Minal Khan is always a name that attracts eyeballs — either her on-screen work or her actual roles. But this time, it wasn’t her acting that drew the spotlight. It was a word of advice that she gave, wrapped in humor and poise, that triggered an unexpected debate.
Minal made her entrance at the wedding of her brother Maaz Khan dressed to the nines in a gloriously adorned golden outfit, with bridal jewelry from her own wedding that is known to many viewers. Her other twin sister Aiman was similarly dressed to dazzle in an exquisite green silk dress. Both of them seemed like a pair of showstoppers — or maybe that was the problem with others.
As wedding pictures and videos became viral on the web, a storm of divided opinions followed. While some praised their sophistication, others believed the sisters went too far, especially for a brother’s walima. Some web users observed that the bride barely stood out against comparison, overshadowed by the glamour of her celebrity in-laws.
Minal, in characteristic blunt style, responded in a way that no one could possibly be shocked by. Smiling, she instructed women not to reuse their wedding dresses for near-relatives’ weddings. “You don’t want to steal the bride’s thunder,” she joked, implying festive doesn’t mean flashy.
Her comment, while glib, had larger cultural implications for wedding aesthetics in Pakistan. At big family gatherings, especially those that include A-list celebrities, the pressure to appear a certain way can blur the line between joy and competition. Minal’s simple, down-to-earth insight was a reminder that sometimes beauty lies in self-restraint.
The incident also brought out how stars — as with anyone else — deal with family, pressure, and the rare criticism. Minal’s response wasn’t one of defensiveness. It was real, plausible, and — most crucially — respectful.
Ultimately, the bride had her moment, the sisters exchanged glances, and everyone had something to talk about. But in the midst of all that, Minal’s polite nudge stood: sometimes it’s not bad to stand aside, especially when it is someone else’s turn.
