Shah Rukh Khan's 'Abhinav' Name Change for Gauri's Family Acceptance

In a candid revelation, Gauri Khan shared that Shah Rukh Khan once adopted the name “Abhinav” to appear Hindu and win over her parents, who were initially opposed to their interfaith marriage. Reflecting on the decision, Gauri described it as “really silly and very childish” during an appearance on the show First Ladies hosted by Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla.

A Love Story with Hurdles

Shah Rukh and Gauri Khan, now married for 35 years, faced significant resistance from Gauri’s family due to their differing religious backgrounds. In Mushtaq Sheikh’s book Shah Rukh Can, it was revealed that Shah Rukh adopted multiple names during this period, including “Jeetender Kumar Tulli,” inspired by actors Jeetendra and Rajendra Kumar Tulli. Later, the couple decided on “Abhinav” to make Shah Rukh seem more acceptable to Gauri’s Hindu family.

The couple’s efforts to bridge religious divides extended to their wedding ceremonies as well. Shah Rukh took on a Hindu name for their traditional wedding, while Gauri adopted the Muslim name “Ayesha” for their nikah. Gauri later admitted that her parents were “obviously not” in favor of the marriage at the time, underscoring the challenges they faced.

Embracing Secular Values at Home

Despite the initial hurdles, Shah Rukh and Gauri have built a family rooted in secular values. The couple often speaks about embracing both religions and raising their three children—Aryan, Suhana, and AbRam—with a balanced outlook. Shah Rukh once humorously shared in a 2013 interview with Outlook Turning Points that his children sometimes ask about their religion, to which he responds, “You are an Indian first and your religion is humanity.”

Gauri added that their family celebrates both Diwali and Eid with equal enthusiasm. “When it’s Diwali, I lead the pooja and the family follows, and on Eid, Shah Rukh leads, and we follow. I think it’s all very beautiful, and the kids accept it,” she said.

Why It Matters

The story of Shah Rukh and Gauri Khan highlights the challenges faced by interfaith couples in India, where societal and familial pressures can often complicate relationships. Their journey, marked by compromise and mutual respect, reflects a broader message of unity and acceptance. By openly sharing their experiences, the couple continues to inspire others navigating similar paths.

Source: Indian Express