Bollywood actor Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub has recently shared intimate details about the significant challenges he and his wife, actress Rasika Agashe, navigated at the time of their marriage. The couple, who tied the knot back in 2007, have largely kept their personal life private but chose to reveal the hurdles posed by their differing religious backgrounds.
An NSD Romance Blossoms
During a candid conversation on The Sheroes TV, Zeeshan traced the origins of their relationship to their time at the National School of Drama (NSD). They met at NSD, where Rasika was his senior, having cleared the entrance exam in her first attempt, while Zeeshan succeeded in his second. The actor fondly recalled their instant connection, drawn together by their unique perspectives. However, their first date in Mumbai was marked by an awkward start when Zeeshan arrived an hour late, a mishap he confessed to with humour.
Overcoming Family Opposition
Their deep friendship naturally evolved into a commitment to spend their lives together. "We became such good friends that we thought that we should get married," Zeeshan explained, noting that there was no formal proposal. The major obstacle, however, was family opposition to their interfaith union—he is Muslim, and she is Hindu. To escape the ensuing turmoil, the couple made a bold decision. They eloped to Goa for four days, deliberately cutting off communication with both families to enjoy their newfound peace.
A Wedding Under the Special Marriage Act
Their decisive stand ultimately led to a breakthrough. Upon returning from Goa in September 2007, they managed to secure their families' blessings for the wedding. "Luckily, both sides of parents came to the wedding," Zeeshan recounted, highlighting the intense back-and-forth discussions in the preceding months about managing the logistics of two different religions. The couple was firm on their terms. They opted to get married under the secular Special Marriage Act, consciously avoiding any religious interference. Zeeshan emphasized their mutual respect, stating that neither would pressure the other to conform to their religious laws, allowing each to practice their faith freely.
This revelation offers a rare glimpse into the personal journey of a Bollywood couple who chose love and partnership over societal and religious conventions, setting an example of mutual respect and understanding.
