Alia Bhatt's admiration for Ranbir Kapoor began long before they shared screen space or even had a proper conversation. It's a tale of a childhood crush that blossomed into a beautiful, enduring love story, culminating in marriage and parenthood. The actress has openly admitted to having "loved" Ranbir even before actually meeting him, hinting at a deep connection and perhaps a touch of destiny.

Her first encounter with Ranbir was when she was just 11 years old. She had gone to audition for Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s movie Black, where Ranbir was working as an assistant director. Although she describes it as a mere "crush" at the time, the impact was significant enough to stay with her. In fact, Alia has stated that she felt an "instant attraction" to him then.

Years later, Alia's feelings hadn't faded. During an appearance on Koffee with Karan, she didn't hesitate to name Ranbir when asked which Bollywood actor she would choose for her swayamvar. She even confessed that Ranbir was the only actor she could imagine having a "hot scene" with. This open admiration was more than just a celebrity crush; it seemed to be a genuine and heartfelt connection that she felt even from afar.

The turning point in their relationship came when they started working together on the film Brahmastra. As fate would have it, their romance began on a flight to Tel Aviv for a workshop. Ranbir humorously recalls that "the first day, it was on." Alia has also spoken about this pivotal flight, mentioning that she and Ranbir were seated together, and despite some initial seat issues, they "exchanged notes," and the vibe was undeniable.

Since then, their relationship has grown stronger with each passing year. In 2022, Alia described herself as a "dil wala" person, deeply in love with Ranbir and unafraid to express it. She emphasized that there was "nothing to hide" and that she felt comfortable and happy in their relationship. This candidness resonated with fans, who admired their honesty and openness about their love for each other.

Their wedding in 2022 was an intimate affair held at their home in Mumbai. It was a celebration of their love, witnessed by close family and friends. The couple welcomed their daughter, Raha, the same year, further solidifying their bond. Alia often shares glimpses of their life together, showcasing their love and connection.

On their third wedding anniversary this year, Alia posted a romantic photo of herself with Ranbir on a beach, captioning it "Home, always." This simple yet heartfelt message encapsulates the essence of their relationship – a sense of belonging, comfort, and unwavering love.

Even before they officially started dating, Alia's admiration for Ranbir was evident. She openly spoke about finding him "cute" and expressed her desire to marry him during an appearance on Koffee with Karan early in her career. This manifestation of her feelings eventually turned into reality, proving that sometimes, dreams do come true.

Their love story is a testament to the power of connection, admiration, and destiny. Alia's initial feelings for Ranbir, even before truly knowing him, highlight the profound impact someone can have on our lives, even from a distance. It's a reminder that love can blossom in unexpected ways and that sometimes, the person we're meant to be with has been in our hearts all along.