A Model Marriage - Jessica Gomes And Neeraj Surana

Both of them come from the beauty and entertainment industry, with demanding professional and social schedules. They are equally good looking and have earned considerable fame and name. Married with two children, they are very much in love.

In times when relationships are made, bred and broken on social media platforms, educationist Jessica Gomes Surana and fitness expert Neeraj Surana (both also models) are an example of tenacity, patience, and, most importantly, deep friendship that have made their marriage a success story. It is said that in the modelling circuit few relationships bloom into love and even fewer blossom into marriage. Jessica and Neeraj have not only beaten the average but are very happily married.

The two met while working as models. One night sitting in the lobby of a city hotel, Jessica blurted out her feelings. “Neeraj had said that he had a crush on a girl! Before anything else happened, I decided to reveal my feelings for him. I always liked his simplicity, respect for family and the fact that he was not an extrovert. Of course I had wondered whether I could live with a man who checks himself out in the mirror and says ‘How can anyone be so good looking’! But I guess that comes with being a model,” laughs Jessica.

For his part, Neeraj liked the fact that in spite of being in the glamour industry, Jessica was grounded and real. “She is a caring person and I connected with that. She has her head firmly on her shoulders and knows how to carry herself. I respect her and admire her strength of mind,” Neeraj says.

Married for six years now, with two kids – 4-year-old Vivaan and 2-year-old Kiara – Neeraj and Jessica have of course seen rough times too. However, they have given each other enough space and companionship to weather the storm. “As a couple, you have to be patient. You need to put your ego aside and step down for a while if you are having an argument. It does not always have to be about who won and who lost; it’s a step forward to step down and let the other person have their say. Couples talk too much and listen less. For us, the key is to be good listeners to remain good partners,” reflects Neeraj.

Jessica was already a part-time teacher and wrote several columns, while Neeraj was pursuing fitness goals. Although both enjoy a flourishing career in modelling, they realised the importance of diversifying. Neeraj is operations director at a fitness centre, as well as one of the most sought after models, and Jessica is the young principal of Loreto Convent, Entally. How has it been from being together as models and now as professionals pursuing different careers? “Whether it’s before or after marriage, people need space to grow as individuals. Between Jessica and me, there are no hard and fast rules about working or not working. As parents, our priorities change and we have decided that if the need arises, then one person can always stay at home and look after the kids. Why should a woman leave her career after she is married? It’s always a mutual decision about family matters,” says Neeraj.

To young couples in modelling who are ready to take the leap and tie the knot, Neeraj says, “Find solutions to problems. There is no relationship without ups and down, so don’t give up. Talk it out. Stay in it and face the situation.” Jessica adds, “Be true to yourself. Give it your best shot so that if anything happens you know you have given all your effort.”

Jessica says, “From being in a relationship to being married, it’s a gradual build-up of maturity, a sense of responsibility and understanding.

"When you are dating, you are with each other for only so many hours
in a day. Marriage changes the definition of love – you are waking
up with the same person every day! You discover a whole new person.
What you need to do is to balance your expectation from each other
and accept who the other person is.”

Will they ever want their children to join the modelling industry? “That’s up to them. We want our children to be strong, independent and caring people. They will decide which profession they want to follow,” Jessica and Neeraj nod in agreement. 

And they conclude, “Have no regrets. From love to marriage, the transition is all about living with the grey areas of life and becoming stronger with each other by your side.”