Famous Arranged Marriages
Hey there! Have you ever wondered what it would be like to marry someone arranged for you by your family or community? You might be surprised to know that arranged marriages are a common practice in many cultures around the world, including India.
Arranged marriages are often seen as outdated and lacking in romance, but did you know that many famous celebrities have chosen this pathway to find their lifelong partners? Let’s take a look at some of these iconic arranged marriages that have stood the test of time.
Shahrukh Khan and Gauri Chibber
One of Bollywood’s most beloved couples, Shahrukh Khan and Gauri Chibber, have been happily married for over 25 years. Their love story began when they were just teenagers living in New Delhi.
Their families arranged for them to meet and, despite the initial awkwardness, they hit it off and fell deeply in love. Although they faced many challenges, including religious and cultural differences, they were determined to make it work, and today they are proud parents of three children.
Shahrukh and Gauri have often spoken about how their arranged marriage has been the foundation of their love and commitment to each other.
David Beckham and Victoria Adams
Taking a trip across the ocean, we have David Beckham and Victoria Adams, better known as Posh Spice from the Spice Girls. They first met in 1997 when Victoria attended a football match to watch David play.
They were introduced by a mutual friend and hit it off immediately. While their marriage may not have been strictly arranged, it was heavily influenced by their families, who encouraged them to get married and start a family.
They married in 1999 and have now been married for over 20 years and have four children together. What sets their story apart is how they have managed to navigate the ups and downs of fame and celebrity life.
They have been constantly in the public eye, but have always remained supportive of each other and their marriage.
Arranged vs Love Marriages
Now, let’s explore the age-old debate of arranged vs love marriages. Which is better, and what are the success rates of each?
Arranged marriages are still widely practiced in many parts of the world, where families and communities play a major role in arranging marriages. The idea behind arranged marriages is that the families of the couple understand their personalities and cultural backgrounds, and are able to pick a suitable partner for them.
Love marriages, on the other hand, are based on the idea of finding someone you love and choosing to marry them. The couple is responsible for getting to know each other and building a relationship before deciding to get married.
While both styles of marriage have their advantages and disadvantages, studies have shown that arranged marriages have higher success rates than love marriages. This is because families and communities play a greater role in helping couples navigate the challenges that come with a lifelong commitment.
However, it’s important to note that success rates are not the only factor to consider when choosing a partner. Ultimately, the decision should be based on mutual respect, understanding, and compatibility.
Divyanka Tripathi and Vivek Dahiya
Let’s turn our attention to one of Bollywood’s most beloved arranged marriages – that of Divyanka Tripathi and Vivek Dahiya. They first met on the sets of their television show, Yeh Hai Mohabbatein.
Divyanka and Vivek’s families kept pushing them to meet more often until, eventually, they grew close to each other and started dating. Their courtship period was all about understanding and compatibility.
They took their time getting to know each other, and made sure they were on the same wavelength regarding their life goals and values. They were married in 2016, and since then have been great supporters of each other’s dreams and goals.
They have often spoken about how their arranged marriage was the best decision they ever made. In conclusion, arranged marriages and love marriages both have their advantages and disadvantages.
However, it’s important to remember that the success of a marriage is based on a couple’s respect, understanding and compatibility with each other, regardless of how they met. Whether you choose to go ahead with a love marriage or an arranged one, we wish you all the happiness in the world!
Nikitin Dheer and Kratika Sengar
Let’s discuss another arranged marriage story that will melt your hearts. Nikitin Dheer, son of veteran actor Pankaj Dheer, fell in love with Kratika Sengar the moment he saw her on the TV show Kasautii Zindagii Kay.
But, it was his father who introduced them personally. Nikitin’s father Pankaj, who was also part of the same show, was instrumental in bringing them together.
He introduced his son to Kratika at a party, and the rest is history. They both were smitten with each other, and soon after decided to pursue a relationship that would lead to marriage.
Kratika, who had never met Nikitin before this party, was impressed with his kind nature and humility. She also developed a strong liking for his family, who she felt were welcoming and loving.
Nikitin’s family held a significant role in their relationship, as both were heavily influenced by their families. Kratika Sengar also shared that she was very excited about the prospect of getting married.
She had always dreamed of having an arranged marriage that was based on mutual admiration and respect, and Nikitin fit the bill perfectly.
Shahid Kapoor and Mira Rajput
Moving on to Shahid Kapoor and Mira Rajput, who got married in 2015, let’s take a look at their love story. Theirs was a unique arranged marriage as they both belonged to the same religious community.
Shahid’ father Pankaj Kapur, who was Mira’s English tutor in college, played a crucial role in bringing the couple together. He suggested Mira to Shahid’s family for an arranged marriage, and they clicked instantly.
Shahid and Mira started dating in the fall of 2014 and got married the following year. The couple has since been blessed with two beautiful children, Misha and Zain.
Shahid is known for his romantic streak, and he often shares cute moments with Mira on social media. In a recent interview, Shahid praised his wife for being a supportive partner in his personal and professional life.
He also mentioned that Mira has brought positivity to his life and that their marriage works because they are equals and respect each other’s opinions. In conclusion, arranged marriages are not the traditional way of getting married for many individuals, but when done with care and thoughtfulness, they can be a happy and successful way to commence married life.
The stories of Nikitin and Kratika and Shahid and Mira serve as a reminder that when families and communities come together to find matches for couples based on shared values, there can be a lifelong bond that forms from the foundation built on mutual respect and compatibility.
