A whisper amidst the roar
In a move that stunned the world, Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli opted for a clandestine wedding ceremony away from the media glares and prying eyes.Choosing the picturesque locale of Tuscany, Italy, the couple whisked away all their family members secretly out of India, ensuring an intimate and private affair. Their decision to prioritize intimacy over extravagance set the tone for a new era of celebrity weddings, emphasizing the sanctity of love amidst the chaos of fame.
Breaking tradition with elegance
It was a moment that transcended boundaries when Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli tied the knot in a picturesque ceremony in Italy. Stepping away from the conventional red lehengas that had dominated Bollywood weddings for ages, Anushka chose a soft, ethereal baby pink ensemble crafted by the maestro, Sabyasachi Mukherjee. Her choice not only defied norms but also set a new standard for bridal fashion, emphasising elegance over convention. Virat, the dashing groom, complemented her with an ivory sherwani, harmonising perfectly with Anushka’s ensemble. Their wedding attire became iconic, inspiring countless couples to embrace individuality on their big day.
The lens of innovation
Anushka Sharma’s wedding wasn’t just a celebration of love; it was a spectacle captured for posterity by the lens of ace photographer Joseph Radhik. His masterful shots immortalised the intimate moments of the couple’s union, weaving a narrative of romance and allure. Radhik’s work not only showcased the grandeur of celebrity weddings but also elevated the standards of wedding photography in Bollywood. His collaboration with Anushka and Virat paved the way for him to become the go-to photographer for A-list celebrity weddings, solidifying Anushka’s status as a trailblazer in the realm of matrimonial celebrations.
Virat Kohli reveals why his wedding in Italy with Anushka Sharma was kept confidential
In an interview with a news portal, Joseph Radhik mentioned that despite the freezing temperatures in Italy, Virat and Anushka remained remarkably composed, earning praise for their down-to-earth demeanor.
Videographer Vishal Punjabi concurred, noting that while Virat admired their wedding film, he opted not to release it publicly. Virat believed it was their videographer’s finest work and preferred to keep it private to protect their privacy amidst potential online scrutiny. Despite a teaser shared later, the full video remains unreleased.
Monetizing the magic
Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli didn’t just share their joy with the world; they capitalised on it. Their decision to sell their wedding pictures to magazines not only shattered the exclusivity barrier but also set a precedent for celebrities to monetise their nuptials. By strategically partnering with publications, they not only controlled the narrative of their wedding but also turned it into a lucrative venture. This savvy move not only demonstrated Anushka’s business acumen but also highlighted her ability to redefine traditional paradigms in the entertainment industry.
Anushka Sharma’s influence transcended beyond her own wedding, shaping the matrimonial landscape of Bollywood for years to come. Her impeccable taste, coupled with a willingness to defy conventions, made her the epitome of modern elegance in the world of celebrity weddings. Her audacious choices inspired a legion of followers, including some of Bollywood’s biggest names, to reimagine their own nuptials in her image.
Mudrika Dhoka, Director, Chapter Bespoke Experiences, told ETimes, ” Anushka and Virat’s wedding was elegant, intimate, and authentic, with a close-knit atmosphere. From the beautiful combination of foliage and pastel florals to the custom-made delicate attire, it embodied the dream of every modern bride and groom. The aura of each function, the clothing, decor, and accessories were harmonious, narrating the tales of their everlasting love. It’s clear that one can embrace their heritage while adding a personal touch to stand out and make a unique statement. Couples today look for that same vibe creation in there nuptials, where they stand out and there personalities are depicted in each element of the wedding.”
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The ripple effect
Anushka’s influence reverberated across Bollywood, inspiring a wave of unconventional weddings and fashion choices. Deepika Padukone opted for a destination wedding, following Anushka’s lead in celebrating love away from the glitz of Mumbai. Priyanka Chopra too followed suit, exchanging vows in a picturesque ceremony in exotic locales. Kiara Advani, Athiya Shetty, Rakul Preet Singh, Alia Bhatt, and others embraced pastel hues for their bridal attire, taking cues from Anushka’s ethereal pink ensemble.
Even leading men like Varun Dhawan ventured into destination weddings, while Katrina Kaif added her name to the list of celebrity brides opting for intimate celebrations away from Mumbai.
Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh:
Taking cues from Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli’s destination wedding, Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh opted for a picturesque ceremony in Italy. Like Anushka, Deepika broke away from traditional reds and chose a stunning red and gold Sabyasachi lehenga for her Sindhi wedding ceremony, while Ranveer donned a regal red sherwani. Their decision to celebrate their love amidst the serene landscapes of Lake Como mirrored the intimacy and elegance of Anushka and Virat’s nuptials, setting a new trend for destination weddings in Bollywood.
Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas:
Inspired by Anushka and Virat’s private wedding affair, Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas opted for a lavish- yet-intimate ceremony at the Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. Their extravagant celebration combined royal grandeur with personal touches, reminiscent of Anushka and Virat’s elegant union. Priyanka’s custom-made Ralph Lauren gown for their Christian ceremony and her intricately designed red lehenga for the Hindu rituals echoed Anushka’s sophisticated bridal fashion choices, further cementing the trend of blending tradition with modernity.
Kiara Advani, Athiya Shetty, Rakul Preet Singh, Alia Bhatt:
Following Anushka Sharma’s lead in embracing pastel hues for bridal attire, several Bollywood actresses, including Kiara Advani, Athiya Shetty, Rakul Preet Singh, and Alia Bhatt, incorporated soft and dreamy colors into their wedding ensembles. From blush pinks to serene blues, these actresses opted for ethereal and romantic looks, mirroring Anushka’s iconic pastel pink lehenga. Their choices reflected a departure from traditional reds and showcased a contemporary approach to bridal fashion, inspired by Anushka’s timeless elegance.
Varun Dhawan and Natasha Dalal:
Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli’s destination wedding also influenced leading men in Bollywood, including Varun Dhawan. Varun and Natasha Dalal’s wedding festivities in Alibaug bore similarities to Anushka and Virat’s private ceremony in Italy. Opting for an intimate affair away from the hustle and bustle of Mumbai, Varun and Natasha celebrated their love amidst close family and friends, echoing the understated charm and exclusivity of Anushka and Virat’s wedding. Their choice to prioritize intimacy and privacy over extravagance reflected a shift towards more personalized and meaningful celebrations in Bollywood.
Katrina Kaif and Vicky Kaushal:
Joining the trend of intimate destination weddings inspired by Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli, Katrina Kaif and Vicky Kaushal tied the knot in a private ceremony in Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan. Similar to Anushka and Virat, Katrina and Vicky opted for a serene and secluded location for their wedding, highlighting the importance of intimacy and privacy in their union. Their decision to keep the celebrations low-key yet elegant mirrored the understated sophistication of Anushka and Virat’s nuptials, further solidifying the trend of intimate destination weddings in Bollywood.
Sidharth Malhotra and Kiara Advani
Another couple that drew inspiration from Anushka Sharma’s groundbreaking wedding was Sidharth Malhotra and Kiara Advani. Their wedding, celebrated in a stunning destination, mirrored the charm and intimacy that Anushka and Virat’s ceremony embodied. Kiara’s choice of a pastel lehenga continued the trend set by Anushka, blending traditional elements with contemporary elegance. Sidharth’s attire, complementing Kiara’s look, reflected the coordinated sophistication seen in Anushka and Virat’s wedding.
Their celebration, much like Anushka’s, was a blend of personal touches and grandeur, captured beautifully by skilled photographers who ensured every moment was documented with the same finesse that Joseph Radhik brought to Anushka and Virat’s wedding.
Parineeti Chopra and Raghav Chadha
Parineeti Chopra and Raghav Chadha tied the knot on September 24, 2023, in a lavish ceremony at The Leela Palace in Udaipur, overlooking the beautiful Lake Pichola. The couple opted for ivory-themed outfits for their big day, with the groom donning an ivory sherwani and the bride in a matching ensemble.
The wedding festivities included several traditional pre-wedding rituals such as the Haldi, Mehendi, and Chooda ceremonies, followed by a Sangeet night with a 90s music theme. The event saw an array of prominent guests, including political figures like Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann, as well as Bollywood personalities.
Rakul Preet Singh and Jackky Bhagnani
Following in the footsteps of Anushka Sharma, Rakul Preet Singh and Jackky Bhagnani recently tied the knot in a similar fashion that echoed the elegance and intimacy of Anushka and Virat’s wedding. Rakul, like Anushka, chose a pastel-hued lehenga that stood out for its grace and subtlety. Her choice of attire, much like Anushka’s, broke away from the traditional red and embraced a more modern palette.
Their wedding, much like Anushka and Virat’s, was a destination affair, held in a serene and picturesque location that emphasized the personal and private nature of the celebration. The couple also chose to have their moments captured by a renowned photographer, ensuring that the essence of their love story was immortalized in a timeless manner.
The wedding venue was exquisitely decorated, and the guests were treated to a spectacular Sufi night featuring live performances. The celebrations continued with a grand reception held at The Leela Palace and another planned reception in Chandigarh hosted by the groom’s family
Concluding note
Anushka Sharma’s wedding wasn’t just a union of hearts; it was a cultural phenomenon that reshaped the narrative of celebrity weddings in Bollywood. Through her bold choices and unwavering grace, she became more than just an actress – she became the OG trendsetter for weddings, leaving an indelible mark on the industry and inspiring generations to come.