How Aryan Khan navigated his parents’ different religious backgrounds
India celebrates its diversity, and nowhere is this more evident than in families where different faiths unite through love. Shah Rukh Khan and Gauri Khan’s marriage exemplifies this beautiful blend—a Muslim man and a Hindu woman building a life together, now parents to Aryan, Suhana, and AbRam.
During a candid conversation on Koffee with Karan in 2005, Gauri shared intimate details about how her family approaches religion. Appearing alongside Sussanne Khan (then married to Hrithik Roshan), the interior designer discussed the delicate balance they’ve struck at home.
Respecting Individual Choices
“There is a balance,” Gauri explained to host Karan Johar. “I respect Shah Rukh’s religion, but that doesn’t mean I would convert and become a Muslim. I don’t believe in that. I think everybody is an individual and follows their religion. But obviously, there should be no disrespect. Like Shah Rukh would not disrespect my religion as well.”
When it came to their children’s religious identity, Gauri revealed that young Aryan had developed a particularly strong connection with his father’s faith. “Aryan is so into Shah Rukh that he would follow his religion, I feel. I mean, he will always say, ‘I am a Muslim,'” she shared.
Family Reactions
Gauri also touched upon how her Hindu family responded to Aryan’s choice. “When he tells, ‘I am a Muslim’ to my mother, she gets, ‘What do you mean?’ She doesn’t get upset, though. She is actually dealing with it. But it’s true.”
Perhaps most touching was her description of little Aryan’s bedtime ritual, which beautifully captured the duality of his upbringing. “Aryan has this little prayer at night. He says both. First he says I’ll say Mumma’s prayer, then I’ll say Papa’s prayer.”
Nearly two decades after that conversation, Aryan Khan has grown into a young man charting his own path. He’s set to make his directorial debut with a web series on Netflix in 2025, carrying forward the creative legacy of both his parents while honoring the diverse heritage that shaped him.RetryClaude can make mistakes. Please double-check responses. Sonnet 4.5
