Zaheer Khan and Sagarika Ghatge Open Up About Their Inter-faith Marriage Journey
Bollywood actress Sagarika Ghatge and former Indian cricketer Zaheer Khan, who have been married for eight years, recently shared heartfelt insights into their relationship, focusing on mutual respect and navigating an inter-faith marriage. In a candid conversation with fellow cricketer-actor pair Harbhajan Singh and Geeta Basra on the YouTube channel Who’s The Boss?, the couple revealed personal anecdotes and the foundation of their strong bond.
Early Days and Warnings from Friends
Zaheer Khan recalled how he had known Sagarika for a long time through mutual friends before they started dating. He mentioned that her friends often gave him a red alert, warning him to be serious if he pursued a relationship with her. “Whenever her name came up, I was always given a red alert, that if you’re going in this direction then you have got to be serious. All her friends used to tell me that,” Zaheer said, highlighting the protective circle around Sagarika.
Sagarika added a humorous twist, explaining that she used to have her best friends, two boys acting as bodyguards, accompany her on outings. “When we used to go for dinner together, I used to always have my best friends with me, two boys, bodyguards. He asked me out for a date, but told me that it’s a proper date without these two friends,” she shared. Zaheer later admitted that he proposed to her in Goa during the IPL season, marking a significant moment in their courtship.
Overcoming Initial Hesitations and Changing Perspectives
Sagarika revealed that she initially had reservations about marrying a cricketer or an actor. “I was very clear. I don’t want to marry a cricketer or an actor,” she said. However, her perspective changed after meeting Zaheer, emphasizing that their connection transcended professional labels. Zaheer echoed this sentiment, stating, “Even if Sagarika was not an actress or something else, it would not have mattered. We cricketers, we never look at it that way.”
Mutual Respect for Religions: The Bedrock of Their Marriage
A key highlight of their discussion was the couple’s deep respect for each other’s religions, which forms the core of their relationship. Harbhajan Singh praised Zaheer for his involvement in Hindu festivals, noting that Zaheer is the first person to light the lamp during the Ganpati festival. Speaking about this, Zaheer said, “My parents have taught me to respect all religions. You should do what makes you happy and not worry about what people are saying. If she respects something, that I also need to have that respect because we are in marriage together.”
Sagarika elaborated on this, sharing her upbringing in Hindu traditions. “I have grown up doing Diwali Pooja, Gudi Padwa Pooja, because I’ve seen my mother do it so I have continued doing that. He has utmost respect for that, in fact, he is a part of it even more than me,” she said, underscoring Zaheer’s active participation and support.
Meeting the Parents and Traditional Protocols
The couple also reminisced about the formalities involved in their engagement. Zaheer spoke about meeting Sagarika’s parents to ask for her hand in marriage. “I had to officially go and meet her father. She had scared me, but the meeting was very relaxed. We planned to meet for half-an-hour, but we ended up talking for two hours,” he recalled. Sagarika described her parents as “very progressive yet traditional,” emphasizing that certain protocols were followed to honor their values.
Sagarika’s Return to Films and Legacy
Sagarika Ghatge, best known for her role as Preeti Sabharwal in the Shah Rukh Khan-starrer Chak De! India, is making a comeback to films after a break with the upcoming movie Lalat. This return adds another layer to her multifaceted life, balancing personal commitments with her professional career.
In summary, Zaheer Khan and Sagarika Ghatge’s story is a testament to love, respect, and understanding in an inter-faith marriage. Their journey, filled with candid moments and mutual admiration, offers inspiration for many navigating similar paths in today’s diverse society.
