Actor and author Soha Ali Khan recently opened up about the intense public scrutiny and backlash that surrounded her brother Saif Ali Khan’s marriage to Bollywood superstar Kareena Kapoor Khan, revealing how the union sparked unexpected reactions from both fans and certain communities. In a candid interview, Soha reflected on the time when Saif and Kareena tied the knot in 2012 — a moment that was celebrated by millions but also met with criticism and controversy in some quarters.
Speaking about the reactions that poured in after the high-profile wedding, Soha shared, “There were so many opinions and comments — some of them very loving, but some quite aggressive. People would say things like, ‘You took one of ours, now we’ll take one of yours.’ It was bizarre, but it reflected the strange sense of possessiveness fans and communities sometimes feel toward celebrities.”
Soha explained that the backlash was rooted in the couple’s different religious and cultural backgrounds — Saif, a Muslim and the son of legendary cricketer Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi and actress Sharmila Tagore, and Kareena, from one of Bollywood’s most iconic Hindu families. “Their marriage wasn’t just seen as a personal decision — people made it into a symbol of something larger, something communal, which it never was,” Soha said. “For us as a family, it was simply about two people in love choosing to spend their lives together. But outside that, the narrative got unnecessarily complicated.”
The actor recalled how Saif and Kareena dealt with the criticism gracefully, never responding to negativity and focusing instead on their relationship. “Saif has always been someone who believes in living life on his own terms. Kareena, too, handled everything with such dignity. They were both aware of the chatter but chose not to give it power. They knew that over time, love and understanding would silence all the noise,” she said.
Reflecting on how things have changed over the years, Soha noted that the couple’s love story has since become one of the most admired in Bollywood. “Now, when people talk about Saif and Kareena, they call them a power couple. They’ve built a beautiful family together, and they’ve shown that love truly transcends religion and background. It’s funny how time changes perspectives — what once seemed controversial is now seen as something strong and inspiring,” Soha added warmly.
She also spoke about how her sister-in-law, Kareena, seamlessly fit into the family and formed a close bond with everyone. “Kareena is such a wonderful person — she’s warm, grounded, and very real. She’s never tried to be someone she’s not, and that’s what we all love about her. Our family welcomed her wholeheartedly, and she’s been such a positive presence ever since.”
Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor’s wedding, which took place after several years of dating, was a grand yet intimate affair attended by close family, friends, and colleagues from the film industry. Over the years, the couple has become one of Bollywood’s most celebrated duos, admired for their individuality, mutual respect, and parenting style. Their two sons, Taimur Ali Khan and Jehangir Ali Khan, are among the most popular star kids in the country.
Soha, who is married to actor Kunal Kemmu, concluded by saying that every family faces judgment in the public eye, but what matters most is unity and understanding within. “People will always talk — that’s something you can’t control. What you can control is how you respond. And I think Saif and Kareena responded in the best way possible: with love, confidence, and grace.”
Today, more than a decade later, Saif and Kareena’s marriage stands as a shining example of strength, respect, and modern love — a reminder that while society may have its opinions, true relationships are built on mutual acceptance and unwavering support.
