Television actor Arjun Bijlani's wife Neha Swami has opened up about the couple's unconventional love story, recalling how Arjun asked her to be his girlfriend with a near-zero window for deliberation — long before he had even launched his acting career. Neha shared these details on Puja Banerjee's podcast, offering a candid look at a relationship that has now spanned 22 years.

How They First Met

Neha revealed that their first encounter was almost accidental. She had come to Mumbai for a holiday and was staying at her aunt's house when she crossed paths with Arjun just an hour or two before she was due to collect her visa. At that point, Arjun had not yet begun his acting career, and Neha herself was not working professionally at the time.

The two did not immediately begin a relationship. It was only later that Arjun managed to get her phone number through a mutual friend and made his intentions unmistakably clear.

The 'Say Yes Right Now' Proposal

'He says, I want to be your boyfriend. You have to say yes right now,' Neha recalled on the podcast, describing the directness of Arjun's approach. Taken aback, she asked him what he did for a living. His candid response was that he was not doing anything at the time, but added, 'But if you say yes, I will work for you. I'll do everything for you.'

Neha said it was precisely the earnestness of those words that eventually won her over. Even so, when she asked for a moment to consider, Arjun was insistent — she had to answer then and there. Once she agreed, he announced that they were officially girlfriend and boyfriend and told her, 'From now on, you'll call me baby.'

Arjun Bijlani Reflects on 22 Years Together

Arjun, who appeared alongside Neha in a video segment on the podcast, spoke warmly about their enduring bond. 'We have been together for 22 years. And I think she's an amazing wife,' he said. He further credited Neha for standing by him during the most uncertain phase of his career, saying, 'The most amazing wife for supporting me, being with me when I was a nobody. And she still loves me as much as she did 22 years ago.'

The couple married in May 2013 after dating for several years. They welcomed their son, Ayaan, in January 2015. Over the years, both have spoken frequently about the mutual support that has defined their relationship through different seasons of life.

Why the Story Resonates

Arjun Bijlani is best known for his roles in popular Hindi television serials and his appearances on reality shows, making him a recognisable face for a wide audience. The couple's story — rooted in a pre-fame, no-frills promise of devotion — has drawn considerable warmth from fans and followers. Notably, candid podcast conversations by celebrity couples have emerged as a significant format for fan engagement, offering an intimacy that scripted interviews rarely deliver.