Soha Ali Khan Addresses Interfaith Marriage, Social Media Trolling, and Societal Expectations
Actor Soha Ali Khan, who recently returned to the screen with the horror sequel Chhorii 2, has spoken candidly about the scrutiny she faces over her interfaith marriage to actor Kunal Kemmu. In a recent interview, Soha discussed how public commentary on her personal life, especially during festive seasons, often reflects deep-rooted biases around religion and identity.
On Developing Resilience to Online Criticism
Soha revealed that over time, she has grown more resilient to online trolling related to her marriage. Speaking to Screen, she shared, “I have gotten a bit thick-skinned; it doesn’t bother me. But one thing that amuses me is how, when I post something, people start commenting on my religion. Because I have married into a Hindu family, my mother has a Hindu surname and she married a Muslim man. Usually, if we post something on Diwali, they ask how many rozas I have kept. If we post on Holi, there are comments asking what kind of Muslim I am.”
Despite the remarks, Soha maintains that such commentary does not affect her, though she acknowledges that it reflects broader societal attitudes.
On Persistent Gender Bias
Soha also touched on the lingering societal preference for male children, even among educated, urban families. “Even today, in affluent, well-educated families, there is still an expectation that if you don’t have a son, you are somehow incomplete. I have a daughter, I’m very happy, and most people around me are very happy. But there is still a sense, somewhere, that I have disappointed somebody,” she said.
Personal Life and Professional Journey
Soha and Kunal Kemmu first met in 2009 on the sets of Dhoondte Reh Jaoge and got married in 2015 after six years of dating. They welcomed their daughter, Inaaya Naumi Kemmu, in 2017. The couple frequently shares glimpses of their family life on social media, earning admiration for their candid and relatable posts.
In Chhorii 2, directed by Vishal Furia, Soha portrays the antagonist ‘Daasi Maa’. The film, which also stars Nushrratt Bharuccha and Gashmeer Mahajani, is currently streaming on Prime Video. While the sequel received mixed reviews, Soha’s performance was widely appreciated by audiences and critics alike.
Through her personal experiences and career choices, Soha continues to challenge stereotypes and advocate for a more inclusive understanding of identity and family.