Before Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal’s wedding in June, rumors circulated that veteran actor Shatrughan Sinha was unhappy with his daughter’s inter-faith marriage. The absence of her brother, Luv Sinha, further fueled speculation. Recently, Sonakshi addressed these rumors by discussing her initial conversation with her father about the marriage.
In an interview with Galatta Plus, Sonakshi revealed she was nervous about broaching the subject with Shatrughan. Zaheer Iqbal even offered to speak to Shatrughan on her behalf, but Sonakshi ultimately chose to approach her father herself. She recounted, “I went up to him and I sat down with him. I know my dad appreciates humor, so I tried to take a very different approach. I sat with full confidence and asked, ‘Kya aapko chinta nahi kya, beti ki shaadi nahi ho rahi? Aapko parwa nahi hai?’ (Are you not worried that your daughter isn’t getting married?).” Shatrughan responded, “Of course hai, main mummy se puchta rehta hoon. Kyun kya hua?” (Of course, I keep asking your mother. Why, what happened?). Sonakshi then told him, “Mujhe shaadi karni hai” (I want to get married).
Shatrughan Sinha offered to help find a suitable match for her, to which Sonakshi responded, “Nahi, dhund liya” (No, I have found someone). She then introduced Zaheer, explaining that they had been together for a long time, that he made her very happy, and that he was her best friend. Sonakshi described the conversation as surprisingly easy, despite her initial fears. She recalled that her father’s response was reassuring: “You are grown adults, you love each other, toh miyan biwi raazi toh kya karega kaazi? (When you guys are okay, everything is fine). Go for it.” This approval from her father confirmed to Sonakshi and Zaheer that they had the support they needed.
Shatrughan Sinha later affirmed his support for the marriage, stating, “It’s not unconstitutional or against the law.” Sonakshi and Zaheer were married on June 23 in a private ceremony attended by family and close friends, followed by a reception that featured several film industry celebrities.