7 lessons we've learned from Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal's relationship

Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal’s relationship has been aspirational to many, especially after their wedding on June 23, 2024. Their relationship is a symbol of resilience where love conquered all, which many want to embody for themselves. What is it that makes Sonakshi and Zaheer’s relationship work? HELLO! India lists the relationship lessons we've learned from the celebrity couple's long-time love affair.

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1. Love takes time 

In recent years, relationships have started to feel increasingly rushed. From the dreaded “What are we?” conversations, to getting engaged before a certain time period; many have forgotten how to nurture a relationship before it blooms. Sonakshi and Zaheer courted for 7 years until their marriage. The years they spent together allowed both parties to fully understand each other and find certainty in their decision. Often, forming a solid foundation for your relationship matters far more than reaching milestones quickly. 

2. Existing privately

Neither Sonakshi nor Zaheer are strangers to the limelight, as their careers come attached to public scrutiny. Despite this, the couple managed to keep their relationship largely private for 7 years before announcing their marriage to the world. Sonakshi has talked about wanting to keep nazar away from them, a sentiment many couples can probably relate to. One of the healthiest things you can do for your relationship is to create a space for just the two of you that's untouched by outside commentary and expectations. Creating an environment where your love can thrive is crucial to a healthy relationship. 

3. Love doesn't follow a fixed format

While homogeneity is the mould that we have been taught to fit into, love simply does not work that way. Sonakshi and Zaheer’s interfaith marriage shows us; yet again, that love cannot be constrained by factors like religion or race. If two people are willing to understand and respect each other’s differences, then those differences become opportunities for growth rather than obstacles. Relationships often thrive because of the different perspectives and experiences each partner brings to the table. 

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4. Choosing to work through difficulty

Sonakshi and Zaheer have publicly spoken about turning to couples’ therapy to further strengthen their relationship. Despite the stigma surrounding couples’ therapy, their decision reflects emotional maturity and a willingness to give their relationship everything it deserves. Successful relationships do not function solely on chemistry; they require communication, effort and perseverance.

5. A little humour goes a long way

Laughing with each other is one sure shot way of keeping the spark alive even after years together. Sonakshi and Zaheer have managed to laugh with each other with humorous quips and the occasional prank every now and then. Recently, Sonakshi shared a priceless phone prank pulled by Zaheer mid-workout with the caption “Legend says she is still stuck there’. Their relationship reminds us that love shouldn’t just be stable and secure, it should also feel light, joyful and fun. 

6. Love each other without losing yourself

Despite how strong Sonakshi and Zaheer’s relationship is, neither of them have dissolved into a single identity. Both celebrities hold on to their sense of self; maintaining their separate personalities, careers and friendships. This is an integral part of maintaining a healthy interdependence rather than codependency. Remember, love involves two people choosing each other consistently, not relying on the relationship to feel complete. 

7. Quiet stability over grand gestures

Many celebrity relationships are associated with grand gestures of love. However, Zaheer and Sonakshi’s relationship shows us that consistency and a steady presence will strengthen a relationship far more than grandiosity. Creating a dramatic moment for the one you love is the cherry on top, but that cherry cannot exist without the foundational cake built by frequent affectionate gestures and care that one displays over the course of the relationship. 

Text by Judah Abujam

Edited by Dayle Pereira-Alemao

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