Bollywood actress Sonakshi Sinha has offered a remarkably honest glimpse into her relationship with husband Zaheer Iqbal, revealing that their fairy-tale romance once faced a severe crisis that nearly ended it. The couple, who secretly dated for seven years before marrying in 2024, hit a wall just three years into their relationship.
The Breaking Point: 'Wanted to Pull Each Other's Hair Out'
In a candid conversation on actor Soha Ali Khan's podcast, Sonakshi described reaching a fractious phase where constant misunderstanding prevailed. "We were three years into the relationship when we reached a phase where we wanted to pull each other's hair out," the actress confessed. She elaborated that despite their feelings, they could no longer see each other's perspective, leading to immense frustration.
The situation seemed dire, but a shared commitment to their bond provided a lifeline. "In our hearts, we knew we had to make this work somehow," Sonakshi stated. It was at this critical juncture that Zaheer Iqbal took a decisive and modern step towards resolution.
Zaheer's Decisive Move: Opting for Couple's Therapy
The turning point came when Zaheer proactively suggested seeking professional help. Sonakshi recalled his determined approach, highlighting how it surprised and encouraged her. "He told me, 'I want this relationship to work, no matter what. I've heard about therapy, let's just give it a shot,'" she shared.
Agreeing to therapy proved to be a masterstroke for the couple. Sonakshi expressed profound gratitude for the decision, noting that the benefits were almost immediate. "Just two sessions later, we were back on track," she revealed. The process equipped them with crucial tools to decode each other's communication styles and underlying intentions.
The Healing Power of Professional Guidance
Therapy helped them understand that what a partner says isn't always what they mean. This simple yet profound realisation, along with learning to recognise each other's emotional starting points, transformed their dynamic. Soha Ali Khan, the podcast host, strongly concurred with the value of counselling.
Soha emphasised that therapy provides essential strategies for navigating conflict. "If you can remember them in moments when you're triggered—when to calm down, what words not to use—it fixes communication," she advised. She added that such tools only work effectively when both individuals are genuinely invested in making the relationship succeed.
Sonakshi and Zaheer's love story culminated in a private, intimate wedding ceremony at home in June 2024. While their interfaith union attracted some unwarranted criticism, the couple stood firmly together, having already weathered a significant internal storm. Their journey from a secret seven-year courtship, through a tumultuous patch, to a strengthened marriage serves as a relatable testament to the effort required behind any picture-perfect relationship.
