Bollywood actress Sonakshi Sinha and actor Zaheer Iqbal recently marked a significant milestone in their married life by celebrating their first Ganpati festival together post-wedding. Sonakshi took to her Instagram to share a heartfelt video of the couple performing the Ganpati puja, a moment that resonates deeply with many across the nation.
In a video post that instantly went viral, the couple is seen welcoming the idol of Lord Ganesha into their home with full devotion. Dressed in traditional attire, they performed the rituals with fervor and respect, capturing the hearts of their fans and followers.
The couple, who tied the knot in an intimate wedding on June 23, has faced their fair share of criticism due to their interfaith marriage. Despite this, they have managed to stay resilient and respectful towards each other’s beliefs. Sonakshi and Zaheer’s marriage has been a topic of intense discussion, with both negative and positive opinions flooding social media.
While sharing the video, Sonakshi addressed these criticisms head-on. In a touching collaborative post, the couple wrote, “Love grows in respect when a couple honours each other’s beliefs in true harmony… Our first Ganpati after shaadi.” This message was aimed directly at their detractors, emphasizing that mutual respect is the cornerstone of their relationship.
Despite the few negative comments they received, the overwhelming majority of the feedback was supportive and positive. Fans lauded the couple for their decision to honor each other’s religious traditions. One user commented, “Love jihad bolne wale patli gali se nikal ja.” Another wrote, “India ki wo begherat awaam jo mazhab pe bakwas kar rahi thi, I think ab mu pe chanta lag gaya hoga sabke! Jab ek Muslim Hindu ladki ko izzat de kar biwi bana kar uske saath pooja kar raha hai toh Hindu ladki uske saath dargah kyun nahi jaa sakti?? They are happy, ab bash dena inko.” A third user pitched in, “Abhi love jihad bolne wale ramu log kahan gaye?”
Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal’s wedding was a memorable event, celebrated with close friends and family. They held a civil marriage ceremony followed by a lavish reception on June 23.
. In an interview with PTI, Sonakshi expressed her feelings about their union. “I feel that when two people are in love, nothing else matters. And I hope people have the strength to follow their hearts, which is what I did, and I’m happy,” she said. She also voiced her desire for a more harmonious coexistence, stating that everyone should “appreciate and respect each other wherever they come from.”
Reflecting on her special day, Sonakshi shared some of her most cherished moments from the wedding. Among these was the intimate ceremony where they signed their marriage documents, formally beginning their journey together.
“Just before we left for the reception and the house started to get empty as everyone was proceeding towards the venue, it was just the two of us, and we took a moment. We went up to the house that we were going to make a home with each other and paused to take it all in. We looked out at the city and just held each other,” she recounted.
This first Ganpati festival post-marriage marks a significant chapter for the couple as they navigate the challenges and beauty of an interfaith marriage. The celebration underscores their commitment to respecting and embracing each other’s traditions amidst societal scrutiny.
Their story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of love and respect in any relationship. By welcoming Ganpati Bappa into their home, Sonakshi and Zaheer have set an example of mutual respect and cultural harmony, sending a strong message to their followers about the true essence of love.
Their journey continues to inspire fans across the globe, proving that love can indeed triumph over adversity when rooted in respect and understanding. It’s clear that for Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal, this is just the beginning of a beautiful journey together, enriched with diverse traditions and shared values.
