Bollywood actors’ profoundly private existences can frequently be eclipsed by the show’s gloss aBollywood actors’ profoundly private existences can frequently be eclipsed by the show’s gloss and glamour. Even while their professional accomplishments are widely recognized, significant spiritual changes may go unnoticed.
We tell the tales of well-known Indian celebrities who converted to Islam, examining the deep motivations behind their radical choices, which range from marriage and love to a sincere desire for inner peace.
A.R. Rahman, and his inspiration for conversion?
The world knows him as the Mozart of Madras, A.R. Rahman, an Oscar and Grammy-winning music composer. However, he was born A. S. Dileep Kumar in a Hindu family. His conversion to Islam in the late 1980s was a pivotal moment sparked by family tragedy and spiritual seeking.
A time when his younger sister fell severely ill, and traditional treatments were failing. He first encountered the Sufi saint Qadiri during this trying time.
The Journey: Deeply enchanted by the ideals and values of Qadiri Islam, he found solace. His mother, K. A. Sekar, who had been born into a Muslim family before being adopted by a Hindu family, also greatly influenced his path towards Sufism.
The Result: He converted along with his family, changing his name to Allah-Rakha Rahman (A.R. Rahman), meaning “the merciful protector.” It is obvious in his soul-stirring songs that he has frequently talked about finding great inspiration and serenity in his faith.
Why did veteran actor Dharmendra convert to Islam?
Dharmendra, the original “He-Man” of Bollywood, born Dharam Singh Deol, is a legendary figure. His conversion in 1979, however, was primarily a legal solution to a personal dilemma. During the time, he was already married to Prakash Kaur but had fallen in love with co-star Hema Malini but as bigamy was forbidden by the 1955 Hindu Marriage Act, to legally marry Hema Malini without divorcing his first wife, he converted to Islam. This permits a man to have up to four wives under specific conditions.
Following the conversion, he was able to wed Hema Malini in an Islamic ceremony. Since then, he has kept up two distinct families. Reports from that era, noted that the move was also to quell public protests against their union.
Did Sharmila Tagore convert for love?
The iconic actress and Padma Bhushan awardee, Sharmila Tagore, made a decision for love. She was raised as a Hindu and fell in love with Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, the renowned cricket player who was the Nawab of Pataudi. Before marrying him in 1969, she converted to Islam and took the name Ayesha Begum.
She has been known to balance her identity, even though she has embraced the religion and culture. She frequently describes herself as a “cultural Muslim” who respects all religions. She frequently describes herself as a “cultural Muslim” who respects all religions. The couple had three children: Saif Ali Khan, Saba Ali Khan, and Soha Ali Khan.
For some, conversion was a prelude to marriage within the Islamic faith, even at the time they were so brave to embrace the religion with dignity.
Zubaida Begum
The star of India’s first talkie, Alam Ara (1931), converted from Islam to Hinduism to marry Maharaj Narsingir Dhanrajgir of Hyderabad in the 1930s.
Mahesh Bhatt
The filmmaker converted to Islam to marry his second wife, actress Soni Razdan, without divorcing his first wife, Lorraine Bright. This allowed the marriage to be solemnized under Islamic personal law.
Ayesha Takia
Born to an Anglo-Indian mother and a Hindu father, the actress never made her conversion public yet. However, her 2009 marriage to restaurateur Farhan Azmi was a traditional Islamic Nikah ceremony, and media outlets widely reported that she had converted to Islam beforehand. She has largely stayed away from the spotlight since.
Amrita Singh
Born into a family with both Sikh and Muslim heritage, Amrita Singh was raised Sikh. Before marrying Saif Ali Khan in 1991, she converted to Islam. The couple divorced in 2004 after 13 years of marriage. It is noted that Saif’s current wife, Kareena Kapoor, did not convert and is often referred to as Kareena Kapoor Khan out of respect.
Dipika Kakar
The popular television actress converted to Islam before marrying her co-actor, Shoaib Ibrahim, in 2018. She is now known as Faiza.
Vivian Dsena
The television heartthrob revealed in 2022 that he had converted to Islam in 2019, stating that praying five times a day brought immense peace and calmness to his life.
Were there conversions based on spiritual calling?
Absolutely. For some, the journey was purely spiritual and not linked to matrimony.
Harbhajan Singh Mann (Hans Raj Hans)
The famous Punjabi singer known for hits like “Duma Dum Mast Qalandar” embraced Islam after being deeply inspired by its literature and the message of peace. He has stated his fascination with Sufism, a mystical Islamic belief system, which led him to convert. He is often referred to as a Sufi saint-singer (Baba) in the industry.
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Mamta Kulkarni
The 90s actress’s case is the most controversial. Reports state that she and her husband were arrested at Dubai airport in 2016 in a drug smuggling case. It was reported that she converted to Islam while facing legal troubles in Dubai, though the exact circumstances remain complex and privately held.
