Arshad Warsi recalls initial reactions to his interfaith marriage with Maria Goretti
Arshad Warsi recalls the early days of his interfaith marriage with Maria Goretti, describing how his Catholic parents were initially concerned but gradually accepted him with time and faith.
Actor Arshad Warsi recently spoke about the early days of his marriage to Maria Goretti, reflecting on the initial hesitation he felt from his Catholic parents about their interfaith relationship and how time eventually changed that trepidation into acceptance and warmth.
Speaking to India Today’s sister channel LallantopArshad revealed that when Maria’s parents first found out about their relationship, they became worried, as it was not what they had envisioned for their daughter. He said that they were simple and deeply religious people, devoted to their faith and naturally concerned about interfaith marriage. Recalling his reaction, Arshad said, “He was a little nervous. Catholic girl and Muslim boy. Both of them are very polite. There is nothing in his life except Jesus Christ. They’re a little nervous because they expected Maria to marry another Catholic guy who would work a 9-5 job, and this left the Muslim guy caught and unemployed. (They were a little worried. A Catholic girl and a Muslim boy. They are both very decent people. There is nothing in their life except Jesus Christ. They were a little worried because they expected Maria to marry another Catholic boy with a 9 to 5 job, and instead she married a Muslim who is unemployed).
Arshad said that despite their concerns, Maria’s parents always believed that he was a good person and they trusted that he would take care of their daughter. Over time, that belief grew stronger and turned into full acceptance. Speaking about how their relationship evolved, she said, “In their hearts, they knew he was a good man. They believed he would take care of our daughter. But gradually they realized that there is no one better than me (There is no one better than me). They are very happy now and live with me. Their self-respect forces them to stay in their home, but somehow we can manage to bring them here. (His self-respect forces him to stay in his home, but somehow we managed to make arrangements and bring him here).”
The actor also revealed how his love story with Maria started. Arshad first met her at Xavier’s College, where he had gone to judge a competition. When Maria started doing theater plays with him, their relationship grew and what started as friendship gradually turned into love. However, Arshad admitted that it was not easy, as Maria rejected him several times before finally saying yes.
Arshad Warsi and Maria Goretti married in 1996. The couple are parents of two children, son Zeke Warsi and daughter Zayn Warsi.