Bollywood actor Sagarika Ghatge and former Indian cricketer Zaheer Khan have welcomed their first child, a baby boy named Fatehsinh Khan. The joyful announcement was made on April 16, 2025, through a heartfelt social media post where the couple expressed their gratitude and excitement, stating, "With love, gratitude and divine blessings we welcome our precious little baby boy, Fatehsinh Khan." This news has sparked a flurry of congratulatory messages from fans and fellow celebrities alike.
Sagarika, known for her role in the iconic film Chak De! India, shared adorable photos of their newborn, one of which featured Zaheer lovingly cradling the baby while Sagarika embraced them both. The couple's choice of name, Fatehsinh, carries a significant meaning in Hindi, translating to "victorious lion" or "the one who wins". This name reflects not only a sense of strength but also a hopeful beginning for their family.
As the couple celebrates this new chapter in their lives, Sagarika's father played a crucial role in the early stages of their relationship. Before their romance became public, Sagarika felt it was important to inform her father, especially since they were attending the wedding of Yuvraj Singh and Hazel Keech together. What started as a brief conversation turned into an hour-long discussion, during which her father conducted a background check on Zaheer through a family connection, Anshuman Gaekwad, Zaheer's coach.
In an interview with Hauterrfly, Sagarika recounted the moment, saying, "When my father got to know about it, he had messaged Zaheer’s coach, Anshuman Gaekwad, because he’s related to us. Kaka’s some relation or the other. So he messaged him, and then he (Anshuman) sent a message to Zaheer, saying, ‘Oh I’ve heard you’re friendly with my niece.’ Zaheer is showing me this, and he’s like, ‘I’m not replying.’ I said, ‘Don’t reply. I don’t know whatever that is.’”
Her father’s thoroughness paid off, as he was reassured by the feedback he received, learning that Zaheer is regarded as "one of the nicest cricketers". This situation raises an interesting question about the cultural practice of families conducting background checks on prospective partners, especially in India. Gurleen Baruah, an existential psychotherapist, shared her insights on this topic, stating, "In India, families conducting background checks on prospective partners remains a common practice, even in modern times. This stems from a deep-rooted need for security — both emotional and social — where marriage is often seen not just as a personal union but as a family decision with long-term consequences."
Baruah elaborated on the motivations behind such practices, noting that parents often seek assurances about financial stability, family background, and character to minimize future uncertainties. For daughters, this concern can be heightened due to cultural norms that closely tie a woman’s well-being and social standing to her marital life. Despite a growing acceptance of individual choice, the fear of societal judgment continues to influence these traditional practices.
As Sagarika and Zaheer embark on their journey of parenthood, they join a growing list of celebrity couples who have welcomed children in 2025. Notable names include Jennifer Lawrence and Cooke Maroney, who welcomed their second child, and Athiya Shetty and KL Rahul, who had a baby girl on March 24, 2025. Other celebrity parents this year include Amy Jackson and Ed Westwick, who named their son Oscar Alexander Westwick, and Henry Cavill, who welcomed his first child in January. The news of Sagarika and Zaheer’s baby boy has certainly added to the excitement of the year.
Reflecting on their relationship, Sagarika once expressed a desire to have married Zaheer sooner if they had met earlier in life. She stated, "I think today, who I am and how I am, you know everything, how I look at life, is all thanks to him. Because, he just grounds you. He just is your safe space… I wish I'd met him a little earlier, I would have been married young." This sentiment showcases the deep bond they share, built over years of companionship since they made their relationship public in 2016.
Zaheer Khan, who has remained actively involved in cricket, and Sagarika, who has continued her acting career post-marriage, are now set to navigate the joys and challenges of parenthood together. Sagarika’s career includes notable projects such as Irada (2017), Footfairy (2020), and the web series BOSS: Baap of Special Services (2019). Her journey from a celebrated actress to a new mother is a testament to her resilience and adaptability.
As the couple embraces their new role as parents, they are not only celebrating the arrival of their son but also the love and support from their families and friends. The flood of congratulatory messages on social media highlights the joy shared by many for this beloved couple. Celebrities like Angad Bedi, Anupam Mittal, and Huma Qureshi were among the first to extend their warm wishes, showcasing the camaraderie within the Bollywood community.
In a world where relationships often come under scrutiny, the story of Sagarika Ghatge and Zaheer Khan stands out as a beautiful narrative of love, family, and the joys of new beginnings. As they welcome Fatehsinh Khan into their lives, they are not just becoming parents but also continuing a legacy of love and support that will undoubtedly shape their child's future.
