Gauri Khan and Shah Rukh Khan have been married for nearly 33 years, celebrating both Hindu and Islamic festivals together while maintaining their individual faiths. Their interfaith marriage often become part of numerous discussions, particularly regarding Gauri’s choice not to convert. On Gauri’s birthday, let’s revisit her reflections on this decision.

The couple tied the knot in October 1991, but their journey to marriage wasn’t without its challenges. Initially, Gauri’s parents were hesitant as theirs would be an inter-faith wedding. In a conversation with Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla on their show First Ladies, Gauri recalled, “We changed his name to Abhinav so they would see him as a Hindu boy, but that was really silly and childish.”

At the time of their wedding, many in Gauri’s family worried that Shah Rukh might pressure her to convert to Islam. Shah Rukh fondly recalled this incident in an interview with Farida Jalal, and said, “I remember when Gauri’s traditional family was sitting there, whispering, ‘He’s a Muslim boy. Will he change her name? Will she become a Muslim?’ So, I jokingly said, ‘Okay Gauri, put on your burkha, and let’s read the namaaz.’ The entire family stared at us, thinking I had already changed her religion. I teased them, saying, ‘From now on, she will wear a burkha all the time and her name will be Ayesha.'”

In the first season of Koffee With Karan, Gauri spoke about her decision not to convert. She said, “There is a balance. I respect Shah Rukh’s religion, but that doesn’t mean I would convert. I believe everyone should follow their own faith, and there should be mutual respect. Shah Rukh would never disrespect my religion either.” However, she mentioned that her mother still struggles with the situation, often reacting with confusion when Aryan tells her, “I am a Muslim.”

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During her conversation on Ladies First, Gauri shared, “During Diwali, I lead the pooja, and the family follows. On Eid, Shah Rukh leads, and we follow. It’s a beautiful arrangement, and the kids embrace both traditions. In fact, they tend to lean more toward what Shah Rukh says. Both Diwali and Eid are fantastic for them.”

In a 2013 interview with Outlook Turning Points, Shah Rukh revealed how practicing both religions at home confused their children. “Sometimes they ask me what religion they belong to, and like a good Hindi movie hero, I philosophically declare, ‘You are Indian first, and your religion is humanity,’ or I might sing an old Hindi film song, ‘Tu Hindu banega na Musalmaan banega – insaan ki aulaad hai insaan banega,’ set to Gangnam Style.”

Beyond being Shah Rukh Khan’s wife, Gauri is an accomplished professional in her own right, serving as a film producer, fashion designer, and celebrity interior designer. In 2018, she was named one of the “50 Most Powerful Women” by Fortune Magazine, and in 2008, she graced the cover of Vogue India, which referred to her as the “First Lady of Bollywood.” Despite being married to one of the most influential figures in the world, Gauri has maintained her individuality since their marriage in 1991. The couple are parents to Aryan, Suhana and Abram Khan.

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