Vivek Oberoi weds Mangalorean Girl

Mangalore Today News Network

Bangalore Oct 30 (PTI): Bollywood star Vivek Oberoi tied the nuptial knot with management graduate Priyanka Alva at a resplendent ceremony here marked by razzmatazz of the Hindi tinsel world.

 

 

In the wedding, which saw a touch of traditional Punjabi exuberance and cultural beauty of coastal Karnataka, 34-year old Oberoi exchanged garlands with Priyanka (28), the daughter of former Karnataka minister late Jeevaraj Alva and reputed dancer Nandini, at a late night ceremony.

The couple invoked the blessings of the Almighty amid chanting of verses from the holy scriptures, solemnising the matrimony between the two.

The day was marked by a series of rituals, in keeping with the typical Indian tradition, sources close to the family said.

The wedding day commenced with prayers to bless the couple, followed by a haldi ceremony.

"The haldi ceremony began the with smearing of vermilion on Priyanka as it is considered to be auspicious," said one of the guests.

The ’sehra bandhi’ ceremony, saw the Bollywood actor being adorned with a veil of flowers around his turban amid cheering and clapping by family members and relatives.

Vivek, looking resplendent in a maroon brocade apparel, mounted a white horse for the ’baraat’ with the wedding procession moving to the tune played by a musical band.

The wedding, which also had some elements of coastal Karnataka, was attended by over 2,000 guests, drawn from the art and theatre circles as well as those from the film industry and other associated fields.

The bride, a management graduate from London, sported various sets of apparel for the ceremonies, including a lehenga with heavy intricate gold works, set off by heirloom jewellery comprising rubies.

"The wedding mandap was covered with around 2,000 Swaroski crystals. Around 700 lotuses were flown from Thailand to fill the pool on the premises. The entire theme was very Indian," said one of the guests.

"Priyanka gifted Vivek a sword covered with a special sheath embellished with stones. As per the tradition of his caste, Vivek was required to carry a sword," a source close to the family said.

Vivek wore a rich regal bearing as he sported the sword at the wedding. The duo wore designer Tarun Tahiliani’s creations.

A rich wedding feast comprising a fusion of north and south and international cuisines accompanied by variety of desserts marked the celebrations.

A reception would be held in Mumbai on October 31.

Last night, some close friends and relatives of the couple danced the night away to the tunes of Vivek’s latest film Rakth Charitra and other foot-tapping Bollywood songs. Oberoi’s close friend and popular drummer Shivamani belted out some pulsating music last night.

The wedding cements ties between the families of the Alvas and the Oberois, which have been friends for years.