Famous Bollywood choreographer and filmmaker Remo D’Souza is no stranger to making headlines, be it for his incredible dance routines or for his unique life choices. From embracing Christianity while his entire family stayed Hindu to secretly marrying thrice, his life has been an inspiring blend of bold decisions and personal transformation.
Born as Ramesh Gopi Nair: The Early Life of Remo D’Souza
Born into a strict Hindu family with seven members, Remo’s birth name was Ramesh Gopi Nair. His father, a disciplinarian from the Air Force, had firm principles but showed remarkable openness when his son decided to convert to Christianity. Speaking about this transformative decision, Remo revealed, “The teachings of Jesus Christ deeply influenced my father and mother. When I expressed my desire to convert, they simply encouraged me to follow my beliefs. But they remained Hindu, while I became the only Christian in my family.”
This decision set the stage for many more unconventional choices in Remo’s life.
A Choreographer’s Journey That Led to Three Marriages
While his journey to success in Bollywood is well-documented, his personal life remained relatively low-profile until recently. Remo and his wife Liezel have been married not once but three times, each ceremony symbolizing a distinct phase of their lives.
The First Marriage: A Quiet Beginning
In his twenties, Remo was just starting his career. The couple’s love story led them to marry in a simple temple ceremony. At that time, they decided to keep their union a secret. Remo stated, “I was just 25, and Liezel became a mother at 21. At such a young age, I wasn’t ready to announce my marriage or fatherhood. Only close friends like Hansal Mehta and Anubhav Sinha knew about it.”
The Second Marriage: A Church Blessing
Months after their first child was born, Remo and Liezel had their second wedding in a church. This ceremony was significant as it followed their son’s baptism, a Christian tradition. Liezel shared that her mother insisted on a proper church wedding, especially since their son now represented the faith. The church ceremony was intimate but meaningful, with their baby becoming part of this momentous event.
The Third Marriage: Celebrating 20 Years Together
Twenty years later, Remo surprised his wife with their third wedding on their anniversary. This celebration was an affirmation of their enduring love and partnership. For the couple, these multiple weddings became milestones that reflect their evolving relationship, not just rituals.
Challenges of a Young Father and Husband
Marrying young and becoming a father at 25 wasn’t easy for Remo. His budding career added immense pressure to his personal life. Despite these challenges, he credits his wife Liezel for her unwavering support.
At one point, the couple had to face judgments from people who doubted their relationship, given their contrasting personalities and different cultural backgrounds. But the two stood strong, proving that love transcends societal norms.
Embracing Privacy While Celebrating Milestones
Even though Remo kept his first marriage a secret for a long time, he acknowledges the significance of his family in his life. Over time, as his professional journey flourished, he chose to become more vocal about his milestones, inspiring many with his stories.
His rise from a background of modest means to becoming one of the most celebrated choreographers in Bollywood shows a rare balance between ambition and personal values.
Beyond Personal Life: Remo’s Contributions to Bollywood
While his personal life has drawn attention, Remo’s work in Bollywood remains at the forefront. His directorial ventures, like ABCD (Any Body Can Dance) and its sequel, not only showcased his choreography skills but also highlighted his ability to tell stories that resonate with audiences.
As a judge on popular dance reality shows, Remo has been instrumental in shaping many young dancers’ careers, a testament to his dedication to his craft.
A Story That Inspires Change and Courage
Remo D’Souza’s journey reflects courage, faith, and resilience. From his decision to convert religions as a young man to standing by his family amid societal pressures, his story serves as an inspiration for those who wish to stay true to themselves.
