White horses have a long history in Indian weddings, but the practice has a dark side, with the animals often being physically abused and neglected. The issue received a much-needed boost in the Indian media with the announcement from Bollywood stars and animal lovers Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt that their wedding would be “horse-free.”
In response to this welcome news, Indian animal rescue group, Animal Rahat, has given the couple a special gift: naming two recently rescued white horses Alia and Ranbir after the bride and groom.
Commenting in a news outlet, Dr. Naresh Upreti, chief operating officer of Anima Rahat, said, “Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor chose to keep their big day horse-free. A wedding is a perfect occasion for anyone to spare a thought for and show love to all our fellow sentient beings.”