Aayush Sharma married Arpita Khan, the sister of Bollywood star Salman Khan, in 2014, but their journey to marriage faced some challenges. While Salman was supportive of their relationship and encouraged them to marry, Aayush’s parents had reservations about the union. In a recent discussion, Aayush reflected on his parents’ initial reactions to his romance with Arpita and their families’ first interactions.
During an interview with Cyrus Broacha, Aayush recounted how his initial encounter with Salman Khan played a pivotal role in their decision to wed. Upon learning of their relationship, Salman requested to meet Aayush. During this meeting, he inquired about their future intentions, and Arpita expressed their desire to marry within a year, although Aayush’s parents were still unaware of the relationship at that point.
“I was unaware of my own feelings at that time, so how could I inform my parents? I simply walked in, greeted Salman, and when asked if I would marry Arpita, I said yes,” Aayush explained. “I left that meeting knowing I was set to marry in a year, but I had no idea how to approach my dad about it.” He recalled the moment when his parents were introducing him to Arpita’s family while he was apprehensive about breaking the news to his father.
Aayush expressed that he often wondered why Arpita’s family accepted their relationship, especially considering his financial status at the time. “I questioned their thoughts on the matter, as I wasn’t earning anything. I often thought it was unusual. In films, the groom’s financial situation is scrutinized. Why would someone marry their daughter or sister to someone like me, who was struggling financially? Although I came from a certain background, my circumstances in Mumbai were different,” he stated.
Reflecting on the first meeting between their families, Aayush shared, “My mother asked if Arpita was Salman’s sister, and I had to inform my father that she was my girlfriend. His reaction was one of confusion, questioning why someone like her would be with me. When I revealed we were getting married, he was taken aback and asked, ‘What is happening? First, you wanted to study, then you pursued acting, and now you’re saying you want to marry?’”
Aayush also noted that his father was doubtful about whether he had been honest with Arpita’s family regarding his financial situation. “My father remarked, ‘You’re only 24 and don’t even have facial hair yet.’ He was curious about what Arpita’s family saw in me, feeling the need to clarify my lack of achievements,” he recounted.
During the meeting with Arpita’s family, Aayush’s father subtly hinted at his concerns. “He told them, ‘You have a big heart. I wouldn’t have allowed my daughter to marry someone like him, as he doesn’t earn anything.’ He was trying to prepare them for the reality of my situation, mentioning that I only made about 30,000 to 40,000 and that I had given him a house,” he explained.
Despite his father’s skepticism, Salman Khan remained optimistic about Aayush’s future. “Salman Bhai reassured my father, saying he believed in my potential and would help me develop my skills. My dad was still uncertain, and after watching my first film, he told me I didn’t know how to act. He said, ‘It’s not impressive, nothing special.’ I respected his honesty, but he praised my performance after my second film,” Aayush concluded.
Arpita Khan Sharma, who was adopted by the Khan family as a baby, shares a close relationship with her brother, Salman. Aayush and Arpita celebrated their wedding on November 18, 2014, and are proud parents to two children: son Ahil and daughter Ayat.
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