Ira Khan, the daughter of Bollywood icon Aamir Khan, recently celebrated her wedding to Nupur Shikhare. However, a pre-wedding photo shared by Ira on her Instagram has attracted criticism. The picture, part of a series capturing intimate pre-wedding moments, shows Ira holding a cigarette. This particular image sparked a wave of disapproval among her followers, igniting a debate over the portrayal of smoking.
In the contentious photo, Ira is seen in a salon, casually posing with a cigarette. This didn’t sit well with many of her followers, who expressed their disappointment, pointing out the influence such images could have. One user remarked, “Why show the last pic people follow you because your good habits do not ruin your image,” highlighting the role model responsibility public figures often carry.
The discussion around the photo also led to comparisons between societal perceptions of smoking and drinking. A comment pointed out the paradox in social acceptability, noting, “Everyone’s crying over her last pic. Why is drinking acceptable but not smoking? ? I find that weird. Drinking openly is more acceptable in India than a woman with a cigarette in her hand.”
The wedding of Ira and Nupur itself was a celebration of love, marked by ceremonies in Mumbai and a picturesque white wedding in Udaipur. The couple, having been engaged since November 2023, exchanged vows in the presence of family, friends, and various celebrities. However, their inter-faith marriage stirred controversy in Pakistan, with a cleric declaring the union as ‘Haraam,’ citing religious grounds.
Ira Khan is the child of Aamir Khan and his first wife, Reena Dutta. Their marriage, which lasted from 1986 to 2002, ended amicably. Aamir Khan later married Kiran Rao in 2005, though this relationship too concluded in 2021. Despite these changes, Ira maintains a close relationship with both her parents.
This incident highlights the ongoing conversation about the impact of celebrity actions and representations in the media. As public figures, their actions often invite scrutiny and influence public opinion, making it a delicate balance to maintain their personal expression and public image.
