Puerto Rican actor Osvaldo Rios recently opened up about his past relationship with pop icon Shakira, which took place more than 25 years ago when he was 36 and she was just 20. Speaking on the podcast Cara a Cara con Rodner Figueroa, Rios described their bond as one of the most unique experiences of his life.
The Kassandra star emphasized the depth of their connection, which he said extended beyond physical attraction to a profound emotional and spiritual bond. “There are things in life that are unforgettable. It was a relationship that brought a lot of learning to my life,” Rios shared. “I realized I could have a partner and experience a connection that wasn’t tied to the physical aspect but rather the emotional one—and enjoy it just as much.”
Despite their strong connection, Rios revealed that they parted ways for the sake of their individual careers. Recognizing Shakira’s immense potential at the time, he encouraged her to follow her own path without limitations. “We wanted to get married and everything.
But I thought it wasn’t the wisest decision because I saw what was coming. I said, ‘This bird has to fly very high,’” the 64-year-old actor explained. During their time together, Rios and Shakira visited several places, including Paris, Brazil, and Puerto Rico, often accompanied by the singer’s brother, Tonino Mebarak.
“It was very proper and respectful,” Rios noted. “My relationship with her was very spiritual because she was very devoted to the Virgin Mary.” Rios also credited their relationship with inspiring several of Shakira’s early songs, including Tú and Moscas en la Casa.
He recalled how they exchanged love letters, which became the foundation for some of her music. While their romance ended decades ago, Rios spoke fondly of the experience and the lessons it brought him. “It was a relationship that brought a lot of learning to my life,” he said. “She taught me a new perspective on love.”
Reflecting on their time together, Rios acknowledged the lasting impact of their bond, both personally and professionally, and expressed gratitude for the memories they created during their brief but meaningful chapter.