Saif Ali Khan Reflects on Interfaith Marriage with Amrita Singh
Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan has shared intimate details about his marriage to actress Amrita Singh, which began in 1991 and ended in separation in 2004. The couple, who have two children together—Sara Ali Khan and Ibrahim Ali Khan—had an interfaith wedding that blended Hindu and Muslim traditions.
Respecting Religious Boundaries in Marriage
In a notable departure from his family's history, Saif emphasized that he never compelled Amrita to convert to Islam. His mother, Sharmila Tagore, had converted to Islam upon marrying Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, but Saif maintained a different approach. "Dingy was never compelled to convert to Islam or forced to practice the religion. Right from the beginning, it was 'to each his own,'" Saif stated in an old interview with The Siasat Daily, as quoted by NDTV.
He applied this principle strictly while raising their children, ensuring Sara and Ibrahim grew up embracing both their parents' religions. "Even when my kids Sara and Ibrahim were growing up, I strictly followed that principle," he added.
Handling Religious Practices at Home
Saif recalled how religious observances were managed during their marriage. "When Dingy went for her regular prayer visits to the Gurdwara—the temple of the Sikh community—I babysat them and continued doing so on such occasions," he shared. This arrangement highlighted their mutual respect and cooperative parenting style.
Post-Divorce Concerns About Children's Faith
However, the actor admitted to emotional concerns after their divorce, when Sara and Ibrahim remained in Amrita's custody. "But when we separated, I was more worried about Sara and Ibrahim, who were then in Dingy's custody. I trusted her completely and was sure she wouldn't influence them religiously," he said. Despite this trust, Saif acknowledged having anxieties about their religious identities post-separation.
Behind-the-Scenes of Their Hasty Wedding
In a recent revelation, designer duo Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla provided behind-the-scenes insights into Saif and Amrita's hastily arranged wedding. Speaking to Namrata Zakaria on her YouTube channel, they recounted being witnesses to the ceremony.
"We signed as witnesses at their nikaahnama. One fine day, they came to us and said, 'We want to get married now!' It was Saif; Dingy was still undecided," the designers shared. They described how the couple had been in love and living together for six to eight months, with Saif ready to marry while Amrita was hesitant.
The ceremony was a spontaneous affair held at a friend's apartment, blending elements from both faiths. "There was also a sardarji pandit there. She got ready in whatever fit, as there was no time. Fortunately, she got fantastic jewelry from her mother. Saif wore a bandhgala," they added.
A memorable moment occurred when the maulvi asked for Amrita's name to start with 'A,' leading to the suggestion of 'Aziza' by the pandit. "It was a runaway bride moment—insane. Driving back, her mother called... Eventually, they took it in stride," the designers concluded, painting a vivid picture of the unconventional yet heartfelt wedding.
This story underscores Saif Ali Khan's commitment to religious harmony and respectful co-parenting, offering a glimpse into the personal dynamics of one of Bollywood's notable interfaith relationships.
