Mukesh Khanna slams people who troll Sonakshi Sinha-Zaheer Iqbal over interfaith marraige, says, "Many did so in our time and are happy"

The controversy began shortly after Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal announced their wedding. The couple, who have been in a relationship for several years, decided to tie the knot, but their marriage quickly became the subject of intense scrutiny and criticism online. Many social media users labeled their union as 'love jihad,' a term used to describe marriages between Muslim men and Hindu women that are perceived by some to be part of a larger conspiracy to convert Hindus to Islam.

 
Mukesh Khanna did not hold back in his response to these allegations. In an interview with Filmy Charcha, Khanna expressed his dismay at the narrow-mindedness of the trolls. He stated, "Don't view Sonakshi and Zaheer's marriage through a Hindu-Muslim lens. What Sonakshi did was not a sudden decision. They have been together for 6-7 years before getting married. People are calling this love jihad. Love jihad happens when a girl's marriage is forced."

Khanna's defense of the couple was rooted in the belief that love transcends religious boundaries and that their marriage should be seen as a personal matter rather than a societal issue. He further emphasized, "Can't a Hindu and a Muslim marry? Many did so in our time and are happy. This wedding is a family matter for them."

 
Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal's relationship has been in the public eye for several years. The couple started dating on June 23, 2017, and their journey together has been well-documented. They co-starred in the film "Double XL," produced by Huma Qureshi, which further cemented their bond. Zaheer, who is the son of businessman Iqbal Ratansi and a close childhood friend of Salman Khan, received support from Khan in his debut film, "Notebook." It was through Salman Khan that Sonakshi was introduced to Zaheer at a social gathering, marking the beginning of their relationship.

The support from family and friends, however, has not shielded them from the relentless scrutiny of the public. The trolls' negative comments have not only targeted the couple but also extended to their families. Recently, Shatrughan Sinha, Sonakshi's father, claimed in an interview with Times Now that there was a vicious smear campaign against their family due to the wedding. He stated, "There was absolutely nothing to worry about. We were like any ordinary family with a wedding happening. Just why we became a target of so much attention, you will know better than me."

 
The issue of interfaith marriages and the societal response to them is complex and multi-faceted. On one hand, the Indian Constitution guarantees the right to marry freely regardless of religion, caste, or creed.

 
Mukesh Khanna's comments have resonated with many who believe in the sanctity of personal choice and the importance of mutual respect in relationships.