Disha Patani’s sister Khushboo Patani who is a former Indian Army officer, has voiced her anger and concern over the recent alleged dowry-related deaths of Twisha Sharma and Deepika Nagar. Through a series of emotional Instagram Stories, Khushboo questioned societal expectations around marriage and criticised the pressure women often face to stay in difficult relationships.Her remarks quickly gained traction online for their candid take on dowry practices, marriage norms and how families sometimes encourage women to remain silent in abusive environments.Reacting to the incidents, Khushboo wrote, “Dahez ki aag mein jalti har beti ki khabar ek sawal chor jati hai, kya sach mein shaadi itni zaruri thi? (Every news of a daughter burning in the fire of dowry leaves behind one question, was marriage really so necessary?)”She also reflected on the social conditioning women experience from a young age, where marriage is often presented as a necessity rather than a choice.Sharing another message, she wrote, “Samaj bachpan se sikhata hai ‘Ek umra ke baad shaadi kar lo…’ ‘Akeli ladki achi nahi lagti…’ ‘Log kya kahenge?'” She further added, “But no one taught us that living alone is also an art. Being happy with yourself is also a way of life (as translated).”In another strongly worded post, Khushboo pointed out that responsibility in such situations does not always lie only with abusive in-laws. She wrote, “Aaj jitney zimmedar galat saas sasur hote hain, utni hi kayi baar chup rehne wale maa baap bhi hote hain.”According to her, many women who try to share their struggles with their parents after marriage are often told to compromise rather than step away from toxic situations. She highlighted how phrases encouraging women to “adjust” are repeatedly used even when they are facing emotional or harmful circumstances.Khushboo also urged women to reject marriages where dowry becomes a condition. In one of her posts, she wrote, “Have guts to live alone and say no to marriage if it is all about dowry. Take your right back in the legal battle. Marna nahi hain, Maarna hai!”She followed it with another emotional message, expressing how daughters are often not simply married away but slowly sacrificed under societal expectations. Khushboo added, “Dahej kam tha shayad, isliye har roz apmaan hui thi.”Signing off on a personal note, she described herself as, “Your sister, born to be single,” referring to her own views on marriage.Apart from being actor Disha Patani’s sister, Khushboo Patani is a former Indian Army officer who reportedly retired with the rank of Major. She is now active as a fitness coach, social media personality and is often recognised for her outspoken opinions, fitness-related content and humanitarian efforts.
