Mumbai: Shah Rukh Khan and Gauri Khan’s love story remains one of Bollywood’s most admired romances, but the couple had to overcome several challenges before tying the knot in 1991. Coming from different religious backgrounds, they faced resistance from Gauri’s family, prompting Shah Rukh to temporarily adopt a Hindu name in an attempt to gain their approval.
According to author Mushtaq Shiekh’s book Shah Rukh Can, the actor even used different names during their courtship, including “Jeetender Kumar Tulli” and later “Abhinav”, as he tried to reassure Gauri’s family about their relationship.
Why did Shah Rukh Khan change his name?
Before their marriage, Gauri’s parents were reportedly apprehensive about their daughter marrying someone from a different religion. Their concerns were further heightened because Shah Rukh was beginning his career in the film industry, which they viewed with uncertainty.
To ease those concerns, the couple decided to introduce Shah Rukh as “Abhinav”, hoping Gauri’s parents would believe he was Hindu.
Years later, Gauri reflected on the decision during an appearance on First Ladies with designers Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla.
“We were so young and then to take a decision to get married, and to a person who is going to join films, and being from a different religion. We changed his name to Abhinav so they feel he is a Hindu boy but that was really silly and very childish,” she said.
The couple has since looked back at that phase with humour, acknowledging the immaturity that came with being young and deeply in love.
Shah Rukh also used another name
In Shah Rukh Can, author Mushtaq Shiekh revealed that Shah Rukh also used the name “Jeetender Kumar Tulli” at one point.
The name was reportedly inspired by veteran Bollywood stars Jeetendra and Rajendra Kumar, whose full name was Rajendra Kumar Tulli.
These attempts reflected the lengths the actor went to in order to win over Gauri’s family during the early years of their relationship.
A wedding that honoured both faiths
Despite the initial opposition, Shah Rukh and Gauri eventually married on October 25, 1991.
Their wedding incorporated both Hindu and Muslim traditions. While Shah Rukh adopted a Hindu name during the Hindu ceremony, Gauri took the name “Ayesha” for the nikah ceremony.
Speaking about the dual ceremonies in the past, Shah Rukh had revealed that the couple had not widely discussed those details publicly.
The decision reflected their desire to respect both families and both faiths as they began their married life together.
A family that celebrates every festival
More than three decades later, Shah Rukh and Gauri continue to celebrate both Hindu and Muslim festivals with their children—Aryan, Suhana and AbRam.
In the same interview, Gauri shared how both traditions are equally important in their household.
She said that she leads the family during Diwali puja, while Shah Rukh leads the Eid celebrations. According to her, their children have grown up embracing both festivals with equal enthusiasm.
Gauri added that the family views Diwali and Eid as celebrations that bring everyone together, reflecting the values of mutual respect and inclusivity that have defined their marriage.
One of Bollywood’s longest-lasting marriages
Married for over three decades, Shah Rukh and Gauri Khan are often regarded as one of the entertainment industry’s strongest couples. Their journey from overcoming family opposition to building a successful family and professional life together continues to inspire many fans.
Their story also highlights how understanding, patience and mutual respect helped bridge cultural and religious differences over time.
Conclusion
Shah Rukh Khan’s decision to temporarily change his name to “Abhinav” remains one of the lesser-known chapters of his love story with Gauri Khan. While the couple now laughs about what Gauri describes as a “silly and very childish” decision, it reflects the challenges they faced before their interfaith marriage. More than 30 years later, the couple continues to celebrate both Hindu and Muslim traditions, making their relationship one of Bollywood’s most enduring love stories.
