Aly Goni, in conversation with Filmy Gyan during a recent podcast episode, shared his personal views on faith, respect, and inter-religious harmony. He admitted, “I don’t know what to do in a Pooja. It’s not allowed in my religion. But it’s written in the Quran that we have to respect everybody, and I do. I grew up in Jammu, I’ve taken friends to Vaishno Devi, and I have respect and honor in my heart.”
Opening up further, he spoke about the online hate he faced, saying some branded him a “terrorist” or accused him of “love jihad.” Firmly rejecting such labels, he explained that celebrating with loved ones and respecting their traditions is justified. “It’s not right for me to force anyone. I won’t make my Hindu friends fast with me, and Jasmin too, it’s her own choice, her own religion. I respect that,” he added, highlighting mutual respect as the foundation of his outlook. Interfaith relationships can be hard to maintain, but with the right mindset, they can be a cakewalk.
Sonal Khangarot, a licensed rehabilitation counsellor and psychotherapist, believes that 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, and 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.
While interfaith marriages were never entirely free of challenges, the political and cultural climate today has heightened divisions. Rising polarisation, identity-based politics, and greater visibility through social media amplify scrutiny and criticism.”
Beyond love, what sustains a long marriage is companionship and shared life patterns. (Source: Instagram/@alygoni)
In psychological terms, she adds that communities “feel more threatened by difference,” which increases hostility toward unions that cross boundaries of faith. What was once seen as a personal choice is now politicised, making couples feel exposed and judged by larger societal narratives.
Beyond love, what sustains a long marriage is companionship and shared life patterns. Passion may ignite a relationship, but it is the everyday friendship, mutual respect, and common interests that give it longevity. Shared interests create opportunities for bonding and joy, while friendship cushions conflicts and provides emotional safety. In the long run, these elements often prove more stabilising than love alone, which can fluctuate with time and circumstance.”
Flexibility in defining roles, and not pushing one’s traditions on another, is another cornerstone of resilience. “Rigid expectations often lead to disappointment because people evolve over years. Allowing space for individuality, renegotiating responsibilities, and avoiding restrictive labels reduces pressure on the relationship,” said the expert. “This adaptability fosters autonomy while maintaining closeness.
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Psychologically, it supports what is known as “mutual differentiation”—being able to grow as individuals without threatening the bond. Over decades, such flexibility ensures that the marriage remains a partnership that adapts rather than resists change,” she concludes.
