Bollywood Celebrity Weddings of 2012

It was the year of bands, baajas and many baraats in Bollywood. Strangely enough, it was a number of single leading ladies that we lost this year to men within the industry or closely associated to Bollywood, at least. It turned out to be a busy year for fashion designers and wedding planners who were given the task of planning big fat Bollywood weddings of some of the most popular couples in town. This year, the stars went out to shine as they embarked on holy matrimony. With so many shaadis and even more details, it only makes sense to count down the top weddings of the year. Are you ready to be shaadi-fied?

Ritesh and Genelia
The year kicked off with the wedding of secret lovebirds Genelia D’Souza and Ritesh Deshmukh. After years of speculation and nonstop questions including: are they together? Is he gay? Is he with Jacqueline Fernandez? Genelia and Ritiesh shut the mouths of gossip-mongers with a rather lengthy wedding which included a Maharashtrian wedding followed by a Church wedding and finally, a grand reception where most of Bollywood congregated to wish the couple. The sangeet was headed by none other than Karan Johar who took to the mic and played master of chaperone while a number of the couple’s starry friends took to the stage. The likes of the Bachchans, Kapoors and Khans attended the big reception before the duo took off to an undisclosed honeymoon destination.

Wedding Trivia: The wedding was planned way in advance with the couple asking their friends and family to keep it hush-hush.

Esha and Bharat Esha Deol’s career may have unfortunately not kicked into third gear but that didn’t stop her from going all out for her wedding with Mumbai diamond merchant, Bharat Takhtani. According to sources, the entire wedding was orchestrated by Hema Malini who insisted on a grand, yet simple wedding. A sangeet followed by an ISKON wedding and a biggie reception completed Esha’s wedding. The sangeet saw a dedicated performance by Mom, Hema to her daughter as she danced to Dream Girl. The dulhan herself shook her foot to a couple of her own numbers. Bollywood came out in full force to bless Esha and Bharat while Daddy dearest couldn’t contain his happiness as he hosted the reception.

Wedding Trivia: While half-brothers Sunny and Bobby Deol remained unseen throughout the wedding, it was Abhay who took on all brotherly duties.

Kareena and Saif
Kareena Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan’s private but heavily attended wedding was easily the wedding of the year. After five years of courtship, Saifeena finally joined together in holy matrimony drawing extreme media attention and hoard of well-wishers. While it was his second marriage, he chose to keep it quite extravagant. There was a hush-hush sangeet, a mehndi, the registered marriage at the Khan household, followed by a reception in Mumbai and then, a Walima in New Delhi. The sangeet saw the Kapoor kandaan come out to put on a complete show for the couple with Karisma Kapoor taking center stage. Needless to say, pretty much all of Bollywood was accounted for at the luxurious reception after which the couple went on what is being called their ‘25th’ honeymoon.

Wedding Trivia: Saif’s children were seen at the wedding taking pictures with the newlyweds and enjoying every minute of the wedding. 

Vidya and Siddharth
The year ended with the wedding of Vidya Balan and Siddharth Roy Kapur. But it was hardly a shaadi which had the shutterbugs going frantic. In fact, it was easily the most downplayed wedding of the year. With the exception of Rekha, no other Bollywood celebrity was invited to the extremely secretive wedding which only included family and close friends. A quiet mehndi and wedding ceremony was in order for the couple and that pretty much concluded the wedding. The couple will however, distribute sweets post their wedding to the industry.

Wedding Trivia: Close friends including Milan Luthria and Ekta Kapoor too, are said to have been completely clueless about the wedding.

 ~

First published Bollywood Hungama, December 19th, 2012   

Saifeena Wala Shaadi!

Shaadi Time!

I love shaadi time in Bollywood. And because I care so passionately about Hindi films, I feel like I am an extended part of the family. How filmy did that just sound? See, I fit in so well. But really, weddings make the world such a happy place and yesterday happened to be the day that my favorite Kareena Kapoor, whom I pyar se refer to as Bebo Didi, tied the knot with her beau and now my jeeju, Saif Ali Khan.

