Latest news with #Mehndi
Pink Villa
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Down syndrome couple Vignesh Krishnaswamy-Ananya Sawant's 3-day wedding was mix of emotions and a religious affair
Someone has rightly said that matches are made in heaven. And the perfect example is the union of Vignesh Krishnaswamy and Ananya Sawant. Their wedding went viral on social media and became one of the most-talked-about marriages not just for tradition but for breaking social stereotypes and promoting acceptance. The couple, suffering from Down Syndrome, united in a cross-cultural wedding. Let us give you more details about their Tamilian and Maharashtrian style 3-day function. Details about the couple Vignesh Krishnaswamy was 27 years old when he tied the knot with Ananya Sawant. He worked in the hospitality industry in Dubai, where he was raised since childhood. The girl, on the other hand, was 22 years old when she got married. Sawant served as an assistant teacher at a special school run by her family in Pune. How did Vignesh and Ananya meet? The now-married couple met through family connections, which was initiated by Vignesh and Ananya's sisters Janani and Ashni. After meeting several times, the two realised that they should take their relationship to the next level. The 3-day wedding celebration As per reports in The Times of India, the wedding of Vignesh Krishnaswamy and Ananya Sawant took place in Pune on July 5, 2023. The ceremonies spanned over a total of 3 days, featuring mixed rituals from both Tamil and Maharashtrian culture. The festivities included a Mehndi, Sangeet and Haldi ceremony along with lively music, dance and lavish feasts including traditional food from both regions. The groom looked dapper in a proper Tamil attire in white silk, while the bride stunned in a Pink silk saree. Their ceremonies were nothing less than an emotional roller coaster for both families. Though the wedding was only attended by their friends and families but through social media, everyone became a part of it. It was hailed as the first of its kind wedding for a couple suffering from Down Syndrome in India.
India.com
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- India.com
Pakistani Actress Ayesha Khan's Body Found Nearly A Week After Her Death: Reports
Veteran Pakistani actress Ayesha Khan was found dead in her Karachi apartment a week after her death. New Delhi: Celebrated for her iconic roles in classic dramas, Pakistani television actress Ayesha Khan was found dead in her apartment in Karachi on Wednesday, as per a report by India Today. She was 76. The report also states that Ayesha's neighbours noticed a foul odour lingering from her residence, prompting them to alert authorities. Upon investigation, local police confirmed that the veteran actor had passed away nearly a week prior to being discovered. Her remains have since been moved for a post-mortem examination. Born on November 22, 1948, Ayesha Khan was a household name in Pakistan and had a significant impact on South Asian television. Her illustrious career spanned several decades, during which she starred in many iconic dramas such as Afshan, Aroosa, Mehndi, and Naqab. Khan also appeared in several Pakistani films, including Bol Meri Machli, and made a notable appearance in the Indian film Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman, showcasing her cross-border appeal. Despite her fame and accomplishments, the circumstances of her death have sparked a wave of public concern over the neglect of elderly artists. Social media platforms were flooded with tributes and expressions of sorrow, but also with criticism directed toward her family. One post read: "Clearly she was lonely and neglected…Apparently she has 2 children and she'd passed away a week ago, shame on her children for not checking up on their mother regularly." Clearly she was lonely and neglected…Apparently she has 2 children and she'd passed away a week ago, shame on her children for not checking up on their mother regularly. — Huma (@Huma07297070) June 20, 2025 Ayesha Khan was a mother of two, a son and a daughter, but reports indicate that she had been living alone for some time. There has been no public comment yet from her family.
Mint
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Mint
Who was Ayesha Khan, ‘Raju Ban Geya Gentleman' actress found dead at Karachi flat: All about her
Pakistani veteran actress Ayesha Khan was found dead at her Karachi flat. The lifeless body of the 77-year-old icon was found several days after her death, almost a week later. Authorities were alerted after neighbours noticed a foul smell emanating from the apartment in the Gulshan-e-Iqbal area, Block 7. As per local media report, her body was discovered in an advanced state of decomposition about a week after her passing. The celebrated television star reportedly lived alone in Gulshan-e-Iqbal apartment and had been battling health issues. Long admired for her notable contributions to Pakistani cinema and drama, her body was discovered in an advanced state of decomposition on June 18, Wednesday, according to local media reports. Ayesha Khan is renowned for her distinguished work in popular Pakistani dramas like Afshan, Aroosa, Mehndi, among others. For medical examination, Ayesha Khan's mortal remains were taken to the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre. Following the medico-legal procedure, her body was handed over to the Edhi Foundation mortuary in Sohrab Goth. Born on November 22 in the year 1948, she was the daughter of Riyasat-ullah Khan was a former superintendent of Karachi police. She was the elder sister of actress legendary Pakistani actress Khalida Riyasat. Initially, she worked at Radio Pakistan and then set off her acting career by working in PTV dramas in 1964. She became famous for her stellar performance in popular dramas like Bol Meri Machli, Ek Aur Aasman, Dehleez, Daraarein, Tipu Sultan: The Tiger Lord, and Akhri Chattan. Ayesha Khan featured in several films including Raju Ban Geya Gentleman Tahira, Muskaan Nafeesa Hashmi Khan and Fatima. Ayesha Khan was a mother of two children — a daughter and a son. Known for her impactful roles in Pakistani dramas, her death left a void in the entertainment industry which can never be filled. Her rich legacy continues to draw admiration from cinephiles and resonate with audiences who grew up watching her.
