Sonakshi vs the Sinhas

Is this Bollywood wedding turning into a Star Plus family drama?

Bollywood is abuzz with the imminent nuptials of Sonakshi Sinha and her longtime beau Zaheer Iqbal, a union swathed in speculation, whispers of family drama, and enough gossip to fuel a thousand chai breaks.

According to Instant Bollywood, a recent viral Reddit post claimed Sonakshi’s brother Luv Sinha and her mother, Poonam Sinha, have given her the social media cold shoulder by unfollowing her on Instagram. However, there is a slight flaw in that theory: there’s no evidence they followed her to begin with.

Needless to say, there have been hints of family discord. Luv has posted cryptic messages on social media, which he later clarified were not directed at anyone. While netizens believe this is a severe case of over-analysis, Luv, sticking to his cryptic guns, has refused to comment on his sister’s wedding, claiming, “I have no involvement in the matter.” Ouch.

The plot thickened when Sonakshi’s father, veteran actor Shatrughan Sinha, also expressed his surprise at the wedding news, revealing that he was not informed or consulted about the union. Talking to Times Now, he said, “I am being asked by people close to me why I am not aware of this (the supposed wedding), and the media is aware of it. All I can say is, today’s kids don’t ask for parents’ consent, they just inform them. We are waiting to be informed.”

He also stated, “We trust her judgment completely. She would never make an extra-constitutional or illegal decision. As a consenting adult, she has the right to make her own decisions. I would like to say that whenever my daughter gets married, I would dance right in front of the baraat”

Sonakshi’s uncle, Pahlaj Nihalani, confirmed that Shatrughan is upset with her, but it will not last long. Speaking with Times Now, Pahlaj said “He can’t remain upset for long, not with Sonakshi. She is his favourite. There’s no question about if he will be attending the wedding or not. As Shatruji said to you: today’s kids don’t ask for parents’ consent, they just inform them. Why should he be upset if Sonakshi is marrying the boy of her choice? Shatruji himself married a girl of his choice forty years ago. Even I chose my own life partner when I married my wife. One should not have unrealistic expectations from one’s children.”

Despite the apparent lack of family involvement in the planning, Shatrughan has assured the public that he will bless his daughter’s decision and support her choice. He stated, “If my daughter is getting married, I will give her my blessings and support her decision and choice. Sonakshi has the right to choose her companion, and I will be the happiest father on her wedding day. I will always wish her the best… I only have one daughter.”

He also confirmed his presence at the wedding. In an interview with Zoom, the veteran actor and politician addressed the false reports claiming he would not be present at the ceremony. He said, “Tell me, whose life is it anyway? It’s just the life of my only daughter Sonakshi, whom I am very proud of and immensely fond of. She calls me the pillar of her strength. I will be there at the wedding, certainly. Why shouldn’t I and why won’t I?” He added, “The very fact that I have still been in Mumbai conveys that I am here not only as her pillar of strength but as her armour as well. Sonakshi and Zaheer have to live life together. They look very nice together.”

Addressing the fake reports circulating online, he said, “I would like to caution them with my signature dialogue: Khamosh. It’s none of your business. Mind only your business.” The rumours were further dispelled when Shatrughan posed with Zaheer and his family on Thursday, quashing any speculation of discord. They were spotted leaving Zaheer’s residence in Mumbai around midnight on Friday.

The seasoned actor cheerfully posed with his daughter’s fiance, even sharing a light-hearted moment by jokingly telling photographers, “Khamosh,” another nod to the famous dialogue. Shatrughan appeared to be in high spirits, waving at the media before departing.

Sonakshi is reportedly set to marry Zaheer on 23 June. The couple who has been dating for almost seven years, are rumoured to have first connected at a party hosted by Salman Khan. That’s where their bond evolved from friendship to romance. Sonakshi and Zaheer were clicked together at various events.

From attending Salman’s sister’s Eid bash to attending her Heeramandi co-star Sharmin Sehgal’s wedding reception, the couple’s bond was evident through their mutual chemistry. While the exact nature of the family drama remains unclear, it remains the talk of the town, ensuring that Bollywood’s grapevine stays well-watered with gossip and anticipation.