The fallout from the revelation was severe. Shakib Khan initially denied the marriage before finally accepting it, but the relationship was irreparably broken. Apu faced massive backlash from certain factions within the film industry, losing out on major roles and facing an unofficial boycott.
According to Apu, they hid the marriage to protect Shakib's career and maintain his image as an "available" bachelor to fans.
In 2008, Apu and Shakib Khan began a real-life relationship. In an industry where stars' private lives are heavily scrutinized, they managed to keep their romance entirely hidden for years. In 2010, they secretly married, and in 2016, Apu gave birth to their son, Abraham Khan Joy—all without the public knowing.
. Their real-life romance began on the sets of the blockbuster in 2006.