Kapil Dev’s Wife: The Story of Romi Bhatia, His Lifelong Partner
When you think of Indian cricket legend Kapil Dev, you probably picture the iconic 1983 World Cup win, that unforgettable 175-run knock, or his unmistakable confidence on the field. But behind all those incredible moments is someone who’s been by his side quietly and consistently—Kapil Dev’s wife, Romi Bhatia. While Kapil has lived much of his life in the public eye, Romi has always been more low-key. Still, her influence on his life is undeniable.
Their love story is one of those rare, real-life tales that balances fame with family, ambition with partnership. Let’s take a closer look at who Romi Bhatia is, how she and Kapil met, and how their relationship has grown through the decades.
A Simple Beginning: How Kapil Met Romi
Kapil and Romi first met in 1979, introduced by a mutual friend, Sunil Bhatia. At the time, Kapil was already making waves in Indian cricket, but he was still down-to-earth. The story goes that not long after meeting, Kapil and Romi found themselves on a train ride to Mumbai together. And it was during that ride that Kapil popped the question—in a way only he could.
He didn’t go for a grand speech or flashy gesture. Instead, he pointed out the window and asked Romi if she’d like to take a photo of the beautiful scenery. “We’ll show this to our children one day,” he said, hinting at a future together. That quiet, charming proposal stuck with Romi. And not long after, she said yes.
Marriage and the Rise of a Legend
Kapil and Romi got married in 1980, just before Kapil’s career really hit superstar status. By 1983, he’d captained India to its first-ever Cricket World Cup title, forever cementing his place in sports history. Romi was there in the stands during some of his most iconic moments—including his blistering 175-run knock against Zimbabwe.
While the cameras often focused on the cricketer, Romi was his steady supporter. She never sought the spotlight, but she always stood right behind him, cheering him on through every victory and setback.
Family Life and Motherhood
For the first 14 years of their marriage, Kapil and Romi focused on their respective lives and careers. Romi managed family responsibilities and eventually became involved in business ventures, while Kapil continued building his cricket legacy.
Then, in January 1994, they welcomed their daughter, Amiya Dev. It was a huge moment for both of them. Kapil has spoken openly about how emotional it was to finally become a father after more than a decade of marriage. The couple even appeared together with Amiya on the beloved talk show Rendezvous with Simi Garewal, offering fans a rare glimpse into their personal life.
Amiya has since grown up and even followed in her parents’ footsteps in her own way. In 2020, she worked as an assistant director on the film 83, a biopic about her father’s World Cup win.
Romi Beyond the Spotlight
While Romi Bhatia may not be a celebrity in the traditional sense, she’s built an impressive life of her own. She studied business and eventually helped manage the family’s hospitality ventures, including the well-known Kapil Hotel (later renamed Kaptain’s Retreat) in Chandigarh.
Her business acumen and quiet leadership allowed her to balance motherhood, marriage, and entrepreneurship without making headlines—and perhaps that’s exactly how she prefers it.
A Reel-Life Tribute in 83
When the film 83 hit theaters in 2021, it wasn’t just Kapil’s cricketing glory that made people emotional—it was also the way the film depicted his relationship with Romi. Bollywood star Deepika Padukone played Romi in the movie, while Ranveer Singh took on the role of Kapil.
The film beautifully captured their connection, and Romi’s calm, collected presence during moments of high pressure. In interviews, both Kapil and Amiya praised the film’s portrayal of Romi and acknowledged how important her support was throughout Kapil’s journey.
More Than Just a Cricketer’s Wife
It’s easy to reduce someone like Romi to just being the “wife of a famous man,” but that wouldn’t be fair. Her life with Kapil has been built on mutual respect, shared dreams, and years of working through life’s ups and downs as a team.
From their long wait to become parents to managing family businesses, and from weathering health scares to watching their daughter join the film industry, Romi has been there every step of the way. Her quiet strength has often been the foundation on which Kapil has stood tall.
Still Going Strong
More than four decades after they first met, Kapil and Romi remain one of Indian cricket’s most admired couples. They’ve aged gracefully, shared countless memories, and supported each other through every major chapter of life. Whether it’s appearing at public events together, spending time with their daughter, or just enjoying quieter days away from the camera, they continue to lead a life rooted in connection and trust.
Featured Image Source: amarujala.com
