This Bollywood actor admits he was the 1st in his family to marry out of caste

In 2023, actor Randeep Hooda and model-actress Lin Laishram were united in matrimony through an intimate Manipuri wedding ceremony held in Imphal, the capital of Manipur. Their union beautifully reflected the coming together of diverse backgrounds—Randeep, a Jaat from Haryana, and Lin, a native of the North-Eastern state of Manipur—crossing regional and cultural boundaries.

In a recent conversation, Randeep shared that he never originally saw himself as someone who would settle down. “Back in school, I often felt quite low and used to think, ‘Why bring someone into this world who might have to go through similar struggles?’” he admitted with a laugh. “Marriage was never on my radar. But then fate had other plans. When Lin and I met, something changed. Though it took me a while, I eventually decided to take the leap—maybe because I joke I don’t hold a government job!”

Speaking on a podcast hosted by Shubhankar Mishra, Randeep elaborated on why they chose to get married in Manipur. “It’s a region as much a part of India as any other. When you fall in love, things like caste, religion, or geography take a backseat. We simply clicked, and our energies matched,” he explained. Still, the journey to their wedding wasn’t without obstacles.

“Like most families, mine had certain expectations. My parents initially wanted me to marry within the community—a sentiment quite strong among Jaats. I became the first person in my family to marry someone outside the caste, which did cause some friction. But over time, everyone came around,” he recalled. Randeep also acknowledged that Manipur was going through a sensitive period when they decided to hold the wedding there. “Yet I felt it was important to honor Lin’s roots. I wanted the ceremony to reflect her heritage and to stand by her side culturally and emotionally.”

Due to the region’s volatility, special arrangements were made. Randeep coordinated with the Indian Army to ensure the event’s safety. He and nine family members from Haryana were hosted at an army brigadier’s residence. “Security was tight—they accompanied us everywhere. Interestingly, we had more guards than guests. Just ten of us represented my side to avoid overwhelming Lin’s family, especially given the tense atmosphere,” he noted.

The wedding captured the nation’s attention once pictures surfaced. Randeep was touched by the outpouring of love and admiration. “It was a simple affair, yet deeply traditional. Though there was no internet access, someone livestreamed the event. We still don’t know who did it,” he smiled. “But the response was overwhelming, and it meant the world to both of us.”