How Kriti Sanon's Support Paved the Way for Nupur and Stebin's Marriage
Family approval often becomes a crucial factor in relationships within close-knit Indian households. For many couples, introducing a partner to parents involves more than just expressing love. It requires building trust, offering reassurance, and choosing the right timing.
Nupur's Initial Conversation with Kriti
Nupur Sanon recently spoke with ETimes about her journey toward family acceptance with singer Stebin Ben. She revealed that she first confided in her sister, Kriti Sanon, about the relationship. "We're five years apart, but extremely close," Nupur described their bond. "We are like best friends."
At that time, Stebin was just beginning his professional career. Nupur focused less on his career achievements and more on his personal qualities when speaking to Kriti. "There wasn't much to show career-wise," she admitted. "I spoke more about him as a person. I made her listen to his voice, and she immediately said he had a magical voice and immense talent."
Kriti's Crucial Intervention with Their Mother
Several months later, Nupur approached their mother about the relationship. She acknowledged that hesitation was natural. "Initially, she was a little unsure, like most mothers," Nupur explained. "She felt cautious about seriousness and the future."
Kriti stepped in at this critical moment. Nupur recalled her sister's words to their mother: "I've met Stebin. I've heard him. He's extremely talented and hardworking." That confidence from Kriti changed everything according to Nupur.
Stebin's own ability to make positive impressions further helped the situation. "Stebin leaves a great impression when he meets people," Nupur noted. "So from there on, everything just fell into place."
After being together for five years, Nupur and Stebin married earlier this month. Their wedding ceremonies honored both of their cultural backgrounds.
Why Sibling Reassurance Matters in Indian Families
Counselling psychologist Athul Raj explains why reassurance from trusted family members often proves decisive in relationship acceptance. "In Indian families, hesitation usually comes from fear, not disapproval," Raj tells indianexpress.com.
Parents typically worry about several factors:
- Safety concerns for their child
- Social standing within the community
- Potential emotional fallout
- Long-term stability of the relationship
When reassurance comes from a sibling, it carries significant weight according to Raj. "That person is seen as emotionally invested but clear-headed," he explains. "A sibling understands family values, unspoken rules and social consequences, yet isn't the one in love."
This perspective makes sibling approval feel more balanced to parents. It also helps diffuse tension within the family dynamic.
The Shift from Confrontation to Shared Assessment
Raj emphasizes how sibling support changes family conversations. "Parents no longer feel they are being pushed into a corner by one child," he states. "Instead, the family appears aligned."
This shift from confrontation to shared assessment alters the emotional tone of discussions. "Once fear reduces, acceptance becomes easier," Raj observes. "Parents don't need convincing as much as they need to feel the decision has been thoughtfully held within the family."
Navigating Parental Concerns About Career Uncertainty
Career uncertainty often unsettles parents in India, where marriage remains tied to predictability. Raj suggests effective approaches for couples facing this situation.
What works better according to the expert:
- Acknowledge parental concerns without dismissing them
- Show structure through clear efforts and realistic timelines
- Demonstrate financial awareness and backup plans
- Have the partner building their career speak for themselves
Small consistencies build trust quietly over time according to Raj. Regular work habits, discipline, and respectful communication all contribute. Instead of asking parents to simply wait and hope, couples need to demonstrate that "uncertainty is being handled, not avoided."
The story of Nupur Sanon and Stebin Ben illustrates how family support, particularly from siblings, can help relationships gain acceptance even when career paths are still developing.