Theirs is a love story that most girls only dream of. Yeah, he has a bit of a shady past, but that didn’t stop Bebo from realizing that this Nawab was the man of her dreams. So they courted, moved in together, costarred in flop films, dodged the ‘shaadi kab karoge?’ question only to finally call it a day and are now Mr. and Mrs. Saif Ali Khan. If you know me, you know this would be a rather long ‘aww’ moment for me. But I'll refrain due to public objection and the constant criticism that comes with my aww-ing.

But the real question is, what have we learned from Saifeena, India’s kinda-sorta royal couple, as they embark on holy matrimony?  


1. Second hand jawani. It’s shaadi number two for Saif who was previously married to Amrita Singh, an actress many years his senior. Second time round, it's Bebo darling for him and she happens to be ten years his junior. But who’s has time for all that math?  

2. Power, Baby. She is now, Kareena Kapoor Khan aka Begum of Pataudi.  

3. No Band Baaja or Baraat. It is possible to have a low-key yet fun wedding even if you are a powerhouse couple. Are you reading Abhishek and Ash?

4. Skirt Chaser No More. If a Casanova finds his Ms. Right, he will eventually give up his womanizing ways and settle down…temporarily at least. Does that make Bebo, Ms. Right-Now?

5. Flop Jodi. You may not have a single hit film to your name as a pair, but you sure as hell can be the most popular and loved jodi in town.

Here’s wishing my favorite couple a lifetime of happiness, love and eternal bliss!

Shahid Kapoor Ki Shaadi: Prospective Brides

So Shahid Kapoor missed the boat with Bebo, eh? Poor chap. And word on the street is that he will be avoiding contact with the media for the next few days until the Saifeena shaadi festivities die down. But why so blue, Shahid? Your day will come soon; you’ll be a groom too. And since you’ve become rather fussy about your ladies post Bebo, I’ve decided to help you and play matchmaker. They say matchmaking is the best way to gain brownie points with the uparwala and so to aid you, here are some lovely ladies for you to
choose from and to make your Mrs. Kapoor.

Priyanka Chopra
Look, you obviously have some kind of bizarre with Priyanka Chopra; admit it. I can kinda see it—she’s a bit eccentric, quite like you. And just think logistically. Don’t you both live in the same building? How easy would it be to move her belongings to your place? But seriously, you both seem to have some kind of chemistry between the both of you, so why not P.C.? Post your break up, she took to a popular married Mr. Khan; not such a smart idea. See what you did to her? Now is your chance to reel her back and woo her again. This is quite a Teri Meri Kahani you both have, haan.

Vidya Balan
She’s popular, bankable, sexy and could be gharelu which makes Vidya Balan a good choice for you, Shahid. Add to that the fact that you both share some Kismet Konnection wali history and voila, there is one more reason for the both of you to come together in holy matrimony. Err, and considering your string of flops, it may help to have Vidya on your side right now. But you’ll have to entice her rather well, you see. Apparently, she’s cozying up to one popular UTV Films producer.


Sonam Kapoor
Okay, so your film together didn’t exactly create waves but so what? Sonam Kapoor is a girl you should consider, Shahid. For starters, look at all the similarities you both share. Both of ya’ll are Kapoors, both have veteran fathers as actors, both are kinda useless and possess an air that no one really gets. She also happens to be an avid reader which is good for you since you are in dire need of private spelling lessons. See, made for each other you both are…in any Mausam also.


Nargis Fakhri
Nargis Fakhri claims there is nothing between you and her. Lies. We know you both had somewhat of a fling…or something. We’ve heard so many damn rumors about you both moving in, helping each other in icky situations and so on, that if you dare to tell me there was never anything between the two of you, I will send a girl gand, I mean gang, to your house.


Amrita Rao
At the end of the day, you can always just go back to your first heroine, no? Amrita Rao is in actuality, the most ideal girl for you. In fact, believe it or not, you are most liked when you star opposite Rao. Five films and you’ve never really been linked to Amrita, how did you allow that to happen, Shahid? That is so unlike you. For this reason, if not any other, at least court the pretty girl. Both of your careers are at the same place too—bottom of a dry lake. Ishq Vishk toh banta hai boss.


