04-08-2025
From On-Screen Aunt To Real-Life Wife: She Broke Religious And Age Barriers For Love
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In the world of television, on-screen chemistry often sparks curiosity among viewers, but sometimes it leads to real-life romance that comes as a surprise. One such unexpected love story began on the sets of the popular Hindi serial Pyaar Ki Yeh Ek Kahaani. And this relationship went on to defy age gaps, religious differences, and societal expectations.
The show aired from 2010 to 2011 and featured Kishwer Merchant in the role of a mother, while Suyyash Rai played the friend of the main lead, Vivian Dsena's character, who also happened to be Kishwer's on-screen son. Off-screen, the age difference between Kishwer and Suyyash is just eight years, with Kishwer being the elder of the two.
Their performances in Pyaar Ki Yeh Ek Kahaani were well-received, but no one anticipated the real-life romance that would follow. Kishwer, who played Suyyash's aunt in the serial, surprised fans when the couple announced their relationship, culminating in marriage in 2016.
Despite coming from different religious backgrounds, Kishwer is a Muslim, and Suyyash a Hindu Punjabi, the couple stood firm against initial resistance from Suyyash's parents, largely due to the age gap. Over time, they won over the family and went ahead with their wedding.
Though they faced trolling and criticism over their relationship, they remained unbothered. In 2021, they welcomed their son, Niravar, whom they're raising to respect both faiths. A photo shared by Kishwer on social media, featuring Niravar wearing both a Rudraksha and a Muslim cap, sparked conversation online, with some supportive and others critical.
Kishwer has had a prolific television career, starring in shows like Hip Hip Hurray, Ek Haseena Thi, Itna Karo Na Mujhe Pyaar, Har Mushkil Ka Hal Akbar Birbal, and Kaisi Yeh Yaariyan. She also appeared in Bigg Boss Hindi Season 9 and films such as Bheja Fry 2 (2009) and Marne Bhi Do Yaaron (2011). In 2023, she returned to the spotlight with her role as Maya Costa in the web series Dear Ishq.
