“Swara Bhasker on the Backlash Faced by Interfaith Couples: ‘Wait Till Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal Have a Child…'”
Actress Swara Bhasker recently shared her perspectives on the significant challenges faced by interfaith couples in India, using the upcoming marriage of Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal as a pertinent example. In an interview with Connect Cine, Bhasker reflected on her own experiences of being heavily trolled for marrying activist Fahad Ahmad, highlighting the prevalent societal backlash against interfaith marriages. She addressed the contentious issue of ‘love jihad,’ dismissing it as a myth propagated in contemporary India. Bhasker emphasized that couples from different religious backgrounds often endure discrimination and unwarranted scrutiny.
She remarked on the harsh realities, stating, “An interfaith couple can actually get beaten up in certain cities on Valentine’s Day,” underscoring the physical dangers and societal hostility they face. Regarding Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal’s relationship, Bhasker staunchly defended their right to privacy and autonomy. She asserted, “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.”
Expressing frustration with societal interference in personal matters, Bhasker urged for greater respect for individual choices and relationships. Anticipating further controversies, she predicted that public scrutiny would extend even to the couple’s future children, saying, “Wait and watch, when they have a child, there will be a separate debate around the child’s name,” drawing parallels with previous debates over celebrity children’s names. Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal, who have been in a relationship for seven years, are set to marry 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. Professionally, 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.