Why Are Female Celebrities Often Pestered Over Their Plans To "Settle Down"?

Bollywood women actors are frequently asked about their marriage prospects, whether the questions are based on the actor's alleged relationship with someone or the actor's age. The media's concerns about weddings simply highlight society's gendered biases and expectations towards women to raise a family, marry, and "settle down".  This is simply unfair and unpleasant.

Why should actors in the media who are promoting a project or product be enquired about their wedding plans? It is bound to irritate them, so they avoid or disregard queries in such situations. Some people, on the other hand, have managed to provide a firm response. Meanwhile, it isn't just actors that confront this problem, ordinary women do as well. Instead of reporters or media personnel, they have relatives to answer.

 While promoting Gangubai Kathiwadi, Alia Bhatt was asked about her wedding and when she planned to settle down after the nuptials. The star was seen agitated at times but kept her cool in the media. Was she answerable to anyone about it?

Kiara Advani and Sidharth Malhotra, another rumoured couple, are now facing the same question. However, when asked about her wedding plans, the actor gave a befitting response that simply meant women don’t need to marry to "settle down".

Kiara Advani's Response To Wedding Plans:

The actor—along with her co-stars Anil Kapoor, Varun Dhawan, Neetu Kapoor, Karan Johar, Maniesh Paul, and director Raj Mehta—was present at the teaser launch of her upcoming film Jug Jugg Jeeyo when she was asked about her plans of settling down with rumoured partner Siddharth.

The film's producer Karan Johar, chided the reporter saying, "You didn't inquire about my marriage, despite the fact that I am approaching 50 years old. Do you believe it's impossible for me to marry? Let me assure you that I am capable of marrying." While co-star Dhawan interjected by saying, "your parents will come asking for Kiara’s hand in marriage."

Eventually, the actor responded with confidence that she did not require the marital tag to be considered settled. She said, "Isn't it true that bina shaadi kiye bhi main well-settled ho sakti hoon? Main kaam kar rahi hoon, kama rahi hoon, khush hoon well. I am settled, working, earning, and happy.>"

Many women celebrities have been constantly pestered with questions about their marriages at irrelevant events. Here are others who gave a befitting reply to queries about their marriage.

Malaika Arora

Malaika Arora and Arjun Kapoor's relationship is well-known as the couple share photos and videos and express their affection for one another. Because of their 12-year age gap, the couple has been subjected to a lot of bullying, with many trolls criticising the star for dating a man who is younger than her.

Malaika Arora and Arjun Kapoor have never announced their wedding plans, nor have they responded to questions about their wedding plans that are routinely asked in the media.

However, the actor has since confirmed that the couple is discussing their relationship's future. She stated that she knows Arjun Kapoor is her man, and the two have been talking about "what comes next".

Image Credit: Malaika Arora/Instagram

Sania Mirza

Sania Mirza is one of the country's most well-known players. She is an Indian professional tennis player who has won six Grand Slam titles in her career. She is a former world No. 1 in doubles. During the peak of her career, when she was surrounded by success, she was frequently asked when she would marry or settle down. One reputed news anchor interviews Sania Mirza on national television and made everything awkward by asking the sportswoman about her marriage plans and when she will settle down. It was a time in 2016 when Mirza was reaching the peak of her career success. Mirza had given a befitting answer to the sexist question on TV. She said," You sound disappointed that I’m not choosing motherhood over being number one in the world at this point of time. But I’ll answer your question anyway, that’s the question I face all the time as a woman, that all women have to face – the first is marriage and then it’s motherhood."

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Rakul Preet Singh

After Rakul Preet Singh confirmed her relationship with Jackky Bhagnani, rumours circulated that the two would marry in 2022. Singh was often asked about her wedding plans with the actor, but when asked if rumours about her marriage bothered her, Singh told News18, "Marriage, or any other rumours about stuff that does not exist, does not worry me in the least. I've learnt to work while wearing my blinders. I've always been open about my life, and if and when that step is required, I'll be the first to speak up, just like I did this time. "

She continued, "People should not guess and should instead wait for the facts to emerge. Right now, I'm concentrating on my job, including the ten films I've completed and the additional work that is coming in. Everything else will take place when the time comes. "

Rakul Preet Singh (The News Minute)

Athiya Shetty

In 2019, sources claimed that actor Athiya Shetty and cricketer KL Rahul were dating. The couple, however, kept their relationship secret for a while before publicly declaring their love on Instagram. For a long time, the couple has been posting images of themselves on social media and leaving comments on each other's posts, creating a lot of buzz about their upcoming wedding. Several rumours have circulated about the couple's wedding, as well as the place where they would live following the ceremony.

Despite the fact that the media may be more interested in her next film or project than her wedding plans, the celebrity is routinely asked similar wedding questions. Shetty previously refused to answer any questions about her wedding and stated she didn't care what people thought of her when asked about the move or her marriage arrangements, which are private.