In a society where live-in partnerships often face scrutiny, actress Soha Ali Khan recently shared a personal glimpse into her family's perspective. She revealed the pragmatic advice her mother, the legendary Sharmila Tagore, offered when Soha decided to live with her then-boyfriend, Kunal Kemmu, before marriage.
Sharmila Tagore's Practical Relationship Counsel
While love marriages have gained wider acceptance in India, cohabitation before tying the knot remains a topic of discussion. Soha Ali Khan, in a conversation with Hauterflyy, recalled the specific guidance her mother gave. Sharmila Tagore's primary concern was about the potential dynamics of commitment. She advised Soha that some men might delay marriage after moving in together, lacking an "incentive" to propose. "If you are waiting for him to propose, after living together, he might not feel the incentive to propose. So maybe think about that," was Sharmila's candid suggestion to her daughter.
Soha and Kunal, who now have a daughter named Inaaya Naumi Khemu, did eventually get married. However, Soha clarified that the institution of marriage was not a pressing need for the couple at the time. They were deeply in love and content with their living arrangement. The decision to marry, she explained, was influenced more by the desires of their loved ones for stability and family rather than their own necessity.
"We were very happy living together," Soha stated. "But other people wanted us to get married for good reasons... so we took the step for them." She emphasized that their approach was neither oppositional nor desperate for marriage; it was simply an irrelevant formality that they eventually embraced to make others happy.
Bollywood Celebrities Who Chose the Live-In Path
Soha and Kunal are part of a growing trend in modern Indian relationships, where couples choose cohabitation as a step to understand compatibility before marriage. This arrangement allows partners to test their bond and adjust to each other's lives. Here are five other well-known Indian celebrities who defied conventional norms by being in live-in relationships before marriage.
Aamir Khan and Kiran Rao
Kiran Rao once shared that she wasn't entirely convinced about marriage until she and Aamir Khan lived together. Their cohabitation, which lasted for about a year and a half before their wedding, revealed a profound soul-level connection despite their differing worldviews. Aamir Khan, in an interview with Verve, acknowledged the significance of this step, stating he wouldn't have asked her to move in lightly.
Zaheer Khan and Sagarika Ghatge
Cricketer Zaheer Khan and actress Sagarika Ghatge, coming from different religious and cultural backgrounds, opted for a live-in relationship for a couple of years. This period allowed them to bond and grow as a couple. They formalized their union with a private court marriage on November 23, 2017, and welcomed their son, Fatehsinh Khan, on April 16, 2025.
Ankita Lokhande and Vicky Jain
After her previous relationship with actor Sushant Singh Rajput, Ankita Lokhande found love with businessman Vicky Jain. Their friendship blossomed into romance in 2018. After dating and living together, the couple received their families' blessings and got married in a grand ceremony in December 2021.
Twinkle Khanna and Akshay Kumar
Reports indicate that Twinkle Khanna and Akshay Kumar lived together for approximately a year before their wedding in January 2001. Interestingly, it is said that Twinkle's mother, actress Dimple Kapadia, supported this decision, showcasing a progressive outlook within the family.
Rajkummar Rao and Patralekhaa
One of Bollywood's most adored couples, Rajkummar Rao and Patralekhaa, have been together since meeting in 2010. Their relationship deepened over years of dating and cohabitation, culminating in a heartfelt wedding. Their journey from live-in partners to spouses stands as a testament to their strong bond.
The Evolving Landscape of Modern Relationships
The revelations from Soha Ali Khan and the examples of these celebrity couples highlight a shifting paradigm in Indian relationships. The choice to live together before marriage is increasingly seen as a practical step towards understanding long-term compatibility, moving beyond traditional taboos. While societal opinions vary, these stories underscore a growing emphasis on personal happiness, mutual understanding, and pragmatic steps before making a lifelong commitment.
