Dubai Works Its Magic On Actors Genelia & Riteish Deshmukh -- Find Out How!

Just like most of us, Indian regional cinema and Bollywood’s beloved couple—Genelia and Riteish Deshmukh—keeps returning to Dubai for its endless offerings. On one such visit, the duo takes Travel+Leisure India & South Asia behind the scenes of their real-life holidays and reveals why Dubai is the ultimate destination for family getaways.

Produced by Bayar Jain & Ishika Laul
Photography by Tarun Khiwal
Assisted by Abhishek Verma and Hussam Nawabzada
Styled by Pranay Jaitly & Shounak Amonkar (Who Wore What When)
Assisted by Shubham Jawanjal and Chaitanya Balwant

For Genelia
Hair and Makeup by Audrey Sangma

For Riteish
Hair by Arsalan Shaikh
Makeup by Nitin Pandurang Indulkar

Location: Dubai

I’m on my third trip to Dubai. The global holiday destination has served up diverse and unique backdrops for many Travel+Leisure India & South Asia cover shoots. And this time, I’m in the company of the Indian movie industry and social media’s favourite family, the Deshmukhs, our cover stars for June.

Exploring Dubai with Genelia & Riteish Deshmukh

“It’s always good fun to be in Dubai. There’s always something new happening here,” says Riteish as we prepare for the first shot at AYA Universe, the city’s latest multimedia experience theme park that opened to the public on December 17, 2022. “The same day as my birthday,” Riteish beams as he takes in the hypnotic light projections and tranquil music. His partner Genelia stands alongside, sporting her signature smile.

Located within Wafi Mall, the massive 40,000 square-foot AYA Universe promises an otherworldly experience in each of the 12 rooms. The ethereal journey starts at The Source, where a six-minute light show comes with a touch reactive dome and projections that pulsate with music. At Celestia, light beams are activated by touch, and a 12-minute show takes you through icy interstellar rings. The magic continues at The Falls, where a real waterfall runs upside down. For the first frame, however, we park ourselves at Harmonia, an infinite mirror room that puts on a light show that dances in robotic symphony.

As the red, green, white, and yellow lights flicker, I slip into a hypnotic trance. The fusion of art and technology has never looked so engaging. On cue, Genelia says, “Riteish introduced me to art; he’s really into it. Ever since he took us to a museum on our honeymoon, I’ve fallen in love with art, too! Today, when we vacation with our sons (Riaan and Rahyl), we make it a point to visit museums.” I can’t help but wonder whether this is an interest they picked up from their architect-turned-actor dad.

“Both are like him!” sulks the kids’ Aai. Baba cheekily adds, “But both like me!” Despite the playful banter, the two work as a team. Riteish explains, “Even if we both disagree with something, we talk about it amongst ourselves and not in front of the kids.” In true team spirit, Genelia adds, “Yes. We give each other the space to be parents.”

I’m equal parts touched and awed by this camaraderie. I watch as the two lovebirds exchange sweet nothings between every shot. He lends his shoulders as she steps off her high heels. She waits patiently during his solo shots. How do they achieve a work-life balance since both of them have a packed schedule, I ask. “We’re both extremely clear on giving our kids time. While we want them to know that we go to work and life is not a party, we also make it a point to spend time with them as soon as work ends,” says Genelia, as we move towards SLS Dubai Hotel & Residences—the team’s home during the trip—for the second leg of the shoot. Here, comfort and luxury take over.

Located in the Downtown district, the 75-storey tower promises 360° views of the city and plenty of family-friendly offerings. While the two infi nity pools of the roof command incomparable city views, 254 expertly designed hotel rooms and 321 hotel apartments promise opulence. The dining options including the contemporary steakhouse Carna by Dario Cecchini; sultry cigar lounge Smoke & Mirrors; lobby-level mixology lounge S Bar; Los Angeles-inspired cafe EllaMia; rooftop nightlife venue Privilege; and the Italian restaurant Fi’lia run by women.

Is the city girl in Genelia excited by all these options, I am curious. “Riteish would always say that he’s had a great upbringing in Latur [a village in Maharashtra]. Being a city girl, I never understood this. Today, I’m glad that I can give my kids an upbringing like his—one that is a mix of city and village life, both,” she says, adding, “It’s important to understand the competitive world of the city while also being one with nature.” No wonder then that the couple hopes to take their children to Northeast India or Kenya’s iconic Maasai Mara for the next family vacation.

“Vacations, however, can get very tiring. These children have so much energy that at times, we need a holiday after a holiday!” jokes an exhausted father. In Dubai, however, these fast-paced adventures can be tweaked to suit all ages. You can slow down at Dubai Creek with a ride on a traditional ferry boat known as abra; groove and glide across the Olympic-sized ice-skating rink in Dubai Mall; make a splash at the Aquaventure Waterpark; enjoy friendly tee offs at Topgolf Dubai; and more— the choice is never-ending! Riteish sums it up well, “Dubai is special since you always have a fun time, whether you come alone, with your wife, or kids. It’s a great family destination!”

As we pack up the shoot, I watch the parents take a breather in the magnificent lobby on the 71st floor of SLS Dubai Hotel & Residences. Moments later, two boys rush out of the lift with their grandparents in tow. “Baba, look! We bought these new shoes at Dubai Mall,” the younger one squeals. And just like that, the two tired parents get recharged to take on the world again.

Getting to Dubai

Emirates offers multiple direct flights to Dubai from all the major cities in India.

Staying in Dubai

Located in Dubai’s Downtown district, the 75-storeyed SLS Dubai Hotel & Residences boasts expansive views of the Dubai creek as well as uninterrupted visuals of Burj Khalifa. Indoors, 254 hotel rooms, 321 hotel apartments, multiple signature culinary concepts, and more await. Doubles from INR 28,050 per night.

Paramount Hotel Dubai celebrates Hollywood-style living in the heart of Dubai’s Business Bay district. When here, find Hollywood-themed rooms, Californian-inspired cuisine, and unequivocal entertainment. Doubles from INR 11,220 per night.

Related: Discovering Hatta, The Adventurous Hub Of Dubai, With Actor Siddhant Chaturvedi

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