Hina Khan on marriage during cancer treatment: ‘There have been tough times and rough patches’

Stage 3 breast cancer forced Bollywood actress Hina Khan to undergo difficult medical treatment, which put significant strain on her marriage to Rocky Jaiswal. The couple, who first met and fell in love on the sets of Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, tied the knot in an intimate ceremony during June of the previous year. However, their union came under scrutiny, with many questioning if it was merely a publicity stunt.

Hina addressed these doubts on her podcast POV, explaining that real reasons behind their marriage transcend mere publicity.

Rocky echoed Hina's sentiments, saying that people have become so accustomed to believing falsehoods that they assume their marriage was a publicity move. Hina revealed that they had been dating for 13-14 years and had decided on their wedding date well in advance, following the Special Marriages Act. The couple faced numerous challenges during Hina's battle with cancer, including her mother's health crisis.

Hina admitted that there were "tough times and rough patches" in their relationship, but she emphasized that their love for each other remained steadfast throughout these difficulties. She confessed that she even contemplated asking her husband to marry someone else, but she ultimately recognized the importance of his happiness.

Gurleen Baruah, an existential psychotherapist, explained that a serious illness can dramatically impact a romantic relationship by altering a couple's sense of certainty and future plans. People may question why they are facing such a challenge and fear becoming a burden to their partner. From an existential standpoint, these concerns often reveal more about the individuals' self-judgment than their partner's actual feelings.

To navigate these challenges, Baruah suggests engaging in open communication and acknowledging the fear of losing one's identity and sense of self. She recommends responding to these feelings with empathy and reassurance rather than dismissing them. Protecting moments of normalcy and ensuring both partners prioritize their own well-being are essential to maintaining a healthy relationship during such trying times.