Style Blueprint
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Style Blueprint
A Famed Nashville Chef's STUNNING Indian Wedding
Share with your friends! Pinterest LinkedIn Email Flipboard Reddit If you're a culinary enthusiast, a Nashvillian, or both, the name Vivek Surti likely rings a bell. As the acclaimed chef and founder of Tailor, Vivek is a James Beard Semifinalist for Best Chef in the Southeast, with The New York Times naming Tailor among Nashville's 25 best restaurants. But beyond accolades in the kitchen, Vivek recently stepped into an entirely new role: newlywed! Vivek tied the knot with podiatric surgery specialist Sheela Chockalingam in the fall of 2024. From swiping right on Hinge to an exquisite four-day wedding celebration, we got an inside look at Vivek and Sheela's love story. Pin The couple's story began in a thoroughly modern way: swiping on Hinge. But the romance that followed was anything but ordinary, and before he knew it, Vivek was planning a proposal during a trip that included stops in Baton Rouge and Los Angeles. 'As I was discussing plans with my sister, we decided on surprising Sheela during a day trip to Malibu on the beach,' Vivek recalls. However, nature had other plans. 'On the morning I was going to propose, the tide was so high that it flooded the beaches to the street.' His sister quickly organized a backup plan at Point Dume, a scenic overlook above the Pacific Ocean. 'There was a point where Sheela had to climb a few steps before she saw a ring of flowers — marigolds, magnolias, and roses — as the sun was just starting to set,' Vivek describes. 'As I led Sheela to the flowers, I got down on one knee and asked her to marry me. She said, 'Yes! I will!' Almost immediately, two dolphins jumped out of the water below us.' How picture-perfect is that? Pin Then, in November of 2024, Vivek and Sheela would embark on a four-day series of events that blended rich cultural traditions with personal touches — and a stunning array of wardrobe changes. The celebration began with a Ganesh Puja and Mehndi in Brentwood, TN, followed by the Pithi ceremony the next day. Each ritual was steeped in tradition, leading up to their wedding day and culminating in a grand reception. Vivek kicked the celebrations off in style by riding in on a horse. Pin Pin Pin Pin Pin Pin According to Hindu tradition, planning began with a carefully chosen date. 'Our first steps were securing a date that was suitable for our families,' Vivek explains. 'In Hinduism, there are holy and auspicious days on the calendar, with certain days being ideal for weddings. Luckily for us, November 8, 2024, was such a date.' Once the date was set, they enlisted Premier W.E.D. to help bring their vision to life. The wedding ceremony itself took place at the Sri Ganesha Temple. 'This temple has been one that Vivek's family has been going to for over 40 years, and it's also the place where our parents met for the first time,' Sheela shares. Pin For her wedding attire, Sheela honored her family by wearing her mother's Kanchipuram wedding saree, an heirloom her mother originally wore 45 years ago. 'This saree, a stunning deep yellow adorned with intricate gold zari designs, embodies the artistry that makes these silks India's most captivating and timelessly beautiful,' she tells us. Pin The morning of the wedding reflected their personalities: Sheela's began at 5 a.m. with hair, makeup, and a heartfelt handwritten letter to Vivek. Meanwhile, Vivek enjoyed a champagne breakfast with his groomsmen, featuring his favorite Krug and breakfast sandwiches from FatBelly Deli. Pin The wedding's aesthetic was a love letter to their heritage. 'We wanted to highlight the traditional beauty and romance inherent in a Hindu wedding,' Sheela says. 'Our inspiration stemmed directly from the rich cultural heritage, the timeless rituals, and the deep symbolism that define these sacred ceremonies.' The floral arrangements were equally thoughtful. 'During the wedding ceremony, we had garlands made of roses and baby's breath, which were shipped from Madurai, India, which is where Sheela's parents grew up,' Vivek says. The mandap was adorned with marigolds, roses, and jasmine flowers. Pin The reception was held at OZ Arts Nashville, chosen for its versatile space and stunning sound and lighting capabilities. 