Bollywood actress Sonakshi Sinha recently tied the knot with actor Zaheer Iqbal on June 23, formalizing their union under the Special Marriage Act. However, what should have been a joyous occasion has been overshadowed by controversy. A Hindu fringe group based in Patna has labelled their marriage as “love jihad,” a term used by some to describe interfaith marriages allegedly aimed at converting Hindu women to Islam. This group has gone so far as to plaster posters across the city denouncing the union and threatening to prevent Sonakshi from entering Bihar. Also Read- Amidst Sonakshi Sinha’s Interfaith Marriage, Sunidhi Chauhan’s Story of Marrying Muslim Bobby Khan and Being Disowned by Her Parents Resurfaces!
The group, identified as the Hindu Shivbhavani Sena, accused Sonakshi and Zaheer of participating in a religious conspiracy to “Islamify” the nation under the guise of love. Their posters claim that the wedding is an attack on Hindu culture, stating, “Sonakshi and Zaheer’s wedding promotes love jihad. The wedding is a religious conspiracy under the garb of love. It aims to cause damage to the Hindu culture.” Additionally, the group has issued a stern warning: “Hindu Shivbhavani Sena won’t let Sonakshi Sinha enter Bihar!”
The activists didn’t stop there; they have also directed their grievances towards Sonakshi’s father, veteran actor and politician Shatrughan Sinha. The group demanded that he reconsider his stance on the wedding and insisted that he change the names of his residence, Ramayana, and his sons, Luv and Kush. They argued that the current names disrespect Hinduism. The poster boldly reads, “Shatrughan Sinha must rethink his decision about the wedding. Or else, he must change the name of his sons Luv and Kush, and his house Ramayana. Isse ho raha hai Hindu dharm ka apmaan.”
Posters come up in Patna against Sonakshi Sinha's marriage with a Muslim. pic.twitter.com/TbKSlO25uh
— Ruplekha Roy (@RuplekhaRo34236) June 24, 2024
In response to these threats, Shatrughan Sinha defended his daughter’s decision, asserting that she had not violated any legal or constitutional boundaries. He dismissed the protestors’ claims, saying, “No one has the right to interfere. To all the protestors I say, ‘Go get a life. Do something useful with your life.'” Despite the uproar, neither Sonakshi nor Zaheer has publicly responded to the posters. In an effort to shield themselves from the ensuing negativity, they disabled the comments feature on their first post as newlyweds, which they shared on the evening of June 23.
Sonakshi and Zaheer’s relationship has spanned seven years, culminating in their marriage through a civil ceremony at Sonakshi’s Bandra residence. The couple exchanged vows and signed their marriage papers in the presence of close family and friends. The wedding was an intimate affair, focusing on their commitment to each other rather than a lavish celebration. However, this private happiness has been overshadowed by the controversy stirred up by fringe elements, highlighting the ongoing societal challenges faced by interfaith couples in India.
The controversy surrounding Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal’s marriage underscores the persistent tension and challenges that interfaith couples face in India. Despite legal protections under the Special Marriage Act, societal acceptance remains fraught with difficulties, as demonstrated by the actions of the Hindu Shivbhavani Sena. This group’s aggressive stance reflects a broader resistance to interfaith unions, which are often viewed with suspicion and hostility by conservative factions within society. Also Read- Will Kalki 2898 Ad Gross ₹200 Crore Worldwide on Its First Day? Well Here’s What We Know!
As Sonakshi and Zaheer navigate this tumultuous period, their experience sheds light on the broader issues of religious tolerance and the right to personal choice in marriage. The couple’s decision to marry under the Special Marriage Act, a law designed to facilitate interfaith and intercaste marriages, symbolizes a modern, secular approach to marriage that respects individual autonomy. However, the backlash they face illustrates the significant societal hurdles that still exist.
In the face of such adversity, the support of influential figures like Shatrughan Sinha is crucial. His defense of his daughter’s marriage emphasizes the importance of standing up against intolerance and supporting the right of individuals to make their own life choices. As Sonakshi and Zaheer move forward, their journey will continue to highlight the need for greater acceptance and understanding within Indian society.
