‘Woh decision apne hisab se lungi,' says Jasmin Bhasin on her interfaith relationship with Aly Goni; expert on setting boundaries
Despite coming from different religious backgrounds, the couple has built a strong and loving relationship. In a recent interview with Hindi Rush, she spoke about how she chooses her partner based on personal values rather than societal expectations. 'I feel that you should have a set criteria for choosing your partner based on the things you need in life — basic respect, love, and a support system. I look at those criteria first. After that, the criteria that society has conditioned us to value are also important to me — family, upbringing, and the values I was raised with. I don't want to let go of them. But if, because of those criteria, I have to let go of my dream partner, am I being smart or am I being stupid?'
She also reflected on how cultural and religious expectations often shape relationships, but she refuses to let go of someone who truly makes her happy. 'If I meet somebody who fits all the criteria and makes me feel complete, I am not going to let go of that person. Ab duniya kuch bhi likhe, kitna bhi galat lage, jeena maine hai toh main woh decision apne hisab se lungi, chahe aapko galat lage (Now, no matter what the world writes or how wrong it may seem, I have to live my life, so I will make the decision according to what feels right to me, even if you think it's wrong), that's about it).
Addressing rumours about issues between their families, Jasmin clarified that while she prefers to keep things private, both families are supportive. 'Many people think our family has issues, or our parents are not okay with us. But it's not like that.'
Sonal Khangarot, a licensed rehabilitation counsellor and psychotherapist, tells indianexpress.com, 'Families and society often emphasise maintaining cultural or religious continuity, which can create pressure to conform. With the pressure to confirm comes the need to explore our diversity, we know that South Asian settings like India are multicultural in nature. Individuals are bound to meet other individuals of a different caste/community/ethnicity.'
According to the expert, here are few ways in which couples can navigate this pressure:
Acknowledge the pressure: It's natural to want approval from loved ones, but it's important to recognise when societal norms become a burden rather than guidance.
Educate and set boundaries: Helping families understand the relationship rather than reacting defensively can ease resistance. If opposition remains, setting firm yet respectful boundaries protects mental well-being.
Seek support: A support system of like-minded friends or even a therapist can help couples navigate the emotional toll of societal expectations.
People often assume that keeping a relationship private means there is family disapproval. 'This assumption comes from the belief that relationships, especially serious ones, should be celebrated openly—so secrecy is seen as a sign of conflict,' states Khangarot.
She suggests, 'Privacy is about protecting the relationship from unnecessary interference, while secrecy is about hiding something. Couples should clarify their reasons for privacy. If couples don't want unwanted speculation, they can share selective details to reduce curiosity without overexposing their relationship. Mixed signals fuel assumptions. If a couple maintains a low profile consistently, rather than hiding or revealing things selectively, it becomes the norm rather than a cause for gossip.'
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'áchā vada tavásam gīrbhír ābhí stuhí parjányam námasâ vivāsa / kánikradad vrsabhó jīrádānū réto dadhāty ósadhīsu gárbham / … ájījana ósadhīr bhójanāya kám utá prajâbhyo 'vido manīsâm' (Sing with these songs thy welcome to the Mighty, with adoration praise and call Parjanya/ The Bull, loud roaring, swift to send his bounty, lays in the plants the seed for germination/ Thou hast made herbs to grow for our enjoyment: yea, thou hast won thee praisefrom living creatures) –Parjanya Sukta, Rigveda The rain motif has always reigned supreme in Indian cultural productions. It has inspired poets and artists alike, while also being the subject of Vedic hymns sung to propitiate the rain gods to send in timely showers. The cultural significance of the monsoons is also rooted in their influence on the Indian economy. 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Yet there are other paintings from North India that serve as reminders of the despair that too much rain can bring and the need for divine interventions in such situations. An example is a 16th century folio from the Harivamsa showing Lord Krishna holding up Mount Govardhan to shelter the villagers of Braj. Abhisarika Nayika braving the rains A favourite figure in monsoon art is that of Abhisarika Nayika, one of the ashtanayikas or the eight types of heroines in classical Indian aesthetics. In paintings, Abhisarika Nayika is depicted as the fearless woman venturing into the stormy night to meet with her lover. She is shown as a pale figure in a dark, rainy, demon-infested night, mindless of the obstacles on her way, including that of vipers entangled around her legs. The rain and lightning in these paintings are the symbol of an obstacle to love, but also of the heroine's boldness and passion. 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