experiencing a traditional wedding and shared that her vidaai was an emotional moment for her.
In Maharashtrian weddings, a ritual involving men touching their wife’s feet often sparks debate. Vikrant Massey faced criticism for touching his wife Sheetal’s feet during Karwa Chauth. In an interview, he admitted feeling hurt when hate comments reached him through Sheetal but strives not to let it affect him deeply.
Bhojpuri star Ravi Kishan once shared that he touches his wife’s feet daily, as well as his daughters’, whom he considers Laxmi in his life. He admitted to doing so discreetly while they sleep, as they wouldn’t allow it otherwise. In 2013, he even touched his wife’s feet on Karwa Chauth, expressing his deep respect for women and a desire to be reborn as a woman in his next life.