All of a sudden, things don’t look so bad, haan Shahid? Also, see how I conveniently left out Katrina Kaif for you. Slightly worried you might leave out a 'T' from her name…problem na ho jaaye, you know. Now choose, fast fast!

Desi, Chokri and Nearly 30? You Need This!

So sitting at the salon the other day, I stumbled upon this fabulous article: “Things Every Woman Should Have and Should Know by The Time She’s 30”. I read, laughed, agreed with most of it and then digested it all. Now, this was obviously an American magazine which meant, I couldn’t relate to a lot of it. For the most part, we Desi girls lead different lives courtesy of our values, et al. But the article lingered in my head for a while and I couldn’t help but wonder about what things we Desi girls should have and know by age 30. And please do not ask me for my age. I’m as young as I look which of course, is 16. Right? Okay the list. Ready?

By 30, you should have:

A past that is controversial/juicy enough that you could easily turn it into a Shobha De-esque book or an Ekta Kapoor serial.

Cried yourself to sleep over a broken heart with your favorite melodrama/sad song…in your head.

Gotten drunk while watching a Hindi film in the cinema.

Full on tashaan.

Seen the Kama Sutra and laughed at how pretentious it is.

A signature drink ala Screw Driver or Whiskey…Patiala.

Drunk yourself silly and walked around the city singing, “Yeh Dosti” with your best friend.

Figured out which Bollywood actress you hate because you’re insanely jealous of how beautiful she is and no other reason.

A pair of fabulous heels and kohlapuri chappals.

Taken a trip with your girls to Spain thinking you’re gonna change your life after watching Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara.

Crushed over a Hindi telly star.

Mastered the art of shying, crying and being coy.

By 30, you should know:

Which designer will be designing your trousseau and who will perform at your Sangeet (applicable to the unmarried ladies).

That Bollywood is a complete sham which has given you unrealistic expectations of men and life.

That said, you should know which Hindi movie you’d most like to model your life around.

How to roll a perfectly round roti and make amazing chai.

How to kill a coachroach with your chappal.

The names of your future children.

That all Desi men are mama’s boys and you cannot do anything about it.

How to drown out emotional blackmail and guilt trips from Mom and Dad.

Mastered at least three Desi dishes.

How to smartly dodge the “Teri shaadi kab hogi?” question (also only applicable to unmarried gals).

That Facebook has been overtaken by gossiping Aunties and Uncles. Please update your statuses and pictures accordingly.

Which Hindi serial you watch secretly while you diss it out to the rest of the world.

The Royal Shaadi!

Unfortunately there won’t be a band, a baaja or a baaraat at Prince William and Kate Middleton’s shaadi. Super sad, na? In fact, I’d love to head his baaraat – some ainvayi ainvayi could really add some much needed masala to the otherwise austere Royal Wedding. However, this is one shaadi you probably shouldn't miss. It will be a historical event for the world and myself especially, since I didn't get to see Prince Charles and Lady Diana wed. And while the whole world will be curiously tuning in to watch the procession, we Desi's will be looking at the wedding with critical eyes – don’t deny it! For us, weddings are all about the nitty-gritty details, the food, the dance, the music, the grandeur. While the English Monarchy does know how to do in quite the majestic fashion, it does tend to lack the warmth that we are used to in our own shaadis. And there are some distinct differences. No sangeet or mehendi function, being one of the most prominent factors that will be missing for obvious reasons, of course. But that doesn’t mean we’re not interested! Are you kiddin’ me? I for one am all about the wedding for a number of reasons:

•             It’s history in the making! When will I ever get to see another Royal Wedding?
•             I’m all about royalty and imperialism. I really do think I was a princess in my last life.
•             And of course, I’m one of many girls who absolutely adores Prince William. Sigh.

But hello, as a Desi girl, I’d like my rajkumar to be Indian – phir bhi dil hai Hindustani darlings. However, I know that a bunch of you are completely clueless when it comes to the Royal Wedding of the century and so, here are the particulars in true desi fashion. And for a kick, I went on to add what I believe would be my grandmother’s take on every fine point. I’m pretty sure I’m spot on.

