What is more fascinating for Indians than an Indian celebrity wedding? The third wedding of a Pakistani! What is even more fascinating than the third wedding of a Pakistani? If that wedding is that of a playboy Pakistani cricketer turned politician – especially if his name is Imran Khan! So when the Pakistani most famous in India married for the third time, to what appeared to be a tent, Indians were very interested indeed!
The cricketer turned politician, founder and chief of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) had a very colourful past love life; even having been linked with Bollywood stars of yesteryears and others such as Sita White. His first wife was Britisher Jemima Goldsmith. His second wife Reham Khan was a broadcast journalist.
Bushra Manika is Khan’s spiritual advisor and is also known as Pinki Pir. After weeks of speculation about the relationship, the union was finally confirmed. Bushra Manika, 40 was earlier married to Khawar Farid Manika a Pak customs official.
Many expressed disapproval of the third wedding. The backlash prompted by the news of the wedding led to Khan issuing a series of exculpatory tweets.
It is personal happiness he seeks; which “except for a few years, I have been deprived of”. At least some of the reaction to that was akin to – Oh :sob: poor little rich Imran Khan!
This big news related to one of Pakistan’s most prominent citizens obviously created waves. According to one twitter user, everyone was so preoccupied with Imran Khan's news no one would pay attention to any other news.
Pakistanis seem to love Friends as much as Indians. Many among the tweeple made references to the sitcom’s most married member Ross. Can’t figure out if he is Imran Khan or Ross Geller said one. Some were busy pointing out to each other the fact that they hadn’t managed to do even once what Khan managed to do thrice!
One commentator joked about Khan’s third wedding as a way to become related to as many Pak citizens as possible; just so he can become PM one day!
Supporters pointed out how the opinions of some made zero difference to Khan.
The jokesters were sharpening their wits; waiting for just something like this! Imran Khan has long been an opponent and critic of Pak Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.
Some see the marital alliance as being beneficial for Khan; a canny choice and a union of political expediency that will help legitimize Khan with the more orthodox Pak groups.
“Imran Khan is last hope of poors. IK will bring real change in the country. As a wife, I will always support him” tweeted Khan's new wife. She also wants to make him PM. Good for her. And him.
Do you have something interesting you would like to share? Write to us at [email protected]
