A couple in India has found themselves at the centre of a vicious online trolling storm after their wedding video went viral. Rishabh Rajput and Sonali Chouksey, both 30 years old, met 11 years ago while studying zoology at a college in Madhya Pradesh and got married last month.
The couple's happiness was short-lived as they faced intense criticism on social media with many users making jokes and memes about the groom's "darker skin colour". The trolls also targeted the bride, suggesting that she had married Mr Rajput for his wealth or secure government job. One commenter even called her a "gold-digger".
The couple has now responded to the criticism, saying that they were shocked and disappointed by the negative reactions. In an Instagram post, Mr Rajput wrote: "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 also addressed the issue of colourism, saying that he had faced colour discrimination his whole life.
Ms Chouksey admitted that the comments were "bothering" her, adding: "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." The couple has also spoken out against colourism in several interviews, saying that fair skin does not necessarily make someone a good person.
The incident highlights the prevalence of colourism in Indian society and how it can affect individuals. Mr Rajput says: "About 70-80% 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's happiness was short-lived as they faced intense criticism on social media with many users making jokes and memes about the groom's "darker skin colour". The trolls also targeted the bride, suggesting that she had married Mr Rajput for his wealth or secure government job. One commenter even called her a "gold-digger".
The couple has now responded to the criticism, saying that they were shocked and disappointed by the negative reactions. In an Instagram post, Mr Rajput wrote: "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 also addressed the issue of colourism, saying that he had faced colour discrimination his whole life.
Ms Chouksey admitted that the comments were "bothering" her, adding: "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." The couple has also spoken out against colourism in several interviews, saying that fair skin does not necessarily make someone a good person.
The incident highlights the prevalence of colourism in Indian society and how it can affect individuals. Mr Rajput says: "About 70-80% people in India have darker skin tones, but the Indian mentality is that fairer is better. It's time to change that notion."
think about this tho... its not just about rishabh and sonali, its about how society makes u feel when ur differences are pointed out. like, dont they know that everyone's got their own struggles? dark skin tone or light, its not a competition 
the problem is bigger than one wedding vid or two people on instagram - its about changin the mindset of india 
if we can just shift from judging ppl based on how they look to understanding & embracin our differences, then maybe colourism wont be such a big deal 
. I mean, come on, a few memes and jokes about "darker skin colour" isn't going to hurt anyone, but then you get comments about Sonali marrying Rishabh for his "wealth or secure government job"... that's just classless 
.
. Can't we just accept and appreciate each other's differences instead of judging people based on their looks? It's like, we live in a society where fair skin is still considered the ideal... when did we learn to love ourselves?! 
! I mean, who does that? Trolling a newlywed couple just because of their skin color and making jokes about it is disgusting 
. It's like, how can people be so cruel online? Can't they just leave them alone to enjoy their happiness?
. We should be celebrating individuality and acceptance, not tearing people down over their skin tone 
. Ugh, just thinking about it makes me want to take a social media detox for life 
.
i mean who comes up with this kinda trash? colorism is such a big issue in india and it needs to stop now! rishabh and sonali are lucky to have each other and their love should be celebrated not scrutinized 
the whole "fair skin is better" mentality needs to shift, its time for a change 
- it takes a big person to do that, kudos to him 
.