Bollywood actor Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub has shared intimate details of his real-life love story with wife Rasika Agashe, revealing the challenges they faced as an interfaith couple before their marriage in 2007. Known for keeping his personal life private, Ayyub opened up in a recent interview, narrating their journey from the National School of Drama (NSD) to a secret escape in Goa.
From NSD Classmates to Life Partners
The couple's story began at the prestigious NSD, where they first met. Rasika Agashe was Zeeshan Ayyub's senior, having cleared the entrance exam in her first attempt, while Ayyub succeeded in his second. Their bond grew as they discovered shared interests and perspectives during their time at the institute. However, their first official date in Mumbai was off to a rocky start. Ayyub confessed that he was an hour late, having only left his friend's place after Rasika had already arrived at the meeting spot.
Despite the unconventional beginning, their connection deepened. Ayyub explained that their relationship evolved naturally from a strong friendship. "We became such good friends that we thought that we should get married," he said. "We love spending time with each other, and we got married in this phase of our relationship and nobody proposed to anyone. We just took our friendship forward."
The Goa Escape: Defying Family Backlash
The decision to marry, however, was met with significant familial difficulties due to their different religious backgrounds. Zeeshan is Muslim, while Rasika is Hindu. To avoid the immediate backlash and pressure from their families, the couple made a bold decision. They escaped to Goa for four days, choosing to cut off communication with both families during that time to focus on their commitment to each other.
"The marriage had its own difficulties because it was a Hindu-Muslim marriage. To escape them, we ran to Goa for four days, and we decided not to speak to either of the families. We enjoyed those four days in Goa," Ayyub recalled. This period served as a crucial respite before confronting the realities of an interfaith union in India.
Marriage Under Special Act and Familial Acceptance
Upon returning from Goa in September 2007, the couple proceeded with their wedding plans. They were firm on one principle: their union would be a secular one under the Special Marriage Act. Ayyub emphasized that they did not want religious interference in their marriage, allowing each other the freedom to practice their own faiths independently.
"We were very clear that we will get married under the Special Marriage Act. We don't want religious interference in our marriage," he stated. "We both can do whatever we want. If I want to live as a Muslim, then I won't pressure Rasika and if she wants to live as a Hindu, she doesn't have the pressure to abide by Muslim laws."
Fortunately, after a period of tension and negotiation lasting one to two months, both sets of parents eventually came around. They attended the wedding, marking a hard-won acceptance. Ayyub described this period as filled with back-and-forth discussions on how to manage the logistics and sensitivities of a marriage between two different religions.
The actor's candid revelation highlights the personal struggles many interfaith couples in India face, while also showcasing a path built on mutual respect, friendship, and a firm commitment to secular values.