Suresh Raina and Priyanka Chaudhary
The love story of Indian cricketer Suresh Raina and his wife Priyanka Chaudhary is one based on childhood friendship and an arranged marriage. Raina and Chaudhary grew up as neighbors in their hometown of Muradnagar, near Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh.
Their families were close, and they knew each other from a young age. After completing his graduation, Raina was on the lookout for a suitable partner, and Priyanka’s family was one of the potential options.
They got engaged in April 2015 and married a few months later on April 3, 2015, in a ceremony in Delhi. Since their marriage, they have been enjoying their life together; Priyanka being his biggest support system and his “guiding light” in all his endeavors.
In a tweet, Raina praised his loving wife for being his best friend and always supporting him through thick and thin. The couple is now proud parents to two adorable children, Gracia and Rio.
Dhanush and Aishwarya
Another notable arranged marriage took place between Dhanush and Aishwarya, the daughter of Tamil film superstar Rajinikanth. The couple’s wedding in 2004 was an elaborate event held at the famous Raghavendra Kalyana Mandapam in Chennai.
Both families arranged the marriage traditionally, and it was the start of a long-lasting partnership. They have faced ups and downs along the way, but their love for each other has remained constant.
Dhanush has often expressed his gratitude for having Aishwarya by his side and acknowledged her role in his success. Although their marriage is arranged, he has also shared that they have gradually fallen in love with each other over the years.
Aishwarya has also been a constant support to Dhanush throughout his journey. She was instrumental in supporting and guiding her husband when he made his transition from Tamil to Hindi cinema.
Their marriage has stood the test of time, and they have been happily married for over 17 years. They are blessed with two sons, Linga and Yatra.
In conclusion, arranged marriages can be a beautiful experience when two families come together to ensure a lifelong bond based on shared values, beliefs, and traditions. In the cases of Suresh Raina and Priyanka Chaudhary and Dhanush and Aishwarya, arranged marriages have stood the test of time and serve as an inspiration for those who are considering it as an option.
Neil Nitin Mukesh and Rukmini Sahay
The arranged marriage of Neil Nitin Mukesh and Rukmini Sahay is a perfect example of the old-school mentality of leaving the decision to parents. Neil’s family has been in the film industry for many years, and they wanted their son to have a partner who was well-cultured and educated.
Neil, who was open to the concept of arranged marriages, left the decision to his parents, and they found Rukmini, who was a perfect match for their son. They met and hit it off immediately, and soon after, they decided to tie the knot.
Their strong foundation was built not just on their mutual love and respect but also on the coming together of two families. Their respective grandparents were friends, which helped them cement their relationship.
Neil has often praised Rukmini for being a calming presence in his life and credited her for bringing stability to his personal and professional life. They are now parents to a beautiful daughter, Nurvi.
Karan Patel and Ankita Bhargava
Television actor Karan Patel, best known for his role in Yeh Hai Mohabbatein, was introduced to his now-wife Ankita Bhargava through his co-star Aly Goni.
Interestingly, Ankita had initially rejected Karan’s proposal, but it was through Aly Goni’s efforts that they got to know each other better and eventually tied the knot in 2015.
Karan has often praised Ankita for being a supportive and calming partner in his personal and professional life. He has also acknowledged her efforts in helping him overcome his anger issues and leading a happier and more fulfilling life.
Their constant support and understanding towards each other have helped them weather through the ups and downs of their lives. In conclusion, arranged marriages have been a long-standing culture and tradition in many parts of India.
And while it may not be for everyone, as evidenced by the arranged marriages of Neil Nitin Mukesh and Rukmini Sahay and Karan Patel and Ankita Bhargava, it is a testament to how such timeless traditions and strong family values bring people together in the most beautiful and meaningful ways.
Govinda and Sunita
The love story of Bollywood superstar Govinda and his wife Sunita started with a classic filmy twist. They initially met when they were just teenagers, and Govinda started developing feelings for Sunita after seeing her at a wedding.
They started meeting each other once in a while, but Govinda’s father did not approve of the relationship since he wanted his son to focus on studies instead of pursuing a romantic relationship. After a few years, Govinda became a Bollywood superstar, and things changed when Sunita’s mother watched one of his movies and became smitten with his acting skills.
She expressed her fondness for Govinda to Sunita’s father, who then approached Govinda’s mother to ask for his son’s hand in marriage to Sunita. Their love story turned into an arranged one, and it was a good decision, as they have been married for over three decades now and have two children, Narmada and Yashvardhan.
Govinda and Sunita’s love-cum-arranged marriage shows that sometimes, it’s not just about two people falling in love, but also about two families coming together and forming a bond. Their decision to go along with the arranged marriage meant that not just their love, but also familial love, would be the foundation of their relationship.
Their story is proof that arranged marriages can be just as successful as love marriages, and that sometimes, it’s the people around us who see the things we don’t, and that working together as a family can lead to a lifetime of happiness. In conclusion, the love story of Govinda and Sunita shows us that the path to true love is not always straightforward, and sometimes it takes unexpected turns.
While their relationship may have started with a crush, it turned into a match made in heaven through the bond of two families coming together. Their story reinforces the belief that arranged marriages can be successful if based on mutual respect and understanding.
In conclusion, arranged marriages have stood the test of time and have the potential to provide couples with a strong foundation for a successful and lasting marriage. The stories of famous celebrities and everyday people alike show that arranged marriages can be based on love, familial relationships, and shared values, beliefs, and traditions.
These marriages prove that although the path to true love may not always be straightforward, it can lead to lifelong happiness with the support of families and communities. As such, arranged marriages should continue to be recognized as a legitimate and meaningful way for couples to begin their journey together.