When Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan tied the knot in October 2012, their wedding was one of the most talked-about events in Bollywood. While their relationship had been the subject of constant media attention, it was their inter-faith marriage that stirred controversy. Saif and Kareena, coming from different religious backgrounds, faced intense scrutiny and criticism, but they chose to ignore the naysayers and proceeded with their wedding. However, the couple did not go unscathed; both Saif and Kareena received death threats in the lead-up to their marriage.
In a past interview, Saif spoke candidly about the difficult period when his relationship with Kareena became the target of intense backlash. He revealed that the threats were not just directed at him and Kareena but also at their families. According to Saif, these threats mirrored the experiences his parents, Sharmila Tagore and Tiger Pataudi, had faced when they married. Saif recalled how his parents had been at the center of similar controversy when they tied the knot, as their marriage also crossed cultural and religious lines.
The challenges Saif faced were not unique. When Sharmila Tagore, a renowned actress, married the late Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi, the then Nawab of Pataudi, the union was met with much resistance, particularly due to the couple’s different religious backgrounds. Despite the opposition and the social challenges, Sharmila and Tiger remained resolute, just as Saif and Kareena did when their turn came. Saif highlighted that such threats and backlash were a reality for inter-faith couples at the time, but he also acknowledged that he and his wife were fortunate to be surrounded by family and friends who supported them.
Saif’s reflections on his own experience mirrored the struggles his parents went through, but he added that while the threats were distressing, they did not affect his decision to marry Kareena. His focus remained on their love and commitment to each other, which he felt was the most important thing. The actor emphasized that in the face of such adversity, the support of loved ones played a crucial role in giving them the strength to move forward.
Saif also spoke about how, despite the initial backlash, time had softened the views of many critics. Over the years, Saif and Kareena’s marriage has become an inspiration for many young couples who also come from different cultural and religious backgrounds. Their decision to follow their hearts, regardless of public opinion, sent a message of inclusivity and acceptance to society. Saif was quick to point out that while challenges may arise in any relationship, especially one that breaks traditional norms, it is love and understanding that ultimately triumphs.
Today, the couple is a proud family with two children, Taimur and Jehangir. Both Saif and Kareena continue to be active in their professional lives, balancing their demanding careers while raising their children in a positive, supportive environment. Looking back, Saif’s experience of dealing with the threats only made their relationship stronger, proving that their bond could withstand external pressures.
Their wedding and the journey leading up to it are now a testament to the power of love overcoming all obstacles. Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan’s marriage stands as a symbol of unity in diversity, showcasing that true love transcends all boundaries, whether social, religious, or cultural. The couple’s story, as shared by Saif, continues to inspire many who may find themselves facing similar challenges in their own lives, reinforcing the idea that love, trust, and mutual respect are the foundation of any lasting relationship.