The Chapel of Love

Like all Royal Weddings, Prince William will marry his commoner fiancé at St. Peter’s Church in Westminster Abbey. The church is hardly a mystery to royals; most Royal Weddings take place at this church. How different to us na? We’d totally want to decorate the church with marigolds and jasmines. Yeah, not happening.

Nani says: “It’s a big fancy place. Very nice, no? Haan, some flowers-showers would be nice. It looks too plain otherwise. A shaadi is incomplete without some lights and strings of flowers.”

The Ride

Kate Middleton is not about all that sho-sha. She’s a commoner and she ain’t afraid to keep it simple. So no fancy horse-drawn carriage for her. She’ll ride into the church ready to get shaadified in a Rolls Royce. However, they will depart the church as man and wife, in the traditional 1902 State Landou carriage. As for Prince William, I wish he’d arrive on a horse! Like I said, I’d totally head his baaraat!

Nani says: “Rolls Royce is good beta. Is that carriage safe? I’m sure it was made by Indians during the British Raj.”

The Flowers

Now we’re all about throwing flower petals during the pheras. But Christians carry bouquets. The bride has chosen a rather interesting combination of flowers for her wedding. Her arrangement will include gardenias, roses and some myrtle among many other blooms. She won’t however, be doing the customary flower toss. Instead, she will lay her flowers to rest on a dead soldier’s grave.

Nani says: “Arrey why the dukhi flowers? Her bouquet should only have roses. Those are for love na? Why do you think we give them for Valentine’s Day beta?”

The Dress

Two dresses for Kate Middleton. Her wedding dress will be white and conservative, while her post wedding do will be a tad bit younger and revealing, sources claim.

Nani says: “Who are the designers?”

The Ring

We’ve all seen that beautiful blue sapphire engagement ring but the lucky bride will get another ring; an heirloom from Prince William’s grandmother. A piece of gold from Wales will be turned into a simple gold ring for his lovely would-be wifey.

Nani says: “How many karats?”

The Guests

Yeah, I think Shah Rukh Khan and the Bachchan’s may have to miss this one. Not invited you see. But hey, that doesn’t mean you won’t see some well known faces. Expect to see the Beckhams, Guy Ritchie, Elton John and a couple of other popular British personalities. Post the wedding, selected guests will head over to the Queen’s palace for a quick light brunch. Later on, they’ll get to eat a 3-course dinner hosted by Prince Charles.

Nani says: “Brunch and 3-course dinner? What will the guests eat?”

The Cake

Considering I’m the biggest pastry and dessert foodie, the cake became one of the most interesting parts of the wedding for me. So get this. Kate has chosen a high-tiered fruit cake with roses from all over the area! And of course, a splash of brandy and lots of icing for this wedding cake.

Nani says: “I like fruit cake but you like chocolate, beta? Maybe chocolate would be better.”

Random Shaadi Facts!

The vows that read, “To love, honor and obey” will be slightly tweaked for Kate. Apparently the modern going to-be princess has decided she will love and honor her man, but obey? No Freakin’ Way. And so, the vows will now read, “To love and honor….only!”

Prince William will not watch his bride walk down the aisle. According to tradition, he can only see his blushing bride when she has completed her walk and is by his side.

But this is the best; she won’t even be on time! The bride apparently arrives at the church late...courtesy of tradition.

And last but not least, the best piece of FYI, I can give to all single ladies out there is the following: at age 29, Kate (who is asking to be called Catherine from this day on), is officially the one of the oldest royal brides to walk the aisle. (Take that all those who cannot shut up about how awful it is to be getting older and being single!)

Kate will most likely wear a tiara borrowed from the Queen but rumors also claim she may choose one of Diana's. Her favorite is the pearldrop, Cambridge Lover's Knot tiara. She would have liked to have worn some flowers in her hair but *gulp* Camilla supposedly was not about all that shabang. And so out went the flowers.

No details are available regarding the Best Man's speech that will be delivered by Prince Harry. People are expecting big time jokes about the groom's balding et al.

Fear not ladies; your prince charming is waiting out there – if you haven’t found him already But in the meantime, make sure you stay up! Should be quite the shaadi!

