A fitting finale to the Sania saga

A fitting finale to the Sania saga

After all the cacophonic controversies, the feuding, the fanfare, the blame-games and peace offerings, Sania Mirza and Shoaib Malik finally settled down and celebrated their union with an evening of splendour. A grand reception was held for a 1,200-strong guest list who were treated to a sumptuous Hyderabadi feast, under the glow of fairy lights and spectacular decor that transformed the hotel into an ethereal place as the groom and the gorgeous bride, resplendent in a Shantanu-Nikhil creation met their guests.

Unlike the nikah, mehendi and sangeet which were strictly for family and a few very close friends, the reception was inclusive and a grand affair. Held at a star hotel, the city’s who’s who made an appearance; Hyderabad’s page 3 crowd and personalities from the film industry and the sports fraternities. CM Rosaiah too attended the reception and blessed the couple. Amongst those who couldn’t attend, the Bachchans sent Sania a large bouquet and a card wishing her the very best. Malaika and Arbaaz Khan too could not make it as the latter was caught up with a shoot.
Seen at the do were Shoaib’s good friend Sohail Tanveer and the Pakistani minister Firdous Ashiq Awan who presented Sania a gold crown made specially for her. Among other guests spotted at the lavish affair were Raza Murad, Pakistani singer Warib Baig, Krishna Bhupati, designers Shantanu and Nikhil, Rhea Pillai, Kajal Anand, Hamed Saberi, Chamundeshwarnath, Lavraj Bhalerao, Niketan and Anil Kumar Yadav.

At the sangeet the previous day, Sania’s good friends Neha Dhupia and Rakshanda Khan danced to Desi Girl and Salam-e-Ishq respectively. Post dinner Sania’s uncle Talat Aziz performed a ghazal that he had composed especially for her. Hyderabadis agreed this is one wedding they will remember for a long time. Sania will now head for a reception to be held at Lahore.