Genelia D'Souza, who was so far tight-lipped about her relationship with Riteish Deshmukh, has finally acknowledged it.

She thanked her friends and family for their best wishes for the wedding early next year, and said they are excited about the new phase.

"Thanks so much for your overwhelming response. It's a (n) exciting new chapter in our lives and all your wishes and blessings make it even more beautiful and special for Riteish and me, " Genelia posted on her Twitter page.

Ever since Riteish admitted in a media report that they will seal their eight-year-old relationship by tying the knot in 2012, good wishes have been pouring in for the two actors who made their Bollywood debut together in 2003 with "Tujhe Meri Kasam".

Actors like Lara Dutta, Siddharth, Arjun Rampal, Amrita Rao, and filmmaker Karan Johar tweeted their wishes for them.

"Riteish and Genelia a perfect example of a dignified couple. Two of my favourite people who are taking their commitment to the next level, " Dia posted on micro-blogging site Twitter.

Lara wrote: "So happy to share in the joy of both my onscreen husband Riteish wedding plans!! Love u..!!"

And filmmaker Karan Johar, a close friend of the two, is "thrilled to bits".

"Am thrilled to bits and excited about one of my closest friends upcoming wedding!!! @Riteishd is a truly special guy and he and @geneliad make an absolutely wonderful couple!!! Big love to them!!!!" Johar posted on his Twitter page Friday.

In response to the filmmaker's message, Riteish wrote: "@kjohar25 loveeeeeee youuuuuu."

Riteish, 32, and Genelia's love story began on the sets of their Bollywood debut, "Tujhe Meri Kasam" in 2003.

Neither of them ever publicly acknowledged their relationship, but Riteish, son of politician Vilasrao Deshmukh, finally admitted in a recent media report that they will seal their eight-year-old relationship with a wedding in 2012.

The couple was also seen in "Masti" in 2004, and they have now teamed up for a film "Tere Naal Love Ho Gaya".