Archive · 23 Aug 2026
Zayed Khan Says Daring Made Him Fall Harder Than Chemistry
Zayed Khan and Malaika Parekh met when they were teenagers at school.
Zayed said he liked Malaika but was too shy to speak to her at first.
After several months, Malaika greeted him and later called him from the principal's office.
She told him that the call was from her, not his father.
Zayed was impressed by her confidence and boldness.
He said this made him like her even more than her appearance did.
Psychologist Shruti Padhye explained that attraction can start a relationship.
She said emotional maturity, shared values and supporting each other help relationships last.
Zayed Khan said he first noticed Malaika Parekh when he was 17 and she was 15.
He recalled taking three months to make eye contact before trying to arrange an introduction.
Malaika made the first direct move by greeting him and later revealing she had called him.
Khan said her confidence, daring and personality made him fall for her more deeply.
Psychologist Shruti Padhye said lasting relationships depend more on emotional maturity, compatibility and shared values than chemistry alone.
- Who
- Actor Zayed Khan, his wife Malaika Parekh, and psychologist Shruti Padhye.
- What
- Khan described how Malaika's bold first move deepened his feelings for her, while Padhye discussed what sustains relationships.
- When
- Khan shared the story during a recent interview with Zoom Spotlight; the first events occurred when he was 17 and Malaika was 15.
- Where
- The couple's story began at school, including an environmental science class and the principal's office.
- Why
- Khan said Malaika's daring, confidence and personality attracted him beyond physical chemistry; Padhye said lasting relationships require emotional maturity, compatibility and shared values.
Chemistry and Attraction
Compatibility and Emotional Maturity
What starts a relationship
Chemistry and Attraction
Initial chemistry, physical attraction and a strong spark can draw people together.
Compatibility and Emotional Maturity
Attraction may begin a relationship, but emotional capabilities are more difficult to assess and are important for its future.
What makes love last
Chemistry and Attraction
Shared interests and hobbies can make it easier to build the early stages of a relationship.
Compatibility and Emotional Maturity
Shared values, emotional support and the ability to grow together are more important for sustaining a relationship.
- Interview
- Zayed Khan spoke during a recent interview with Zoom Spotlight.
- First meeting
- Khan said he was 17 and Malaika Parekh was 15 when he first noticed her.
- Initial hesitation
- Khan said it took him three months to make eye contact with Malaika.
- Malaika's first move
- She greeted Khan and later told him she had arranged the phone call he received.
- Khan's reaction
- He said her daring and personality made him fall in love with her more deeply.
- Psychological perspective
- Shruti Padhye said emotional maturity, compatibility and shared values help relationships endure.