Bollywood actress Sonakshi Sinha has candidly addressed the intense public scrutiny and criticism that surrounded her interfaith marriage to actor Zaheer Iqbal. Speaking on Soha Ali Khan's podcast, the actress dismissed the online chatter as mere "noise" and revealed the personal steps the couple took to protect their joy and fortify their relationship.
Shutting Out the "Noise" on Her Wedding Day
Recalling the reaction that followed their intimate June 2024 wedding, Sonakshi Sinha stated she chose to ignore unsolicited opinions from strangers. She emphasized that as a grown woman making a life choice, the widespread commentary felt unnecessary and "really stupid at that point of time." For her, the day was purely about celebrating a long-awaited milestone with her partner.
"Honestly, it was all about us in that moment," Sonakshi shared, describing the day as beautiful and filled with thrill and ecstasy. To safeguard their happiness, she proactively turned off comments on her social media platforms. "I had to put off my comments because I didn't even want to read a single negative thing on my big day," she explained, highlighting the need to consciously cut out negativity in today's social media-driven world.
The Turning Point: Couples Therapy Strengthened Their Bond
In a revealing segment of the conversation, Sonakshi disclosed that she and Zaheer Iqbal faced significant relationship challenges about three years into dating. The couple reached a point where they struggled to understand each other's perspectives, yet were determined to make it work.
It was Zaheer who proactively suggested seeking professional help. "We did actually do couples therapy, and it was Zaheer who suggested it," Sonakshi revealed. The decision proved to be transformative for their relationship. Contrary to assumptions of long-term intervention, the actress noted that a mere two therapy sessions were instrumental in helping them communicate better and significantly strengthen their bond.
A Message of Resilience and Focus on Personal Joy
Throughout the podcast, Sonakshi Sinha's message was one of resilience and prioritizing personal happiness over public perception. By framing the criticism as irrelevant noise and taking concrete steps—from disabling comments to attending therapy—she and Zaheer demonstrated a modern approach to navigating both public life and private partnership.
Her experience underscores a broader narrative about celebrities managing interfaith relationships in the public eye and the practical tools, like therapy, that couples use to build a lasting foundation. Sonakshi's stance makes it clear that for her, the sanctity and strength of her marriage with Zaheer Iqbal will always outweigh the fleeting opinions of the digital crowd.
