Shah Rukh Khan and Gauri Khan are one of the most popular couples in Bollywood. However, the couple’s interfaith relationship encountered resistance early on, with Gowrie’s family initially reluctant to accept the match. To ease their concerns, the superstar even introduced himself by a different name.According to the book “Shah Rukh Can” by Mushtaq Sheikh, the actor temporarily adopted the name “Jeetender Kumar Tulli” before marrying Gauri. The first name was inspired by veteran actor Jeetendra, whom Shah Rukh’s grandmother thought he looked like, while “Tulli” was borrowed from late actor Rajendra Kumar’s full name, Rajendra Kumar Tulli.The book also reveals that the couple made similar adjustments at their wedding. Shah Rukh uses a Hindu name, while Gauri uses the Muslim name “Ayesha” as their nikah. “We haven’t told a lot of people about this,” Shah Rukh recalled of the decision.Gowrie also reflected on this phase of their relationship while appearing on “First Ladies” with designers Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla. Looking back, she admits the couple’s attempts to appease the family now seem premature.“We were too young and decided to get married to someone who was going to be in a movie and who was from a different religion. We changed his name to Abhinav so they would think he was a Hindu boy, but it was really stupid and childish.”Over the years, Shah Rukh and Gauri have often spoken about respecting each other’s beliefs and ensuring that their children – Aryan, Suhana and Abram – grow up appreciating both religions and not being restricted to one identity.In a 2013 interview with Turning Point, Shah Rukh explained how he answered questions about religion at home. “It also completely confuses my two children. Sometimes, they ask me what religion they belong to, and like a good Hindi film hero, I roll my eyes to the sky and philosophically declare, ‘You are Indian first and your religion is human,’ or sing them an old Hindi film ditty, ‘Tu Hindu banega Musalmaan banega – insahaian banegaadsaah abanan banegaaalmaan banega – insahaitaaban.’“Sharing how they celebrate the festival at home, Gauri said, “On Diwali, I lead the puja and the family follows; on Eid, Shah Rukh leads and we follow. I think it’s all wonderful and the kids accept it. In fact, my kids are more inclined to whatever Shah Rukh says. For them, Diwali, Eid are both great.”
