Soha Ali Khan on sustaining love in marriage with Kunal Kemmu: ‘The most challenging thing is to be in a long-term monogamous relationship’

Soha Ali Khan and Kunal Kemmu are often hailed as one of Bollywood’s most loved couples. Their playful banter on social media and the affectionate way they speak about each other in interviews have made them a fan favourite.

But behind the picture-perfect image, Soha admits that marriage requires constant effort.In a recent interview with The Quint, she revealed, “The most challenging thing is to be in a long-term monogamous relationship. It’s not easy... I am quite lazy, not just with my work but sometimes with my friendships and with my relationships. That is not a good thing. I think it’s good to be true to yourself, but sometimes, you have to make an effort.

I think I’m doing that now.”

Marriage in modern times

Soha went on to reflect on how life in a city like Mumbai adds to the pressures on couples. “Especially a marriage... Today, in a city like Mumbai, we all live in these nuclear families now. There’s a lot of pressure on husband and wife to be there for each other, and take out a lot of our stress on each other.”She also underlined that staying in a marriage is no longer an obligation but a conscious decision.

“You understand that it is a choice that you are making and that person is making every day, to stay in that relationship. And you don’t have to. Now we are well aware that people are prioritising themselves and their happiness, and they don’t want to be where they’re not happy.”

Why Kunal keeps her ‘in it’

Even as she acknowledged the challenges, Soha was full of praise for Kunal Kemmu. Calling him hardworking and romantic, she said he genuinely wants their marriage to thrive.

“He’s a hard worker and he’s a romantic. He wants a good marriage. He’s not going to settle for less. He keeps me on my toes.”For Soha, it’s also his personality that makes the bond stronger. “He’s authentic, he’s real, he’s funny and all of those things. And he’s cute, which doesn’t hurt. I think for all those reasons, that’s why I’m in it.”Soha and Kunal’s relationship began in 2009, leading to their engagement in 2014 and wedding at Sharmila Tagore’s Mumbai residence the following year. On January 25, 2025, they celebrated 10 years of marriage. In 2017, they welcomed their daughter Inaaya Naumi Kemmu, completing their family.