File photo of Rahul Gandhi
A man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.
This verse on marriage from the Book of Genesis in the Bible is meant for men in general.
For Indians, it becomes especially pressing when they reach a certain 'marriageable' age, with concerned parents, relatives and friends urging them to settle down.
Still, some decide to take the road less travelled. Rahul Gandhi, the 42-year-old scion of the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty and perhaps India's most famous bachelor, hinted he may shun marital life to stay away from dynasty politics.
"If I get married and have children, I will be status-quoist and will like my children to take my place," he told Congress party lawmakers.
Here's a look at reasons other celebrity bachelors have given for staying single:
Fear of the unknown: Industrialist Ratan Tata told CNN International's Talk Asia that he came "seriously close" to getting married four times but cited "fear" among the reasons why he never took the plunge. The 75-year-old former chairman of Tata Group said he did not regret not getting married.
Mirror, mirror on the wall: Actor Rahul Bose, known for the unconventional parts he chooses in arthouse cinema, uses self-deprecating humour.
"... I'm so ugly, there are no chicks," the 45-year-old actor said, adding he will have to become "very rich" to be able to find a bride.
Having kids without marriage: Bollywood actor Salman Khan seems to like the idea. In a country where parents usually want their children to get married before turning 30, the popular 47-year-old actor has often faced the 'M' question. "I am working on a way I can escape marriage and just have the kids," Khan told fans recently.
Too busy: Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, now 88, was once asked why he never settled down. He reportedly said, "I didn't find time."
Work over family: He's a scientist and was one of India's most popular presidents, but can a huge part of APJ Abdul Kalam's achievements be attributed to his single status?
A book about the man described as 'the father of India's missile programme' says that Kalam once told a friend jocularly that if he had married, he would never have achieved even half of what he has managed.
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(Any opinions expressed here are those of the author and not necessarily of Reuters)(This blog was first published on Reuters website on March 6)
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