Sonia Gandhi recalls meeting Rajiv Gandhi at Greek restaurant in Cambridge: What she said about their first meeting | Today’s news
Recounting the story of how she first met former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi at a small Greek restaurant in Cambridge, England, Sonia Gandhi recalls the instant attraction that marked the beginning of their relationship.
The congressional leader’s reminiscences appear in a preview of her upcoming memoir Belonging: A Journey of Love, which is scheduled for release on November 10, 2026. The video offers a glimpse into their early relationship, from their first meeting as students to the friendship and romance that eventually led to their marriage.
“Rajiv and I created a world full of love, laughter and memories. On November 10, I’m sharing that world with you,” Sonia wrote on X while sharing the video.
How Sonia Gandhi first met Rajiv Gandhi
In the video, Sonia recalls meeting Rajiv at the Varsity Restaurant, a Greek restaurant popular with students from India and other parts of Europe. A mutual friend introduced the two young students to Cambridge, setting the stage for a relationship that would shape Sonia’s life.
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At the time, Sonia was looking for places in England that served food closer to what she was used to, especially Italian cuisine. The restaurant has become a well-known meeting place for students from different countries.
“The food in England was terrible. You didn’t have that many restaurants in those days,” he says.
However, the visit left her with a memory that went far beyond finding familiar food.
“When I first met him, I felt almost immediately that he was someone I would really like to be with. And of course I learned that it was the same for him,” recalls Sonia.
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He also remembers Rajiv’s appearance and gentleness, which he says stood out from the start.
“He was a very gentle person. Of course he was very good looking, but the gentleness came through. So that was something that really moved and affected me,” she says.
From friendship in Cambridge to marriage in 1968
Sonia’s memories suggest that their relationship developed through the everyday experiences of student life. The two spent time together at parties and sightseeing, gradually moving from friendship to romance.
He also remembers attending a Valentine’s Day party with other students.
The video, accompanied by archival photographs, offers a glimpse into their early years together, before politics became a defining part of their lives.
Sonia and Rajiv married in 1968. Rajiv later became the Prime Minister of India, serving from 1984 to 1989. He was assassinated in May 1991 during an election campaign in Tamil Nadu.
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Sonia Gandhi’s memoir Belonging: A Journey of Love will be released on November 10
Sonia’s forthcoming memoir, Belonging: A Journey of Love, is intended to offer readers a more personal account of her life and relationship with Rajiv.
The seasoned politician also joined Instagram a few days ago, where she previously shared more about her book.
The latest teaser focuses on their first meeting and early romance, bringing back memories of the companionship, affection and life they built together.
Born in Italy, Sonia became one of the most prominent leaders of the Congress Party.
Although much of her public life was shaped by politics, the memoir’s title and its final excerpt turn attention to a more personal chapter: the beginning of her relationship with Rajiv Gandhi, which began with a chance meeting in a small restaurant in Cambridge, England.