JOIN USWhen the stars descended
It has been a while since the Sandalwood fraternity saw a wedding in its midst, and how better to break this dry spell than with the union of veteran actor Shivarajkumar’s daughter Nirupama and Dr Dileep! No wonder Shivarajkumar and wife Geetha hosted nearly the entire City at the reception that followed the grand wedding.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah led the list of dignitaries, while celebrities from across the country turned it into a star-studded event.
Vehicles crawled on all the roads leading to the reception venue. Armed with seven different types of invitations, people made a beeline to attend the event.
While Nirupama appeared grand in a heavily-brocaded pink ‘kancheevaram’ sari, Dileep slipped into a two-piece, perfectly tailored suit. The stage was decorated with carnations of all colours, and there were 10 food counters ranging from South Indian to North Indian cuisines, ‘chaat’ counters to dessert spreads that were elaborate. The VVIP enclosures not only had the best pan-Indian cuisine but also fusion foods. More than one lakh ladoos of all flavours were made and distributed on the occasion.
The VVIP section saw a slew of stars mixing with each other. Veteran actresses Sumithra and Hema confessed that the wedding served as a perfect excuse for them to meet after a long time. “Hema and I have been thick friends for the last 25 odd years. I have not only acted with Dr Rajkumar but also played the role of a mother in most of Shivarajkumar and Puneeth Rajkumar’s films,” said Sumithra. Young actors Kriti Kharbanda and Prem, who have always admired Shivarajkumar’s exemplary work and attempt to emulate him, were also present at the event.
Ramesh Aravind and Archana said that they’ve been family friends with Shivarajkumar for years. “It’s only natural for us to come and be a part of the most auspicious occasion in the Rajkumar family,” said Ramesh Aravind. Producer SS Rajamouli made a quick entry, wished the couple and acknowledged his fellow colleagues from the film industry before leaving. Producer R Jagadeesh’s son Snehith, who has acted with Shivanna several times, was present with his family.
Clad in a black shirt and black trousers, and armed with a pink bouquet, Telugu actor Ram Charan waited patiently for his turn to greet the couple.
The crowd broke into a loud cheer as soon as he walked on to the stage. Live music by Pravin Godkhindi added to the grandeur of the evening. The band played the best of not only the late Dr Rajkumar’s songs but also those from Shivarajkumar and Puneeth’s movies, including super hits like ‘Om’ and ‘Ninnindale.’