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‘You barely dated the guy’: Neha Dhupia on unplanned pregnancy and sudden marriage to Angad Bedi; what it means for new couples

“You are always questioned that ‘are you together because this happened or you genuinely want to be together?’ It worked out well,” said Neha Dhupia.

Neha Dhupia and Angad Bedi had kept their relationship privateNeha Dhupia and Angad Bedi had kept their relationship private (Source: Instagram/Neha Dhupia)

When Neha Dhupia married Angad Bedi in 2018, it took many by surprise. The couple had kept their relationship private, and the sudden wedding led to whispers and speculation.  

Now, in a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, Neha has opened up about the circumstances surrounding their marriage, revealing that she was pregnant at the time and the relationship was still new. It was so secretive, that she did not even tell her best friend Soha Ali Khan about what was going on. “At that point there was just chaos, I was pregnant and…” she began, explaining why the wedding was kept so intimate that even close friend Soha Ali Khan wasn’t invited. Despite not making the guest list, Soha was one of the first to know. “They were the first ones to get to know that we were pregnant. Also, because we were eating in a restaurant and I fainted on Kunal Kemmu. The next morning, we met again and that’s when I told her that I was pregnant.”

Neha continued, “You are also like… not married, you barely dated the guy. This information, no matter how unorthodox or orthodox you are, it’s just easier to share it with your friends, and friends who have just had a baby as opposed to telling your parents. It’s a tough one to have.” She also acknowledged that questions inevitably followed. “You are always questioned that ‘are you together because this happened or you genuinely want to be together?’ It worked out well. There’s no other way I would want it,” she said.

How can an unplanned pregnancy impact a couple’s decision-making when the relationship is still in its early stages?

When an unplanned pregnancy happens early in a relationship, it can fast-track decision-making in ways that may bypass natural relationship growth. Psychologist Rasshi Gurnani tells indianexpress.com, “There’s often a heightened sense of urgency driven by cognitive dissonance, a psychological discomfort between what one values and what one is experiencing. This might lead to decisions rooted more in avoidance of shame or social conformity than true emotional readiness. Many couples find themselves in a space where they’re trying to make permanent decisions without the foundation of time or shared experiences, which can add relationship anxiety or emotional confusion.”

Emotional or psychological pressures women face when disclosing a pregnancy to their family, especially outside of marriage

For women, especially in traditional or conservative family structures, disclosing a pregnancy outside of marriage can trigger anticipatory anxiety — a form of stress based on the fear of how their disclosure will be received. There’s often a deep-seated fear of rejection, moral judgment, or letting down parental expectations. 

“Many women internalise societal shame, leading to a feeling of isolation, even when they have support from their partner. In such cases, it’s easier to confide in peers who’ve walked similar paths, as there’s empathic resonance—the comfort of being understood without having to over-explain,” says Gurnani. 

In situations where couples marry shortly after conception, what are some tools or practices to help them build a healthy, intentional relationship?

Gurnani states, “When couples marry soon after conception, intentional relationship building becomes essential. Tools like couples therapy can help develop healthy communication patterns and set realistic expectations. Practicing emotional attunement—being present to each other’s emotional needs — is key to managing stress and external judgement. Setting clear boundaries with family and society also supports the couple in creating a safe emotional space.”

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Mindfulness practices, regular check-ins, and value-alignment exercises (discussing goals, parenting styles, roles) can help shift the focus from reactive to reflective, fostering a sense of shared intentionality. This allows the relationship to grow with authenticity, even under unconventional circumstances, concludes the expert.

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