Bollywood actress Sonakshi Sinha tied the knot with actor Zaheer Iqbal on June 23, formalizing their union under the Special Marriage Act. However, the celebration has been marred by controversy, as a Hindu fringe group in Patna has labelled their marriage as "love jihad." This group has taken to plastering posters across the city, denouncing the union and threatening to prevent Sonakshi from entering Bihar. The activists have also directed messages to her father, the veteran actor and politician Shatrughan Sinha. ALSO READ: Sonakshi Sinha-Zaheer Iqbal Wedding: Parents Of The Bride Host A Puja, Ahead Of Nuptials; Videos Go VIRAL- Watch
Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal
The group, known as Hindu Shivbhavani Sena, accused Sonakshi and Zaheer of engaging in a religious conspiracy to "Islamify" the nation under the guise of love. Their posters claim that the wedding is an attack on Hindu culture, stating, "Sonakshi and Zaheer's wedding promotes love jihad. The wedding is a religious conspiracy under the garb of love. It aims to cause damage to the Hindu culture." Additionally, the group has issued a stern warning: "Hindu Shivbhavani Sena won't let Sonakshi Sinha enter Bihar!" ALSO READ: Sonakshi Sinha-Zaheer Iqbal's Wedding Photos OUT! Star Couple Looks Super Adorable In Their Stunning Ethnic Outfit
The activists didn’t stop there; they have also demanded that Shatrughan Sinha reconsider his stance on the wedding. They insisted he should change the names of his residence, Ramayana, and his sons, Luv and Kush, arguing that the current names disrespect Hinduism. The poster boldly reads, "Shatrughan Sinha must rethink his decision about the wedding. Or else, he must change the name of his sons Luv and Kush, and his house Ramayana. Isse ho raha hai Hindu dharm ka apmaan."
Posters come up in Patna against Sonakshi Sinha's marriage with a Muslim. pic.twitter.com/TbKSlO25uh
— Ruplekha Roy (@RuplekhaRo34236) June 24, 2024
In response to these threats, Shatrughan Sinha defended his daughter's decision, asserting that she had not violated any legal or constitutional boundaries. He dismissed the protestors' claims, saying, "No one has the right to interfere. To all the protestors I say, 'Go get a life. Do something useful with your life.'" Despite the uproar, neither Sonakshi nor Zaheer has publicly responded to the posters. However, in a bid to shield themselves from the ensuing negativity, they disabled the comments feature on their first post as newlyweds, shared on the evening of June 23.
Sonakshi and Zaheer's relationship has spanned seven years, culminating in their marriage through a civil ceremony at Sonakshi's Bandra residence. The couple exchanged vows and signed their marriage papers in the presence of close family and friends. This intimate celebration, however, has been overshadowed by the controversy stirred up by fringe elements, highlighting the ongoing societal challenges faced by interfaith couples in India.
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