An Indian couple’s celebration of marital bliss has transformed into a powerful social commentary on deep-rooted colorism after facing severe online trolling. Rishabh Rajput and Sonali Chouksey, who met in college zoology class in 2014 and married November 23rd, became unintended symbols of resistance against skin color discrimination when their wedding photos attracted vicious cyberbullying.
The digital harassment began immediately after the Madhya Pradesh couple shared images from their traditional ceremony. Trolls predominantly targeted Rajput for his darker complexion while simultaneously accusing Chouksey of being a ‘gold-digger’ who married for financial security or governmental connections. Comments speculated about ‘compulsions’ behind their union and questioned the authenticity of their happiness.
Rather than retreating from public view, the couple launched a courageous counter-narrative through multiple media interviews and social media posts. ‘People were making jokes and memes and it felt very wrong,’ Rajput told BBC Hindi from their Jabalpur home. ‘It was our moment we had waited for so many years—when I saw people’s reactions, I was really shocked.’
The couple emphasized that their eleven-year relationship had never faced such color-based criticism before their wedding went viral. In an Instagram response, Rajput addressed trolls directly: ‘Sorry to disappoint you. I’m not a government employee, but I work hard for my family. Sonali fell in love with me when I had nothing—she has stood with me through every good and bad moment.’
Their response has ignited broader discussions about India’s documented obsession with fair skin, which often carries tragic social consequences. Chouksey questioned the prevailing bias: ‘We live in India where people from different regions have different skin color. Fair skin doesn’t necessarily make someone a good person.’
Rajput highlighted the demographic reality that ’70-80% of people in India have darker skin tones, but the Indian mentality is that fairer is better. It’s time to change that notion.’ The couple maintains that despite the hurtful comments affecting their families, their relationship remains strong. ‘When you look at us,’ Rajput challenges critics, ‘do we look even remotely unhappy to you? We don’t. Because we have what most people don’t have—I have her and she has me.’