Dont use religion as weapon: Asim Riaz rejects allegations of pressuring Himanshi into conversion

PTC News Desk: The controversy surrounding relationship of Asim Riaz and Himanshi Khurana took an ugly turn on Monday after the former rejected claims that he ever asked the actress to change her religion. 

His statement follows Himanshi's remarks during a podcast appearance where she recalled finding herself in the midst of conflicting religious identity while dating Asim. 

Meanwhile, Asim took to his social media and denied the allegations that he ever asked Himanshi to get converted and asserted that faith should not be brought into public disputes for attention. 

He wrote, "I never asked anyone to change their religion. Not once. Matter of fact, I was the one who pushed you towards fitness. You've been in this shape only after meeting me, before that, everyone knew how you looked. So please, don't use religion as a weapon. It's a deeply sensitive subject, and turning something so personal into a reason for people to hate me is immature and only shows how low you're willing to go for attention (sic)."

While addressing concerns surrounding their respective careers and finances, he said that he did not require anybody's assistance in establishing his career and suggested that bank statements call well corroborate financial claims. 

He added, "And when it came to my career, I never needed anyone to build it for me or claim credit for what they never contributed. Who has more money and who has less? Well, if you really want to know, the bank statements can settle that. But money was never the measure of character. Character is how far you're willing to fall when you're desperate for attention, relevance, or a few more views (sic),"

What did Himanshi say?

The controversy started after Himanshi appeared on Paras Chhabra’s podcast and was asked about reports that she had thought about converting to another religion during her relationship with Asim.

Himanshi clarified that she did not see it as a conversion. She said Asim was explaining the positive aspects of his religion to her, which she felt was not a bad thing.

However, she said she was not comfortable accepting his beliefs herself. According to Himanshi, Asim wanted her to understand and accept his religion, but she was not ready to do so.

She also recalled asking whether she would be “cremated or buried”, saying the question made her realise how deeply her own faith was connected to her identity.

After her comments sparked a debate online, Himanshi addressed the media reports on her Instagram Stories and called the controversy a “storm in a teacup.”

Asim and Himanshi’s Relationship

Asim and Himanshi announced their separation on December 6, 2023, after being together for nearly four years. Himanshi said at the time that their different religious beliefs were the reason for their breakup.

Asim later said that the two had mutually decided to end their relationship and prioritise their respective faiths.