Indian couple Groom Silences Skin Color Critics

New Delhi, November 28, 2025: A long-standing love story was recently put to the test, not by internal struggles, but by the relentless and toxic glare of social media. Rishabh Rajput and Shonali Chouksey, a couple from Madhya Pradesh who dated for an inspiring 11 years before getting married, have found themselves at the center of an ugly internet debate focused entirely on the groom’s skin color.

Following the posting of their wedding photos and videos online, a wave of negativity erupted. Instead of congratulations, many users on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram resorted to blatant colour-shaming, directing cruel and prejudiced remarks at Rishabh for his darker complexion.

The Shameful Assumptions

The core of the online attack was a toxic assumption rooted in colorism, a prejudice where lighter skin is favored over darker skin. Trolls questioned the bride’s motives, suggesting she must have married Rishabh for material gain rather than love. Comments were highly judgmental, with many users openly speculating about his financial status.

Remarks included, “Didi, aisi bhi kya majboori thi?” (Sister, what was the need for this compulsion?) and assertions like, “Bank balance matter karta hai” (Bank balance matters). These comments reflect a deeply ingrained social bias that often links a woman’s choice of partner—especially if he doesn’t conform to the light-skinned ‘ideal’—to wealth or professional success, commonly a high-paying government job.

The Groom’s Powerful Counter

Rishabh Rajput, however, refused to be a silent victim of this prejudice. He addressed the trolls directly and powerfully, issuing a statement that quickly went viral and earned widespread support. He acknowledged the speculation about his job and income, but immediately reframed the narrative, making his and Shonali’s commitment the focus.

“Sorry to disappoint you. I’m not a government employee but I work for my family and wish to give them a decent lifestyle. I do have a handsome income though,” he wrote.

Crucially, he then delivered the definitive blow to the baseless criticisms by highlighting the depth of their relationship: “But she loved me when I had nothing and she stood there having my back since my college days in my thin and thick, blues and greys… so your opinion doesn’t really matter.”

A Story of Resilience

Rishabh’s response transformed the incident from an instance of cyberbullying into a powerful stand against discriminatory beauty standards. He also shared that he has faced discrimination due to his skin colour throughout his life, making his public pushback all the more significant.

The couple, who navigated a challenging long-distance relationship before their wedding, have shown remarkable resilience. Shonali affirmed that the negative online noise hasn’t dampened their happiness.

Their love story has now become a point of discussion for a serious social issue. While the initial trolling exposed the persistent prejudices in society, the overwhelming public support for Rishabh and Shonali underscores a positive shift, celebrating true affection and commitment over superficial, colorist judgments. Their viral moment has become an unexpected victory for love, character, and self-respect in the age of internet toxicity.