In India, interfaith unions have long been the subject of debate. In the past, intercaste weddings were frowned upon, and it was even harder to get acceptance for interfaith unions. But times have changed, and such unions are now more widely accepted. A lot of the Bollywood celebs that had interfaith marriages have contributed to this change. Here are some well-known Bollywood personalities who have wed other faiths:
Aamir Khan and Kiran Rao
One of the most well-known stars in Bollywood, Aamir Khan, wed Kiran Rao, a producer, in 2005. Kiran is a Hindu, while Aamir is a Muslim. A nikaah was held after the regular Hindu wedding ceremony for the pair.
Shah Rukh Khan and Gauri Chibber
The “King of Bollywood,” Shah Rukh Khan, married Gauri Chibber in 1991. While Gauri is a Hindu, Shah Rukh is a Muslim. A Hindu wedding ceremony was held for the pair.
Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor
In 2012, Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan wed Kareena Kapoor, who is also in the industry. Kareena is a Hindu, while Saif is a Muslim. After getting legally married, the couple had their nikaah.
Riteish Deshmukh and Genelia D’Souza
In 2012, Bollywood actor Riteish Deshmukh wed Genelia D’Souza, who was also in the industry. Genelia is a Catholic from Mangalore, and Riteish is a Hindu from Maharashtra. Both Hindu and Christian wedding rituals were performed for the couple.
Irrfan Khan and Sutapa Sikdar
Irrfan Khan, a Bollywood actor, married Sutapa Sikdar in 1995. Irrfan was a Muslim, and Sutapa is a Hindu. The couple had a registered marriage.
Shirish Kunder and Farah Khan
In 2004, Farah Khan, a director, and Shirish Kunder, a film editor, got married. Farah is a Muslim, while Shirish is a Hindu. The pair was legally married.
Mahesh Bhatt and Soni Razdan
In 1986, Bollywood actress Soni Razdan wed film director Mahesh Bhatt. Soni is a Muslim, while Mahesh is a Hindu. The couple had a registered marriage.
Sharmila Tagore and Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi
Bollywood actress Sharmila Tagore wed cricketer Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi in 1969. Mansoor is a Muslim, while Sharmila is a Hindu. After getting legally married, the couple had their nikaah.
Rahul Dev and Mugdha Godse
Bollywood actor Rahul Dev wed Mugdha Godse, a Bollywood actress as well, in 2013. Mugdha is a Christian, and Rahul is a Hindu. The pair was legally married. The couple had a registered marriage.
Finally, these Bollywood interfaith unions show a major change in cultural acceptance over time. They have dismantled barriers, disproved preconceptions, and demonstrated that love knows no borders in terms of religion. These couples have paved the path for a society that is more accepting and harmonious, where unity rules and variety is cherished. These marriages serve as a reminder that love and understanding can overcome any obstacle as Bollywood continues to develop, encouraging others to accept differences and unite in the sake of love.
