Actress Swara Bhasker recently shared her thoughts on the challenges faced by interfaith couples in India, using the upcoming marriage of Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal as a case in point. Speaking in an interview with Connect Cine, Bhasker reflected on her own experiences of being trolled for her marriage to activist Fahad Ahmad, emphasizing the prevalent societal backlash against interfaith marriages.
Bhasker addressed the contentious issue of ‘love jihad’, debunking it as a myth perpetuated in modern India, where couples from different religious backgrounds often face discrimination and unwarranted scrutiny. “An interfaith couple can actually get beaten up in certain cities on Valentine’s Day,” she remarked, highlighting the harsh realities faced by such couples.
Regarding Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal’s relationship, Bhasker defended their right to privacy and autonomy. “What they do in their private lives, whether they get married or not, it’s up to them. It’s nobody’s business if they’re living together, getting married in a court, or having a nikaah, or an Arya Samaj wedding,” she asserted. Bhasker expressed frustration with societal interference in personal matters, urging for greater respect for individual choices and relationships.
Anticipating further controversies, Bhasker predicted that public scrutiny would extend even to the couple’s future children. “Wait and watch, when they have a child, there will be a separate debate around the child’s name,” she commented, drawing parallels with previous debates over celebrity children’s names.
Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal, who have been dating for seven years, are set to tie the knot on June 23 in Mumbai. Bhasker mentioned that they plan to celebrate with a party for close friends and family following their court marriage. Recently, photos of Sonakshi meeting Zaheer’s parents went viral, further fueling interest in their upcoming wedding.
On the professional front, Sonakshi and Zaheer have previously collaborated on the 2022 film “Double XL” and a music video titled “Blockbuster,” showcasing their creative partnership alongside their personal relationship.