'For the reception, we kept true to having a cocktail hour, announced entrances, a first dance, speeches, and a cake cutting,' Vivek tells us. Guests enjoyed a lively cocktail hour, though rain forced them indoors. The cocktail hour featured a vibrant array of flavors: Pani Puri, lamb Mamana kebabs, black-eyed pea salad in watermelon radish cups, and Lata's (Vivek's mom) catfish. Pin Pin Pin Naturally, Vivek was intimately involved in the planning of the seated dinner. 'I was so excited to work with my friends on this menu — including Molly Martin of Juniper Green and Patrick McCandless of Rambler — two people who I knew I wanted to cater from the beginning,' says Vivek. 'The most important aspect of the food for me was making sure we had something that was a nod to our Indian heritage, while showcasing the bounty of amazing produce and community that we have built at Tailor,' he adds. The meal included fall squash salad, grilled chicken roulade, and vegetable biryani. 'Our wedding cake was the best ever because it was made by the supremely talented Rebekah Turshen, pastry chef at City House,' Vivek gushes. 'The base was a carrot cake, infused with chai masala. The cream cheese and yogurt frosting was accented with boondi (crispy chickpea balls), mamra (crispy rice), and nuts for texture.' Pin While the ceremony was guided by tradition, the reception was more modern. 'With the decor, we tried to modernize the feel of this event versus the wedding,' explains Vivek, 'installing an amazing vinyl wrap as the dance floor, having many chandeliers in the space, as well as some late-night chicken sandwiches from S.S. Gai.' Pin Pin Though a sparkler exit was planned, a torrential downpour meant a spontaneous indoor send-off instead. Guests cheered the happy couple down the hallway before they dashed into their getaway car. Pin Congratulations, and thank you for sharing your special day with us! RESOURCES Ceremony Venue: Sri Ganesha Temple Reception Venue: OZ Arts Nashville Photographer & Videographer: Jim & Ilde Cook, SheHeWE Photography Planner: Katy Pena, Premier W.E.D. Florals: T Villager Designs Catering: Nawabi Hyderbad House (wedding lunch), Juniper Green Catering (reception), Rambler Events (reception), S.S. Gai (late-night eats) Cake: Rebekah Turshen of City House Invitations, Programs, & Menu Cards: Sheela Bride's Makeup & Hair: One10 Beauty Bridal Gown: Custom Groom's formalwear: Custom DJ: DJ iLLEST Rentals: Please Be Seated, White Door Events, BBJ la Tavola STYLEBLUEPRINT RESOURCES: Planning a wedding? Check out StyleBlueprint's two Wedding Resource Guides. (More to come!): ********** Discover more fabulous wedding inspiration in our archives HERE! About the Author Jenna Bratcher Jenna Bratcher is StyleBlueprint Nashville's Associate Editor and Lead Writer. The East Coast native moved to Nashville 17 years ago, by way of Los Angeles. She is a lover of dogs, strong coffee, traveling, and exploring the local restaurant scene bite by bite.
South China Morning Post
14-06-2025
- General
- South China Morning Post
Chinese wedding custom of Three Letters and Six Rites explained, and what has replaced it
My niece got married last week and I was in London to attend the wedding. It seems only yesterday that I was propping her up and burping her after she had finished her bottle. Suddenly, she was getting married. Her husband, my nephew-in-law, is a young British man of Indian descent, and a series of traditional Indian rituals took place at the house of the groom's parents the day before the wedding. The day began with a ritual presided over by a Hindu priest, followed by the Haldi and Mehndi ceremonies, which involve turmeric and henna pastes. There were also lots of delicious treats. I spent a delightful day in that house in the London suburbs, a day saturated with beautiful sights, sounds and smells. For that special occasion, I wore a kurta, a traditional South Asian tunic, and was assured by the groom's family and relatives that I looked handsome in it. They were much too kind. Indian weddings often involve a series of traditional rituals. For Chinese weddings, the traditional 'Three Letters and Six Rites' is a series of ceremonies that were designed to ensure social recognition, family consent and spiritual blessing of the union. The Three Letters refer to important written documents used during the wedding process: the Betrothal Letter, given by the groom's family during the engagement stage to formally propose the union; the Gift Letter, which details the items and quantities presented during the formal gift-exchange ceremony; and the Wedding Letter, presented when the groom comes to collect the bride, symbolising the official transfer of the bride to the groom's household.
