When Bollywood actress Preity Zinta surprised fans with her secret wedding in 2016, many were curious to know about the man who won the heart of one of India’s most beloved stars. Her husband, Gene Goodenough, might stay away from the limelight, but his background and life with Preity reveal a remarkable story worth exploring.
Who Is Gene Goodenough?
Gene Goodenough is an accomplished finance professional based in Los Angeles, currently working as Senior Vice President at NLine Energy, a firm focused on sustainable energy solutions. With an MBA from ESADE Business School in Spain and further specialization in Finance and Marketing from USC’s Marshall School of Business, Gene’s career spans roles at top institutions like Bank of America and Interthinx.
Despite his low-key public presence, Gene has built a solid reputation in the U.S. corporate sector. His interests in renewable energy and corporate finance contrast Preity’s world of cinema and cricket, but their worlds merged beautifully.
Their Cross-Continental Romance
The couple met in Los Angeles, where Preity frequently visited. They got married on February 28, 2016, in an intimate ceremony with only close friends and family in attendance.
Their relationship is a testimony to mutual respect—blending Indian tradition with a modern, multicultural outlook. Gene may be agnostic, but he fully supports raising their children with Hindu values, a detail Preity recently shared in a candid IPL interview.
Twins and Parenthood
In 2021, Preity and Gene became parents to twins, Jai and Gia, via surrogacy. The couple has since embraced parenthood with devotion, splitting time between Los Angeles and Mumbai. Preity has been vocal about maintaining cultural traditions at home, ensuring her children grow up with an understanding of Indian heritage.
📊 The Age Gap: A Modern Love Norm
One lesser-known detail that intrigues fans is their age difference. Gene Goodenough is around two years younger than Preity Zinta, highlighting a small age gap between the couple.In a world where age gaps in celebrity marriages often make headlines, their subtle difference is refreshingly non-controversial. It also reflects a shift in how modern relationships are perceived—where maturity and connection matter more than numbers.
Their Dual Life in L.A. and Mumbai
While the couple primarily resides in Los Angeles, they recently made headlines by purchasing a lavish ₹17 crore apartment in Bandra, Mumbai. This dual lifestyle enables Preity to continue her work in Indian cinema and cricket while enjoying a quieter, family-focused life in the U.S.
More Than Just Bollywood
In addition to being a full-time mother, Preity Zinta is also an actor, a producer, and a co-owner of an Indian Premier League franchise. She is most known for her iconic roles in the films Kal Ho Naa Ho, Veer-Zaara, and Dil Se. Gene, meanwhile, continues to excel in the clean energy space, quietly supporting Preity behind the scenes.
A Modern Power Couple Breaking Stereotypes
The story of Preity Zinta and Gene Goodenough is more than a typical celebrity romance. It’s a blend of East and West, tradition and progress, and love beyond societal norms. From managing time zones to embracing parenthood, they represent what many modern couples aspire to: balance, respect, and individuality.
Their relationship isn’t just a love story—it’s a lesson in cultural fusion, humility, and evolving definitions of success and family.
