When Tollywood superstar Nagarjuna announced the engagement of his younger son, Akhil Akkineni, to Zainab Ravdjee, fans were quick to shower the couple with congratulations. However, what was meant to be a joyful occasion quickly became the centre of a heated debate on social media, with many users commenting on the couple’s 9-year age gap and their interfaith relationship.

Akhil, 30, and Zainab, 39, first met during horse-riding practice, and their love story blossomed despite the notable age difference. While some fans celebrated their union, others took to social media to voice their opinions on the age gap, with several critics questioning whether the relationship could work. “How can there be such a big age gap?” some users asked, while others were concerned about the maturity differences that come with such disparities. “It’s odd to see a man younger than the woman, especially in Indian culture,” wrote one commenter, while another added, “Does age really matter in a relationship though?”

In addition to the age gap, the couple’s interfaith union also became a topic of intense debate. With Zainab’s background in both the Muslim and Christian faiths and Akhil’s Hindu roots, many social media users questioned how the couple would handle cultural and religious differences. “Interfaith marriages never end well,” claimed one commenter, while others supported the idea, saying that love should transcend religious boundaries.

Amid the backlash, Akhil decided to turn off comments on his engagement post, choosing to silence the negativity and focus on the love and support he’s receiving from close friends and family. Nagarjuna, too, expressed his happiness in welcoming Zainab into the family, urging fans to focus on congratulating the couple rather than critiquing their personal choices.

Despite the trolling, many supporters rallied behind the couple, arguing that love knows no boundaries—whether in age, religion, or social norms. “Who cares about age when you find someone who truly makes you happy?” one fan commented, echoing a sentiment shared by many who support the couple’s relationship.

As the debate rages on, the Akkineni family’s announcement has sparked an important conversation about age and interfaith marriages, making it clear that societal expectations are increasingly being challenged in today’s evolving world of relationships.