When Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal stepped out for Ramesh Taurani’s Diwali party recently, they didn’t just bring their style game – they brought a masterclass in how to handle pregnancy speculation with grace and humor. As the cameras flashed, Zaheer leaned toward his wife, placed a protective hand on her stomach, and declared, “Asli sona.” The comment sent Sonakshi Sinha into fits of laughter, her shocked “Zaheer!” echoing through the crowd before both dissolved into shared amusement .
This playful moment, captured in a now-viral video, represents the couple’s latest response to the persistent pregnancy rumours that have followed them since their June 2024 wedding. Rather than issuing stern denials or ignoring speculation entirely, the pair has chosen to address the chatter with warmth and wit, giving us a glimpse into their relationship dynamic while keeping their private life exactly that – private .
How the Pregnancy Rumours Began
The latest wave of speculation started days earlier when Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer attended designer Vikram Phadnis’s fashion show celebrating his 35 years in the industry. While the event featured numerous Bollywood celebrities, from Salman Khan walking the ramp after years to appearances by Bipasha Basu and Sushmita Sen, all eyes quickly turned to Sonakshi Sinha.
The actress had chosen a striking red floral anarkali for the event, but it was how she carried the outfit that caught attention. Observant fans noted that Sonakshi Sinha repeatedly adjusted her dupatta in a way that consistently covered her midsection . She also used her hand to shield the same area while posing on the red carpet, with Zaheer standing protectively beside her in a classic navy bandhgala .
Social media immediately lit up with speculation, with commenters on Instagram posts quickly filling the comments section with questions like “Is she pregnant??” and congratulations for the couple . This single appearance revitalized rumours that had actually begun circulating shortly after the couple’s wedding just over a year earlier .
The Diwali Party That Set the Internet Ablaze
If the fashion show sparked rumours, the subsequent Diwali party practically poured gasoline on them. When Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer arrived at Ramesh Taurani’s celebration, they were immediately surrounded by paparazzi eager to capture the couple who had been trending all day .
As they paused for photographs, Zaheer – known for his playful relationship with his wife – saw an opportunity to address the elephant in the room. With cameras rolling, he gently placed his hand on Sonakshi Sinha’s stomach and uttered the words “Asli sona” (real gold), a sweet pun playing on the “-sona” in her name .
Sonakshi Sinha’s reaction was instantaneous and genuine – she burst out laughing, exclaimed his name in mock surprise, and playfully hit him before both shared a moment of shared amusement at the joke . Before leaving, Zaheer clarified to the surrounding media, “Mazak kar rahe hain” (We’re joking), ensuring the context of the prank wasn’t lost .
The video quickly went viral across social media platforms, with fans applauding the couple’s chemistry and Zaheer’s sense of humor. One social media user perfectly captured the sentiment, writing, “This guy is total husband material that loves to just joke around with his wifey .. and she is loving it .. happy for her” .
A Pattern of Playful Denials
This isn’t the first time Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer have used humor to address pregnancy speculation. Earlier in their marriage, when similar rumours began circulating, Sonakshi took to Instagram Stories to share a screenshot of her text exchange with Zaheer .
The conversation showed Zaheer persistently asking if she was hungry despite her having just eaten dinner. “Not at all. Stop feeding me,” Sonakshi had texted back. When Zaheer teased that he thought “holiday had started,” she retorted, “I literally just ate dinner in front of you, stop it” .
Sonakshi Sinha shared the exchange with the caption: “The reason why everyone thinks I’m preggos. Stop it @iamzahero” . The posts highlighted what seems to be an ongoing pattern in their relationship – Zaheer’s love for feeding his wife, which Sonakshi jokingly blames for her weight gain that people misinterpret as pregnancy .
In an even more direct denial earlier this year, Sonakshi Sinha told Curly Tales in an interview, “Yes, and guys, mein yahan par kehna chahti hu, I’m not pregnant. Mein bas moti ho chuki hu.” (I want to say here that I’m not pregnant. I have just gained weight) .
Navigating Public Scrutiny With Grace
Dealing with constant public speculation about personal matters would test anyone’s patience, but Sonakshi has developed a philosophical approach to managing the noise. In an interview with NDTV, she revealed, “I have found a way of shutting out the noise. I live a very happy life off screen when I am not at work, and I am okay and peaceful, so when I am at work and I have to deal with such things, I just end up dealing with it better” .
