Sonakshi Sinha has opened up about one of the toughest phases in her long-term relationship with actor Zaheer Iqbal, revealing that the couple turned to therapy to navigate a difficult stretch. Speaking to Soha Ali Khan on her podcast, the Heeramandi star said the move helped them understand each other better and strengthened their bond. The conversation was first highlighted by The Indian Express.
A Rough Patch That Tested Their Relationship
Sonakshi, who has been with Zaheer for eight years, said their relationship—despite the sunshine seen on social media—has had its share of storms. She described a period three years in when communication broke down and frustration became routine.
“Just when we were three years into the relationship, we had a phase where we just wanted to pull each other’s hair out,” she recalled. “No matter what we did, we just couldn’t understand each other’s perspective.”
Zaheer Suggested Therapy — And It Worked
Sonakshi said that despite the friction, both of them knew the relationship mattered too much to let go. She revealed that it was Zaheer who suggested couples therapy, a decision she immediately embraced.
“After two sessions, we were back on track,” she shared. “It helped so much to understand what the other person thinks, and that what they say is not necessarily what they mean.”
Her candour offered a refreshing glimpse into how celebrity couples too lean on professional support to maintain healthy relationships.
“I Love You” Came Early — And Zaheer Laughed
The podcast also saw Sonakshi share a lighter, more playful anecdote from their early days of dating. She admitted she said “I love you” within the first week — a confession that left Zaheer laughing, thinking she was joking.
She added that it wasn’t Zaheer’s looks that made her fall for him, but the way he made her feel in those first few days. Their connection, she said, was instant and unexpectedly deep.
A Love Story That Began at a Salman Khan Party
Sonakshi and Zaheer first met at a gathering hosted by Salman Khan, where a casual introduction quickly turned into a close friendship. Their bond strengthened over time, becoming a relationship they kept private for years even as rumours swirled through their frequent public appearances.
After nearly seven years of dating, the couple married in June 2024 in a simple civil ceremony in Mumbai, surrounded by family and close friends. A star-studded celebration at Bastian followed, with several Bollywood personalities there to bless the newlyweds.
Final Words
Sonakshi Sinha’s candid admission about seeking couples therapy adds a refreshing honesty to Bollywood’s often guarded conversations around relationships. Her story with Zaheer Iqbal — from an early “I love you” to a tough emotional stretch and ultimately marriage — reflects a partnership that has grown through both affection and effort. And with the couple now entering their next chapter together, their openness only deepens the love fans already have for them.
