Mumbai:
Shah Rukh-Gauri, Sunil Dutt-Nargis, Saif-Kareena, Rajiv-Sonia Gandhi are just some of the examples of successful celebrity interfaith marriages. But away from the limelight, many unions like these find it hard to survive when confronted with the harsh reality of dealing with society or familial hostility. Societal pressure and other constraints often make such marriages that much tougher to survive.
Sachin Gupta's parents took a year to come to terms with his marriage with a Muslim girl.
"They said this can't happen. We can't bring a Muslim girl as daughter-in-law into this family", said Sachin.
Five years later their families have come around, but it has taken some adjustments. Sachin's family calls his wife by a Hindu name, Radha.
"I felt a little bad because I love my name and I was born and brought up with that name, but it's ok. It's just while I am there," said Shabnam, Sachin's wife.
In 1983, when Ramkrishna and Poonam Kudar decided to marry, it led to an uproar. Ramakrishna is an OBC while Poonam, a Kayastha, a so called higher caste.
"When my family got to know they started opposing. They didn't behave properly with me. No one would talk to me," recalls Poonam Kudar.
Poonam's family later accepted the marriage but the caste difference has led to some tense moments.
"When my son was born, for the naming ceremony rituals our castes have different customs. In my husband's custom they cut a chicken near the baby but my mother was against it. My mother-in-law was very loving. She said you follow your mother's customs at her place and we will do the custom as per our wishes at our place," said Poonam.
It is love that has kept this couple together for the last 27 years.
"It's pure love. Every day we fall in love with each other. Every night we fight and the next morning we have a cup of tea and forget about it," said Ramkrishna Kudar, and the couple burst into laughter.