Actors Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal recently tied the knot in a heartfelt and private ceremony in Mumbai, attended by their closest friends and family members. The event, which was marked by an intimate ambiance, quickly became the talk of the town, not just for its low-key charm but also for the waves it created on social media platforms. While fans celebrated their union, a troubling wave of trolls emerged, targeting the couple for their interfaith marriage. However, support arose in an impassioned note penned by actress Richa Chadha, who is a dear friend of the couple and is herself expecting her first child with husband Ali Fazal.
The ceremony was a closely-guarded affair, ensuring that the couple had the privacy and warmth they desired on such a special day. Sinha and Iqbal, who have been in a relationship for seven years, decided it was time to embark on a new chapter together. Their wedding naturally drew much attention given their celebrity status, but not all comments were friendly or supportive. In response to the negativity, Richa Chadha, who starred alongside Sinha in the Netflix series “Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar,” took a strong stand against the trolls targeting the couple.
On Instagram, Richa Chadha shared her heartfelt thoughts, championing the couple’s decision to marry despite differing religious backgrounds. She began her post by addressing the newlyweds directly, “Dear Sona and Zaheer! I am floored by your simplicity, your commitment to each other, and am so damn happy that you dance to your own tune! Didn’t get a photo with you cuz you were swamped, but Ali and I love you, your spirit!” Chadha continued by humorously acknowledging her presence at their wedding reception, “Love you enough to brave crowds in month 9! LOL. You make an amazing Jodi (pair). And buri nazar wale tera muh faltoo.” She concluded with warm wishes, “Thanks for a GREAT party, and I wish you a lifetime of happiness!!! @aslisona and @iamzahero.”
Richa and Ali, who have been busy preparing for their new arrival, made it a point to attend the reception held at the upscale Bastian in Mumbai. The couple’s show of support was not only a heartwarming gesture of friendship but also a public stance against the bigotry faced by Sinha and Iqbal. The event was extra special as it marked a significant milestone in the relationship between the two actors, both personally and professionally.
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Interestingly, Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal’s bond goes beyond their personal life; they both starred in the film “Double XL” and formed a strong camaraderie on set. Their professional rapport evidently transitioned seamlessly into their personal lives, culminating in their recent marriage.
In “Heeramandi,” a Netflix series that delves into the lives of courtesans during pre-partition India, Richa Chadha played the role of Lajjo, while Sonakshi Sinha portrayed Fareedan. Chadha’s character meets a tragic end in the first season, but the series has been renewed for a second season, which promises an exhilarating transition. “In ‘Heeramandi 2,’ the women now come from Lahore to the film world. They leave Lahore after the partition and most of them settle in the Mumbai film industry or Kolkata film industry. So that journey in the bazaar remains the same. They still have to dance and sing, but this time for the producers and not for the nawabs. So that’s the second season we are planning, let’s see where it goes,” Sanjay Leela Bhansali stated.
“Heeramandi” intricately explores the cultural depths of its titular locale, portraying the nuanced lives of its characters. The series also features a remarkable ensemble, including Manisha Koirala, Sanjeeda Sheikh, Aditi Rao Hydari, Sharmin Segal, Taha Shah Badussha, Shekhar Suman, and Adhyayan Suman. With its captivating storyline and strong performances, the series has garnered a significant following and continues to stream on Netflix.
By expressing her unwavering support, Richa Chadha not only celebrated the love and unity of Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal but also took a bold stand against the intolerance that can pervade social media. Her message serves as a reminder of the importance of acceptance and the strength that arises from standing in solidarity with loved ones. As the happy couple begins their journey together, they can count on the steadfast support of friends like Richa, who champion love above all else.
(With inputs from ANI)
