Cricketers and their love stories are as interesting to know as their on-field life. Many people around the world disliked him or questioned his attitude for the way he took out his t-shirt at the famous Lord’s balcony but he is equally admired. Sourav Ganguly, when he hear the name, spells aggression. However, far from that there’s another side of Dada which probably most of us aren’t aware of, his romantic one.
Dada, the Prince of Kolkata, is happily married to his childhood love Dona Roy. Dada’s on-field life is filled with instances to remember, but the off-field one is also quite interesting.
Shuttlecock connection
Dada and his wife Dona’s love story began in childhood. It was a mutual feeling for Sourav and Dona. They knew each other from childhood and used to stay next to each other. As a kid, Dada would pass from Dona’s house or school several times only to spot her once. How lovely! But the duo had their first interaction when Dada along with his friends started playing badminton near her house. Whenever the shuttlecock would fall into her compound, Dona would get thrilled as she could then go to return it and see Sourav.
First date
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Happy anniversary mom dad …!!!! U r theeee best ..!!! #mom#dad#anniversary#19
The two started dating sometime later and went for their first date at a Kolkata restaurant called ‘Mandarin’. There, Dona was left in a complete shock as Sourav ordered too many dishes. As per a report in Indiatimes.com, Sourav ordered two plates of chowmein, two plates of fried rice, two plates of chilli chicken, an American Chopsuey and a plate of prawns. Hmm, that’s too much!
A stunned Dona asked Sourav, how much can two people eat? And also was surprised at how much food he can eat at a time.
Runaway couple
Image Source/ CricketCountry.com
Things then turned serious for both of them. Both their parents were against the union, especially Dona’s parents. As per the reports, Dona’s father had some problems with Ganguly family ages ago. Irrespective of all the obstacles, Sourav used to attend Dona’s dance performance and she too used to turn up for his matches.
Then India’s tour of England came. It was the best tour for Dada as he struck a century on his debut at Lord’s, followed by another at Trent Bridge. Soon, after returning to India, Sourav decided to get married to Dona, but with her parents opposing the match, the couple eloped and got married secretly at one of Sourav’s friend’s house (media also didn’t come to know) and decided to not tell to their respective families. But their efforts went in vain as media and their families got to know about the secret marriage. Although, both couple’s parents were angry but later, they gave in.
Wedding day
After knowing about Sourav and Dona’s wedding, their family gave a nod to their relation and arranged a formal wedding for the two on February 1, 1997, where the couple was blessed by their parents. Since then, the couple is happily married with a daughter, Sana.