The Bow-Down-to-Sachin Post!

Tournament: Asia Cup
Venue: Sharjah, UAE
Date: April 9th, 1995

The Men in Blue were playing Sri Lanka…while I was shaadi shopping for my mamu’s wedding.

Shaadi shopping is never fun when you’re thirteen. In fact, when you’d much rather be out playing dog-and-the-bone with your building friends, it is by far one of the most exasperating situations. With a grouchy face, I dragged myself around Bombay city trying to understand why a thirteen-year-old needed to come shopping for a wedding especially since all my clothes were already bought. But as we traveled from store to store, I found myself rather intrigued by the lack of productivity that was occurring at these dhukans. Quickly, I realized that sari shop attendants were swamped around television sets. It was only when a customer walked in that they forcefully diverted their attention to serving you. As my mother tried what was easily her 100th sari, I found myself curious. “What’s going on?” I remember asking my father, who was equally as bored but refused to let it be shown on his face. “Cricket,” my father said, “Cricket is happening.” With zero knowledge, I decided I’d take a peek at this sport. And at that very minute, it really happened. Sachin Tendulkar walked onto the field and the rest, as they say, is history.

My introduction to cricket was because of a bored experience, but it became a passion because of apna Master Blaster. It took me time to grasp the sport one hundred percent but this particular game is etched in my mind because of the 10dulkar. I vividly remember him walking out to the wicket and while the sari shopwallahs explained to Baby Roshni how the game worked, Sachin was playing an incredible knock. They cheered at every boundary he hit and while I dashed in and out of stores realizing that Sachin would hit a century, which I learned was a huge deal. And as my mother tried on her last sari, which she did buy praise the lord, Sachin, who was at 99 at the previous store, scored his 100th run. For the first time, I saw myself looking at this man in complete awe. But it didn’t end there, Tendlya went to finish off the game, 125 not out.

Not only did I become a fanatic, from that day on, but perhaps one of Sach’s biggest fans. And I have no qualms in admitting that I am biased towards Tendulkar. Irrespective of how many runs he scores, he does it the best. Out on 5? Best of the 5 runs in the game, I say. Whenever I find myself at loggerheads with non-India team players, I find myself jutting out Sachin’s name and silence falls upon the argument. Sachin always wins. Sachin always rocks. Sachin always gets the loudest roars and cheers.

It’s not just his game which I simply can’t get enough of. Yes, he hits those amazing cover drives which make you sigh as you view perfection. But as a Sachin fan, it’s the experience of watching the maestro hit a 100. At 99, your heart beats at a pace that is unfathomable. But watching him raise his bat as he runs the 100th run, peace falls over you. You have witnessed a piece of art, the finest.

It’s the man’s birthday on April 24th, and I have no words to explain how much I simply adore him. It’s respect to the maximum, devotion of the utmost. And so on the occasion of his 38th birthday, I just want to bow in front of the man who has taught me that ainvayi people are successful but the sachi (truly) most successful ones are those who are grounded and humble. Those who follow their dreams with a true heart and those who display passion in all they do. I salute you, oh great one. The Master, the Blaster, the God, the Slashin, 10dulkar, we love you. Tum jeeyo hazaaron saal, yeh meri hai arzoo. Happy Birthday to you!

Indo-Spring Fashion 2011: A to Z Guide

B is for Band Baaja Baaraat

Anita Dongre: LFW 2011

Looking to get shaadified this spring? For heaven’s sake, please avoid excessive bling! It is so 2000 and late. This spring, your trousseau should scream pastels, bright colors, fun fabrics and a lack of unwarranted embellishment. Let your wedding glow shine through as you pick fabrics that are young and uncomplicated. You’re looking at nudes and sheers with flowers – marigolds and jasmines, fun bangles, funky earrings and light-weight dupattas. Keep the clothes simple yet chic and enjoy your wedding. Hair is loose and make up, natural. But really, it’s not about keeping regal and elegant. Na jee, na. This wedding season, keep it dhinchak, janakpuri ka khanjar ala Band Baaja Baaraat.