‘I think it was important for my father’: Sagarika Ghatge, who welcomed ba boy with Zaheer Khan, reveals how her dad conducted a background check on the former cricketer | Feelings News

When celebrities get into relationships, they often face not just media scrutiny but also family concerns. Actor Sagarika Ghatge, who welcomed a ba boy with Zaheer Khan, recently shared an interesting anecdote about how her father reacted when he learned about her relationship with the former cricketer.Before making their romance public, Sagarika knew she had to inform her father, especially since they were about to attend Yuvraj Singh and Hazel Keech’s wedding together. However, what she thought would be a brief conversation turned into an hour-long discussion, followed a swift background check on Zaheer through a trusted family connection.
In an interview with Hauterrfly, she said, “When my father got to know about it, he had messaged Zaheer’s coach, Anshuman Gaekwad, because he’s related to us. Kaka’s some relation or the other. So he messaged him, and then he (Anshuman) sent a message to Zaheer, saying, ‘Oh I’ve heard you’re friendly with my niece.’ Zaheer is showing me this, and he’s like, ‘I’m not replying.’ I said, ‘Don’t reply. I don’t know whatever that is’ (sic).”
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She added, “So, my father actually got his background check done very properly. And all he’s like, ‘Oh, he’s one of the nicest cricketers.’ That is all everyone told him. But I think it was important for my father to do his due diligence.”
Is it common for families to conduct background checks on prospective partners?
Gurleen Baruah, exential psychotherap at That Culture Thing, tells , “In India, and likely in other cultures as well, families conducting background checks on prospective partners remains a common practice, even in modern times. This stems from a deep-rooted need for security — both emotional and social — where marriage is often seen not just as a personal union but as a family decision with long-term consequences. Parents, shaped their own experiences and societal expectations, seek assurances about financial stability, family background, and character, hoping to minimise future uncertainties.” 

For daughters, in particular, she says this concern is heightened cultural norms that tie a woman’s well-being and social standing “closely to her marital life.” Even as individual choice gains more acceptance, the underlying fear of risk and societal judgment keeps this practice alive, reflecting a broader exential struggle with trust, control, and the unpredictability of relationships.
Some red flags families should look out for 
The real red flags lie in deeper behavioural patterns that shape relationships over time. “One key concern is avoidance of accountability — if someone consently blames circumstances, past relationships, or others for their failures, they may struggle with self-reflection and mature conflict resolution. Similarly, an overly rigid or controlling nature, whether in beliefs, gender roles, or lifestyle expectations, can signal an inability to adapt to a partner’s evolving needs,” states Baruah. 
The expert stresses that another sign to watch for is emotional avoidance. If a person dismisses difficult conversations, refuses to engage with emotions, or consently deflects concerns, it can lead to an emotional void in the long run. Relationships thrive on emotional intimacy, not just external stability. Story continues below this ad
“And perhaps one of the most telling signs is inconsency in how they treat people across social hierarchies. This often points to hidden entitlement, which can manifest in power struggles within marriage. Ultimately, no amount of background checking can guarantee a successful relationship, but observing how someone engages with uncertainty, takes responsibility for their choices, and navigates human connection offers a deeper understanding of their capacity for a healthy, evolving partnership,” Baruah concludes.