What made Beena Antony not leave Christianity after marriage? Manoj responds

Manoj and Beena Antony are a favourite star couple of the miniscreen audiences in Kerala. Manoj recently clarified the reason behind his wife, Beena, not converting to Hinduism from Christianity after marriage. It was normal during those times for wives from interreligious marriages to embrace their husband’s religion sooner or later. Manoj was speaking in an interview given to a YouTube channel.

Manoj:

“Beena was Christian, and it is normal in Nair houses to put pressure on the bride. We thought the elders would have a problem with her religion, and even Beena came forward to me, suggesting the idea of converting religion. However, no big pressure came from my house, and I was hesitant to allow her to change religion. She can visit the church and also visit the temple if she feels so. What is the point in changing religion?

Even I, a follower of the Hindu faith, worship Jesus. There are temples in Indian where non-Hindus are barred. I decided not to enter any temple that doesn’t allow my wife. I am very much against all this. Superstitious people might get the feeling to kill me, but I can’t help but speak my mind. Let good sense prevail everywhere.

We should change according to the times. Earlier, women were not allowed to cover their breasts in Kerala, and this changed over time. Today, if you ask a wife to jump on her husband's pyre, she will slap you on the face. We are the same community that abolished madness like Sati from this land.

I am very happy to have Beena with me for 22 years. The journey continues.”