Neil Nitin Mukesh and Rukmini Sahay will tie he muptial knot in Udaipur today, February9. The wedding functions begun in the lake city on Tuesday evening with the engagement and cocktail ceremony which was followed by a mehendi and sangeet ceremony on Wednesday. Neil and Rukmini opted for traditional attire for the ceremony. Where Neil wore an exquisite silk, classic kurta and vest complimented by orange gold zardozi embroidery, bride-to-be Rukmini's wore a lehenga designed by Nishi Nitin Mukesh. It was a traditional lehenga, dupatta and blouse that delves into the roots of Rajasthan. The family has reportedly invited 500 selected guests comprising close friends and family.
Photos of Neil Nitin Mukesh's pre-wedding celebrations are colourful and candid!
The engagement festivities kickstarted late evening with a decor dominated by an English vintage garden theme which was overlooked by Neil's mother. Right from the ethereal tree of life that branched out into an embedded carnation canopy consisting of 2lac flowers symbolizing the birth of a new association to open air tents decorated with silk drapes. The elaborate gourmet counter had a special counter allocated for Neil's favourite dish Lal Maas Dabeli which incidentally will be a constant fixture on the menu at every function since its Neil's favourite dish.
Neil's favourite flower cherry blossoms made up for a pretty sight at the entrance with a photo booth that read Love NR while holographic projections of Neil and Rukmini's name lit up the majestic decor of the palatial hotel. Music reflected in the overall ambience with mammoth size gramophones placed artistically at the bar area. With focus given to minimal detailing, it was a refreshing sight to see the champagne glasses dressed in miniature tuxedos and gowns. Illuminators placed in pretty cage displays spread the warmth and light for the rest of night with temperatures dipping to some minus degrees celsius
The party was in full swing with Neil and Rukmini's freinds and family enjoying themselves.
The groom himself was in party mode.
Mukesh's legacy stood out regally at the entrance with a welcome note that had verses from Hum Tum Yug Yug Se and adding flavour to the night was Neil's father Nitin singing Ek Pyaar Ka Nagma Hai during his thanksgiving speech.
Right from the groom’s best friend and brother –in-law to the bride's aunt and the groom’s father's childhood buddies, everyone delivered a touching speech that took close family and friends down memory lane.
It was a scene that popped straight out of a Bollywood flick when Neil went down on one knee and proposed to his lady love and proclaimed that her happiness made a worlds difference to him. Rukmini played a perfect sport and responded to the gesture with her own speech dedicated to her beau.
This was followed by the ring ceremony, some champagne popping, cake cutting and some heavy duty dancing when all the middle aged aunties and uncles took to the dance floor on a freezing cold Udaipur night that reverberated by the beats of DJ Suketu.
Today there will be the haldi, chuda chadai and the nuptial ceremony followed by a family dinner and a cocktail party. The destination wedding at Radisson Blu will be a family only affair with close to 500 guests expected whereas the reception to be held on the 17th of February at JW Marriot will be a grand affair that will see the whos-who of Bollywood in full attendance.
The father talks about Mukesh's legacy and his darling son.
The bride and groom at the engagement ceremony.
Neil and Rukmini cutting the cake.
A tender moment between the loving couple.
Some father-son love!
Singer Nitin mukesh with the youngest of Kapoor brothers' Rajeev Kapoor. Nitin's father Mukesh was known as the voice of Rajeev's father Raj Kapoor in the movie business as he was the playback singer in most of Raj Kapoor's songs.
Here is Rajeev and Rishi dancing as Nitin Mukesh sing Raj Kapoor's songs.
Perfect 'Sooraj Barjatya' moment with Rishi Kapoor & Nitin Mukesh on stage #NeilWedsRukmini
A video posted by Gopika Gulati (@crimsonrainbow24) on
The second day of the wedding ceremony was as grand as the engagement on the first day. Inspired by a colourful ethnic decor, crepe drapes in pink orange and yellow contrasts added a twist of glamour to the venue. The majestic Sajjangarh Fort in Udaipur formed the perfect backdrop to the festivities.
Nitin Mukesh said in a statement, “The venue has been transformed into our private bungalow. I am ever so grateful to Radisson Blu for giving us a cherished lifetime memory. The one thing that I have loved about the set up is that a special silver showcase has been put up at the lobby area which has private and exclusive memories of the family, framed in glass and it such a thoughtful and unconventional gesture by the hotel.”
The take home goodies comprised of indigenous Mojri footwear from Patiala, Punjabi parandas from Ludhiana and attractive leheriya dupattas handpicked by Neil’s mom, Nishi Mukesh, from the local bazaar
Neil’s friends danced on Tu Mera Hero, Kala Chasma, Nashe Si Chad Gayi while friends of his brother Naman danced to Batameez Dil and sister Neha’s friends grooved to Chittiyan Kalliyan. Nishi and her friends danced to Navrahi Majhi and dad Nitin and his friends danced to Oh Haseena and London Thumakada.
The highlight of the night was Nitin and Nishi’s solo dance on Yahi Kahi Jiyaara while the Sahay family culminated the dance sequence with Nachange Saari Raat, Ye Mera Dil and Badan Pe Sitare
Apart from the dances, filmmaker Yash Chopra’s widow Pamela Chopra sung Tujhe Dekha To Yeh Jaana Sanam. Bollywood star Rishi Kapoor was seeing enjoying the company of Nitin Mukesh. The party continued into the wee hours of the night as the guests let their hair down and excitedly looked forward to the last days merriment when the bride and groom will be take their final vows and walk down the aisle.Rishi also sang Mai Shayar To Nahi:
A picture from teh couple's engagement.
The food was sumptuous right from the chaat to the parathas to Neil’s favourite candy floss truck. Many of the dishes on the menu took local inspiration such as Jodhpuri Kabuli Palao, Bikaner Ki Sangri, Jaipuri Kurkuri Bhindi, Jaisamandi Macchli and Rajgharane Ka Maas
The decorations for the second day was beautiful, colourful and setting looked royal.
The bride getting her mehendi done.
A candid shot of the bride and groom.
The 'Dulha' arrives in style.
A happy neil Nitin Mukesh at his pre-wedding ceremonies.
The groom dancing at a Bollywood number.