She elaborated further on dealing with public scrutiny: “You realise that people will say what they want to say, no matter what you do. If I say I am wearing white, someone will say no, it’s black. Someone will always be there to challenge what you say, so you just move on with your life. You cannot pay attention to every little thing” .
This balanced perspective has seemingly helped the couple maintain their privacy while navigating the public demands of Bollywood stardom. Their approach stands in contrast to many celebrity couples who either completely ignore rumors or issue formal statements through publicists .
Social Media’s Reaction to the Playful Prank
The viral video from the Diwali party sparked an outpouring of positive reactions across social media platforms. Fans appreciated both Zaheer’s sense of humor and the couple’s obvious comfort with each other .
Comment sections filled with observations like:
- “Sonakshi and Zaheer’s pair is very good”
- “Zaheer’s pranks are fantastic”
- “Zaheer Iqbal is absolutely husband material who likes to joke with his wife”
- “Perhaps Zaheer was giving us a hint”
- “He is hinting to us that she is going to give birth to their child”
The mixed reactions show that while many recognized the gesture as the joke it was intended to be, some fans remain convinced that there might be truth behind the humor. This division highlights the challenge celebrities face in addressing personal matters when every gesture becomes subject to interpretation .
A Love Story That Captured Hearts
Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal’s relationship has been fascinating fans since they began dating in 2017. While they appeared together in the 2022 film “Double XL,” they had actually met years earlier at a party hosted by Salman Khan .
After dating for several years, the couple tied the knot on June 23, 2024, in an intimate civil ceremony at Sonakshi’s Bandra home. The wedding was conducted under the Special Marriage Act, which allows for interfaith marriages without conversion .
Speaking about their interfaith union earlier this year, Sonakshi told Hauterrfly, “We were not looking at religion. We were two people in love who wanted to get married. He is not enforcing his religion on me, and I am not enforcing mine on him. We respect and celebrate each other’s cultures” .
The newlyweds hosted a grand reception at Bastian restaurant in Mumbai following their intimate ceremony, attended by numerous Bollywood celebrities including Salman Khan, Kajol, Rekha, and filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali .
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal expecting their first child?
Based on Zaheer’s recent joking behavior and Sonakshi’s previous direct denials, there has been no official confirmation of pregnancy. The couple has consistently treated the speculation with humor, which suggests the rumors may be unfounded .
How did Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal meet?
Contrary to popular belief that they met on the set of their film “Double XL,” the couple actually first connected at a party hosted by Salman Khan. They began dating in 2017 and got married in June 2024 after several years of dating .
How have Sonakshi and Zaheer addressed previous pregnancy rumors?
The couple has consistently used humor to address speculation. Sonakshi once shared screenshots of text messages showing Zaheer constantly offering her food, jokingly blaming this for her weight gain that people misinterpret as pregnancy . She also directly stated in an interview: “I’m not pregnant. I have just gained weight” .
What was Zaheer Iqbal’s “Asli Sona” comment about?
During a Diwali party, Zaheer humorously placed his hand on Sonakshi’s stomach and said “Asli sona,” playing on the “-sona” in her name while pretending to confirm pregnancy rumors. The moment was clearly playful, with both bursting into laughter afterward, and Zaheer clarifying they were joking .
When did Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal get married?
The couple married on June 23, 2024, in an intimate civil ceremony at Sonakshi’s Mumbai home, followed by a grand reception attended by many Bollywood celebrities .
Conclusion: The Takeaway From the Rumour Mill
In the world of Bollywood celebrity culture, where every appearance and gesture is analyzed for hidden meanings, Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal have demonstrated a masterful approach to managing speculation about their personal lives. Rather than becoming frustrated or issuing stern denials, they’ve chosen to address rumors with shared humor and obvious affection for one another .
Their playful dynamic, showcased in the viral “Asli sona” moment, offers a refreshing example of how celebrities can maintain boundaries while acknowledging public interest. As fans, we get a glimpse of their genuine connection without demanding access to all the private details of their lives .
Whether or not Sonakshi and Zaheer eventually have children remains their personal decision. What their response to pregnancy rumors has given us is something equally valuable – a reminder that humor and love can coexist beautifully, even under the intense scrutiny of the public eye.
What do you think about celebrity couples handling personal rumors with humor? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
