Viral Wedding: Indian Couple Claps Back at Skin Color Trolls

Love in the Time of Trolling: A Viral Wedding Story

It was supposed to be the happiest moment of their lives. Rishabh Rajput and Sonali Chouksey, a couple from Madhya Pradesh, India, had waited 11 years to tie the knot. But when they shared their Indian viral wedding moments online, hoping to celebrate their love with the world, they were met with a wave of unexpected vitriol.

Unlike a typical viral Indian wedding dance video or a joyful viral Indian wedding song clip that brings smiles, this content brought judgment. Instead of congratulations, the couple faced a barrage of cruel comments targeting the groom’s skin tone. This incident has sparked a massive online debate about the deep-seated obsession with fair skin in South Asia. In this post, we explore how this courageous couple shut down the trolls and why their story is a mirror to society's lingering prejudices.

A Decade of Love vs. 30 Seconds of Judgment

Rishabh and Sonali’s love story began long before they became the subjects of a viral Indian wedding reel. The couple met in a college zoology class in 2014. Their relationship was built on a foundation of friendship and mutual support that spanned over a decade.

"Our relationship began a year later [after meeting], and we knew from then that one day we would be married," Rishabh shared in an interview. "Those who are commenting on our relationship by looking at a 30-second video don't know that it captures 11 years of hard work that we have put into it."

However, the internet lacks nuance. When the footage of their wedding on November 23rd surfaced—becoming a massive Indian wedding viral video—keyboard warriors immediately fixated on the contrast in the couple's skin tones.

The Ugly Face of Online Prejudice

The trolling on their Indian viral wedding photoshoot was not just mean; it was specific and steeped in stereotypes. While Rishabh was mocked for his "darker skin color," Sonali faced misogynistic accusations. The comments section became a breeding ground for baseless assumptions:

• The "Gold Digger" Trope: Many trolls suggested Sonali married Rishabh solely for money.
• The "Government Job" Myth: A recurring comment was that Rishabh must hold a high-ranking government post or be a minister's son to "secure" a fair-skinned wife.
• Assuming Unhappiness: Some commenters audaciously claimed Sonali "couldn't be happy" or must have had "some compulsion" to marry him.

Ms. Chouksey admitted these comments hit a nerve. "You think—is this how people are perceiving us? When they say nasty things about him or call me a gold-digger, it irritates me," she stated.

Hitting Back: The Couple’s Powerful Response

Refusing to be victims, the couple decided to address the hate head-on. Their response turned what could have been just another viral Indian wedding headline into a powerful statement on dignity.

Rishabh took to Instagram to dismantle the trolls' theories. "Sorry to disappoint you. I'm not a government employee, but I work hard for my family and want to give them a good, dignified life," he wrote.

He emphasized that Sonali fell in love with him when he had nothing. "From college till today, she has stood with me through every good and bad moment. People's negative opinions mean nothing to me."

Protecting the Family

While Rishabh could brush off personal insults, he drew the line when trolls targeted his family members appearing in the viral Indian wedding clips. "I did not like the fact that they targeted my family. I want to tell them, you are a nobody. And you have no right to target—or troll—anyone's family," he asserted firmly.

The Root Cause: Colorism in South Asian Society

This incident highlights a grim reality: the obsession with fair skin remains toxic in India. Known as colorism, this prejudice dictates that fair skin is superior, more beautiful, and a marker of higher status.

Rishabh noted the irony of this mindset in a country where the majority of the population is not fair-skinned. "About 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," he said.

Sonali echoed this sentiment, questioning the correlation between complexion and character. "Fair skin doesn't necessarily make someone a good person. So, how can we judge someone on the basis of their skin colour?"

Conclusion: Why Love Wins

The story of Rishabh and Sonali is not just about online bullying; it is a testament to the strength of their bond. They have turned a negative moment into a platform to discuss colorism and the resilience of love.

As Rishabh poignantly asked the trolls: "When you look at us, 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."

What are your thoughts on this viral Indian wedding story and how social media impacts real-life relationships? Let us know in the comments below using #Indianfunwedding to show support, and don't forget to share this story to stand against online bullying.