Whether it's the coupling of the legendary Jodha-Akbar, Sunil Dutt-Nargis, Pataudi-Sharmila or Shahrukh Khan-Gauri that you consider, it's very clear that inter-religious marriages are no longer an ground-shattering, path-breaking phenomena in India. They've taken place for centuries, in the direct line of fire from conservatives. That bit hasn't changed -- what has changed is this generation's willingness to seize the bull by the horns when it comes to love. Mummy and Daddy no longer know best; no longer are parents a formidable obstacle that cannot be overcome and religion is no longer a factor that can make or break a marriage.
Having said that, it's still not easy for two Indian people belonging to different faiths to tie the knot. One should be prepared for long discussions about conversion, deciding which wedding ceremony to perform (which is no small matter in a country where weddings are all about rituals and tradition) and which faith the couple's children will follow.
Mumbaiites Farida Khan* and Kaushal Sharma* met in college. Somewhere between sharing samosas and colas from the canteen and notes in class, they fell in love. For four years, they kept their relationship hidden because they knew their families would never accept their chosen partners. One day Farida's father, a religious Muslim man, found out about Kaushal and all hell broke loose. Kaushal's family was informed too and the couple was forbidden from seeing one another.
Photograph: Rediff Archives
*Names changed to protect privacy.
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