Runaway couple — Smitha Rao and Karan Rao

Smitha: It’s my first Valentine’s Day with Karan. So, it’s very special to me. I would love to fly him down to Goa for a day and celebrate it. I don’t think that may work out. Of course, my ideal Valentine celebration would involve a private jet, where my man would fly me off to a beautiful secluded island and spend the whole day with me. People must celebrate this day. In this fast-paced life, such days are imperative, where one invests time to plan and do something for their loved one.
Karan: A nice romantic dinner is what I am planning for Smitha. Although, I would love to drive away into the sunset and give the girl the time of her life. And even the smallest surprise by her would make me very happy on Valentine’s Day. It’s the day of romance.

Apurv Nagpal — Corporate head honcho

This Valentine’s Day will be celebrated by spending time in making a lot of adjustments and lots of compromises (laughs). Jokes apart, I believe in all days where people can celebrate time together. This year, we are not doing anything special. But the best Valentine celebration was at the Palace of the Lost Worlds, Suncity in 2003. It’s one of the most expensive places to stay in. Our child was with the babysitter. My wife Ritu and I took off for gambling and partying. The ideal celebration would of course be at home, just two of us, minus the kids, fine wine and a nice movie. 

 RJ Rohit Barker and Pashmina Barker (model)

Rohit: I am playing at a club, unfortunately. That’s the way our life is. On New Year, Christmas and Valentine’s Day, when everybody is partying, we are working. On weekends, when everyone is having a blast, we are working. But the impact and significance of Valentine’s Day has not changed for us post marriage. You actually shouldn’t let it. I remember a time when I blocked an entire boutique-resort, just to ourselves. That’s one of the most memorable Valentine’s Day for me.
Pashmina: Rohit is working. But I will be with him throughout. I will probably cook a surprise meal for him over the coming weekend. After courting each other for fourteen long years, we got married. It’s been four years now. Surprises keep a marriage going. 

Anitha Kholay —  Car rallyist

Valentine’s Day is important to me as it changed my whole life. Fifteen years ago, Rupesh, who was my boyfriend then, proposed to me on Valentine’s Day. I was in school then! He gave me a card with his deepest feeling written on it. I was so touched, I said ‘Yes’.  I am actually surprised at my maturity level then. We have been married for seven years now. We either go to a happening party or do a quiet dinner on Valentine’s Day and this is what we will be doing this time too. Perhaps, we will travel to the Australian countryside next year for Valentine’s Day. But the day will always be close to my heart.

Lourd Vijay —  Ace dancer

I am performing at a bash in Bangalore. Yes, I am busy and boring (laughs). Honestly speaking, Valentine’s Day doesn’t make a difference to my life. Back in college, it was a fashion statement. It was a ‘big’ day for boys to spend time with their girlfriends and give them gifts. It’s so overrated in India. Valentine’s Day is a money-making racket. Roses become so expensive on February 14. If I had a girlfriend, I would rather gift her roses the next day.

Pankaj Advani —Billiards champion

I am celebrating the day on the table (laughs). I am playing a tournament in Mumbai. I don’t have a girlfriend. But my ideal celebration would be with actress Catherine Zeta-Jones on the Eiffel Tower in Paris! She’s perfect.