13 Popular Interfaith Marriages In Bollywood That Prove Love Is Beyond Cultural Boundaries

The saying that love has no boundaries is so true. It unites people beyond the confines of religion, culture, and tradition. In Bollywood, many celebrities have shown that true love knows no limits, choosing partners from different faiths and creating beautiful lives together. Here are Bollywood couples who embraced interfaith marriage and are leading or have led a happy and fulfilling love life, proving that love is the ultimate bond that connects us all.

1. Nargis and Sunil Dutt

When the talk is about famous interfaith marriages in Bollywood how can one go without talking about Nargis and Sunil Dutt? Nargis, a Muslim, and Sunil Dutt, a Hindu, fell in love during the filming of Mother India in 1957. Many GenZ may not know this but during the shoot of Mother India Sunil heroically saved Nargis from a fire on set.

Soon after, their love blossomed, and they married in 1958. What Raj Kapoor could not do for Nargis, was something that Sunil Dutt did. Nargis and Sunil Dutt set an inspiring example of a successful interfaith marriage.

2. Mumtaz and Mayur Madhvani

Mumtaz, one of Bollywood’s most beloved actresses, and Mayur Madhvani, a successful businessman of Ugandan-Indian descent, also share a beautiful interfaith love story. Mumtaz by name is clear that she is a Muslim and Mayur on the other hand, is a Hindu.

They married in 1974 after which she left her acting career. In an interview, Mumtaz shared that her husband, Mayur Madhvani, had an affair years ago, and she, in response, briefly had one herself, yet their love endured.

3. Hema Malini and Dharmendra

Veteran actors Hema Malini and Dharmendra have also had an interfaith marriage that is worth mentioning. Hema Malini and Dharmendra first met on the set of the film Rakhwala (1971). The professional relationship of Hema, a Hindu, and Dharmendra, a Sikh, soon blossomed into a personal one.

Despite the hurdles, their love stood the test of time, and the couple became one of the most beloved pairs in Bollywood. They married in 1980. Some of their most renowned movies together are Rakhwala (1971), Seeta Aur Geeta (1972), and Sholay (1975) among others.

4. Gauri Chibber and Shah Rukh Khan

One of the most iconic Bollywood couples, Shah Rukh Khan, a Muslim, and Gauri Chhibber a Hindu, have been through their fair share of challenges, but their love story remains an inspiration for millions. SRK met Gauri at a party and at that time he was 18 and Gauri was only 14.

At first, Gauri rejected SRK, however, soon after their first date at Delhi’s Panchsheel Club, their fondness for one another grew. Overcoming religious barriers was not an easy task but when love is there what can not happen? They married in 1991 and are the happiest of couples.

5. Mana Kadri and Suniel Shetty

Suniel Shetty and Mana Kadri share a beautiful interfaith love story that began in the early 1990s. Suniel, a Hindu, and Mana, a Muslim, married in 1991, despite the challenges posed by their different religious backgrounds.

Interestingly, Mana’s parents initially found Suniel Gunda-like (Thug-like) due to his hairstyle and personality. But they soon developed a fondness for him. They have a successful marriage and are set to become grandparents as their daughter Athiya and her husband and cricketer KL Rahul soon to become parents.

6. Dilnawaz Sheikh and Sanjay Dutt

Dilnawaz Sheikh, better known as Maanyata Dutt, and Sanjay Dutt have a strong and enduring interfaith love story. Maanyata, a Muslim, and Sanjay, a Hindu, married in 2008 after dating for a few years. To say that they did not face public scrutiny and family challenges would be wrong.

Manyata first met Sanjay when he was in a relationship with Nadia Durrani. Nadia’s relationship with Sanjay is very materialistic and not based on genuine affection. Meanwhile, Manyata had a genuine care for Sanjay which brought them closer. Since then they have been each other’s greatest support and love.

7. Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra

Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra’s marriage is another successful interfaith marriage. Shilpa, a Hindu, and Raj, a Sikh, met through a common friend and soon hit it off, developing a strong bond. After dating for a while, they got married in November 2009. Their marriage was private yet grand and was attended by close friends and family.

To date, it looks as if the couple has not aged. They both are as attractive as ever. The couple has two children, a son named Viaan and a daughter named Samisha. Despite, the hurdles that Raj Kundra has been going through pertaining to his business, Shilpa has been a rock, standing next to him.

8. Kareena Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan

Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor’s relationship is one of Bollywood’s most iconic interfaith marriages. Saif, a Muslim, and Kareena, a Hindu, faced public scrutiny due to their religious differences and age gap.

The duo first met on the set of Tashan and since then grew a connection that was hard to break. They married in 2012 after a five-year relationship, celebrating their union with a quiet court marriage followed by traditional ceremonies. The couple have two kids together, Taimur and Jeh.

9. Genelia D’Souza and Riteish Deshmukh

Genelia D’Souza, a Christian, and Riteish Deshmukh, a Hindu, are literally what is called “couple goals”. They met on the sets of Tujhe Meri Kasam in 2003, and after years of friendship and dating, they tied the knot in 2012.

In an interview with Outlook, Genelia D’Souza and Riteish Deshmukh shared how they prioritized their careers before marriage and maintained their long-distance relationship (while outdoor shoots) by exchanging heartfelt letters. Their marriage was celebrated with traditional ceremonies from both their faiths. It is the best example of mutual respect and understanding.

10. Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas

Our desi girl Priyanka Chopra and national Jiju Nick Jonas are bound to make on to this list. Priyanka, a Hindu, and Nick, a Christian, first met at the 2017 Met Gala, and their connection quickly blossomed into a romance.

In 2018, when they made their relationship official, their fans went gaga over this news. Soon after, they tied the knot in December 2018 in a grand celebration that blended both their cultural and religious traditions. The couple have been strong since then and now have a daughter named Malti Marie.

11. Katrina Kaif and Vicky Kaushal

Katrina Kaif and Vicky Kaushal’s interfaith marriage captured the attention of millions, becoming one of Bollywood’s most talked-about love stories. Katrina, a Christian, and Vicky, a Hindu, tied the knot in December 2021 after keeping their relationship largely private.

In a Koffee with Karan episode from 2019, Katrina Kaif jokingly mentioned that she would look good with Vicky Kaushal. This remark sparked a flurry of interest. However, at that time the duo were not actually linked. That is why their eventual linkage came as a shock to many but is now loved by everyone. To say that this KwK episode now feels like a prelude to their real-life romance would be a sheer understatement.

12. Dia Mirza and Vaibhav Rekhi

Dia Mirza and Vaibhav Rekhi’s interfaith marriage is a beautiful example of how love and harmony can make their way regardless of religious differences. Dia who is half Hindu and half Muslim by origin,  and Vaibhav, a Hindu as well, surprised many when they got married in a quiet, intimate ceremony in February 2021.

Interestingly, their union also came after Dia’s divorce from her first husband. The couple’s wedding was held amidst the pandemic and was a reflection of their simple yet elegant style.

13. Shibani Dandekar and Farhan Akhtar

Shibani Dandekar and Farhan Akhtar’s love story is a modern-day Bollywood romance that defied cultural boundaries. Shibani, a Christian, and Farhan, a Muslim, began their relationship in 2018 and kept their romance relatively private initially.

Their relationship blossomed over time, with their mutual love for music, films, and fitness bringing them closer. In 2022, the couple took the next step and got married, celebrating their union with an intimate ceremony. Their fans are elated to see their idols happy.

What are your thoughts on these couples? Do share via the comments below.