Sonakshi Sinha recently addressed the speculation surrounding her marriage to Zaheer Iqbal, pointing out that their union was never about religion but about love, respect, and understanding. The couple, who tied the knot in June 2024, chose to marry under the Special Marriage Act, a conscious decision that allowed them to honour their individual beliefs without compromise.
In a candid conversation, Sonakshi shared, “We never focused on religion. We’re two people in love who wanted to spend our lives together, and that’s what we did.” She made it clear that neither she nor Zaheer felt the need to impose their religious practices on each other. “He doesn’t push his beliefs on me, and I don’t push mine on him. We respect each other’s traditions and cultures, and that’s what matters.”
Sonakshi and Zaheer’s union proves that relationships thrive on mutual respect, not societal expectationsInstagram/ aslisona
The couple’s decision to marry under the Special Marriage Act was deliberate. Sonakshi explained, “It was the best way for us. I didn’t have to change my religion, and he didn’t have to change his. We simply wanted to celebrate our love, and that’s what we did.” She also dismissed rumours about being asked to convert, stating, “The question of conversion never came up. Our love was enough.”
Their relationship, which remained private for years, had been under public scrutiny since they began dating seven years ago. Despite constant media attention, Sonakshi and Zaheer chose to keep their bond away from the limelight until their wedding day. The ceremony, held at Sonakshi’s home in Bandra, was an intimate affair attended by close family and friends.
The couple shares a heartfelt moment during their wedding under the Special Marriage ActInstagram/ aslisona
Addressing speculation about her father Shatrughan Sinha’s approval, Sonakshi revealed that he was fully supportive of her decision. “My father has always stood by me. At the end of the day, he just wants me to be happy.”
On the professional front, Sonakshi continues to balance her acting career with her personal life. She was last seen in Kakuda and has several upcoming projects lined up. Meanwhile, she and Zaheer are embracing their new journey as husband and wife, proving that love transcends any boundaries.
Sonakshi Sinha stands strong, embracing love on her own termsGetty Images
Their story is a proof that relationships thrive on mutual respect, trust, and admiration beyond societal expectations and religious norms. For Sonakshi and Zaheer, their bond is about love, and in the end, that’s all that truly matters.
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over 'insensitive' remarks about sisters Alia and Pooja Bhatt
Rahul Bhatt, fitness trainer and son of veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, has found himself at the centre of a social media storm following controversial remarks about his half-sister, Alia Bhatt. In a recent interview, Rahul drew comparisons between Alia and their older sister Pooja Bhatt, calling the latter more talented, attractive, and principled.
The comments, which many have labelled inappropriate and insensitive, have sparked widespread criticism online. During the interview, Rahul stated, “In my opinion, she (Alia) is not even half of what my real sister Pooja is. Not in talent, not in looks, not in terms of being sexy. In front of my sister, she is ‘paani kam chai’ (watery tea). Amongst the siblings, the most talented and the most moralistic is Pooja.”
Social media users reacted strongly, questioning why Rahul would compare his sisters in such personal terms. Several users were particularly disturbed by his reference to their appearance and sex appeal, pointing out that such comparisons within a family cross boundaries of propriety. One comment read, “This is disturbing. Why talk about your sisters like that? It’s not just weird, it’s wrong.” Another post said, “There’s nothing respectful about comparing your siblings’ attractiveness in public.”
The backlash also reignited conversation around a decades-old controversy involving Mahesh Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt. Rahul was asked about the infamous 1990s magazine cover where the father-daughter duo shared a kiss, which had stirred public outrage at the time. Dismissing the criticism, Rahul said, “It doesn’t make any difference. It’s like water off a duck’s back. We know the truth, and we’ve seen everything since childhood.”
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire, with critics saying it reflects a broader issue of the Bhatt family being insensitive to public perception and boundaries. Many users questioned the need for bringing up old incidents in a bid to defend new and equally questionable statements.
As of now, neither Alia Bhatt nor Pooja Bhatt has issued any public response to Rahul’s remarks. Both actors, known for their significant contributions to Indian cinema, have typically kept family matters private despite living in the public eye.
This episode has also sparked debate over the role of public figures in maintaining respect when discussing family matters in the media. Observers say such comments, especially when involving women’s appearance and personal qualities, reinforce problematic attitudes and fuel unnecessary controversies.
While Rahul Bhatt is not as prominent in the entertainment industry as his father or sisters, his comments have made headlines and placed the Bhatt family in the spotlight for reasons beyond their creative work. For many, this serves as a reminder that public platforms come with responsibility, and that family ties should not be trivialised or dissected for attention or comparison.
The backlash is unlikely to subside soon, especially as fans and followers of Alia and Pooja continue to express disappointment over the way the situation has unfolded. Whether or not Rahul chooses to clarify or apologise remains to be seen.