TV47’s charismatic host and presenter, Shiksha Arora, recently delved into her intriguing family history and shared her candid views on arranged marriages during a lively discussion with Dr. Ofweneke.
In this engaging conversation, Shiksha offered a fascinating glimpse into her ancestral roots, tracing her family’s migration from India to Kenya and reflecting on her perspectives about love and marriage.
Shiksha, whose heritage is deeply rooted in India, recounted the pivotal moment when her great-grandfather first set foot in Kenya, laying the foundation for their family’s enduring bond with the country.
She highlighted the distinction between Kenyan Indians and their counterparts in India, noting, “A lot of Kenyan Indians don’t have the stereotypical accent seen in Bollywood.
Those accents are typically associated with Indians born and raised in India. Most of us are third or fourth-generation Kenyans.“
She elaborated on her family’s journey, saying, “My great-grandfather arrived during the railway construction.
My grandfather and father were born here. Though my mother was born in India, she moved to Kenya at just 18 after marrying my dad.“
Shiksha’s deep-rooted connection to Kenya contrasts with her family’s Indian heritage, blending two cultures seamlessly.
Turning to her own personal story, Shiksha revealed that her parents’ marriage was an arranged one, a tradition often linked with Bollywood portrayals of Indian culture.
“My mum and dad had an arranged marriage,” Shiksha shared. “It wasn’t a love match. My dad met my mum, who was told he was just coming over to hang out.
After he left, she was asked for her thoughts, and she found him cool. They told her, ‘I think you’re going to marry him.’ And that was that.“
The notion of moving continents after a single meeting might seem overwhelming, but Shiksha’s mother embraced it. “At that time, she didn’t really have a choice, “Shiksha noted.
“She ended up moving from Delhi to Kenya and, here I am today. Thank you, Mum and Dad.“
When asked whether she would consider an arranged marriage herself, Shiksha reflected thoughtfully, “No. Love is beautiful. In today’s world, it’s crucial to get to know someone deeply before committing.
Additionally, “You need to spend time together and understand each other’s likes and dislikes. Trust me, living with someone is no easy feat.”
Shiksha Arora on Marriage
In a beautiful Indian wedding in 2020, Shiksha Arora walked down the aisle with her then Fiancé, Salman Manji, in a celebration filled with love and joy.
The couple’s special day was marked by a stunning ceremony attended by their family and close friends. Shiksha and Salman first got engaged on January 1, 2020, during a romantic getaway in South Africa.
Announcing her engagement on Instagram, Shiksha shared her excitement with the simple yet heartfelt message, “He asked and I said yes.”
She expressed her gratitude to Salman for making her the happiest woman and turning January 1st into a magical moment.
“He asked and I said yes ❤️🙂 Shit just got real, like diamond kinda real!!! 💍 Thank you for making me the happiest girl in the world & for the most special day of my life!
“I can’t wait to annoy you for the rest of our lives ☺️ Let’s start with forever now shall we @salman_manji ? 🙂 01.01.2020 👫 #SHIKSMAN Starting the decade engaged,” wrote Shiksha.
Shiksha loves dancing and enjoys doing it with a passion. Better known as the #DancingAnchor, Shiksha Arora teamed up with American TV Meteorologist Nick Kosir, better known as the #DancingWeatherman, to do the Anguka Nayo dance challenge which went viral.
