Fit & Fabulous

Royal Elegance Meets Modern Romance: Inside Shikhar Dhawan & Sophie Shine’s Wedding Style


It’s official—Shikhar Dhawan has stepped into a new innings, this time off the field. The star cricketer married Sophie Shine on February 21 in a dreamy, intimate ceremony in Delhi NCR, surrounded by close friends and family. While the couple has kept things relatively private so far, glimpses from the celebration—shared by fellow cricketer Yuzvendra Chahal—have already sent fans into a frenzy.

And honestly, it’s not hard to see why. This wasn’t just a wedding—it was a masterclass in understated elegance and modern bridal fashion.

Sophie Shine made a striking statement by moving away from the conventional reds and pinks typically associated with Indian bridal wear. Instead, she embraced an ethereal ivory lehenga adorned with delicate floral motifs in soft coral, peach, and sage green tones. The entire look felt like a blooming garden—romantic, fresh, and quietly luxurious. Her blouse added another layer of uniqueness, featuring a high neckline and long sleeves embellished with cascading pearl strands that doubled as jewellery, giving her ensemble a vintage yet contemporary appeal.

What truly elevated her look, though, was the seamless blend of cultures. Traditional mehndi and a maang tikka met soft, dewy makeup and flowing blonde waves, creating a balance that felt both global and deeply rooted. It’s the kind of bridal styling that speaks to a new generation—one that values individuality as much as tradition.

On the other side, Dhawan stayed true to his signature charisma but dialled it into a refined, regal aesthetic. His white-on-white sherwani featured subtle tonal embroidery that added depth without overpowering the outfit. The silhouette was sharp, tailored, and unmistakably modern, yet carried a classic “Maharaja” vibe.

The standout detail? A layered emerald mala that introduced a rich pop of colour against the ivory base, instantly elevating the entire look. Paired with a traditional safa adorned with a jewelled kalgi, Dhawan’s ensemble struck the perfect balance between royal heritage and contemporary minimalism.

Together, the couple’s fashion choices told a story—one of harmony between tradition and modernity, simplicity and statement. It’s a reminder that weddings today are as much about personal expression as they are about rituals.

Beyond the fashion, the union itself has captured attention. Dhawan, fondly known as the “Gabbar of Indian Cricket,” has long been celebrated for his aggressive batting style and infectious energy on and off the field. Sophie Shine, on the other hand, brings her own dynamic presence as a professional and entrepreneur, with a keen eye for style and a growing influence in philanthropic spaces.

As their journey begins, this wedding isn’t just being remembered for its beauty—but for how effortlessly it redefined elegance. And if these first glimpses are anything to go by, Shikhar Dhawan and Sophie Shine have already set a new benchmark—not just for celebrity weddings, but for modern love stories.

Business

India’s Grandest Wedding Season Ever: 46 Lakh Marriages to Fuel a Celebration Boom Worth ₹6.5 Lakh Crore


India is stepping into a season of celebration unlike any other. Between November 1 and December 14, 2025, the country will host a staggering 46 lakh weddings, marking the biggest wedding season in its history. The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) estimates that these festivities will generate an unprecedented ₹6.5 lakh crore in business — a figure that captures not only the grandeur of Indian weddings but also their growing role as an economic engine.

Across India, wedding planners, jewelers, designers, caterers, and decorators are preparing for a historic boom. The industry has become a reflection of both cultural pride and economic resilience. From opulent destination weddings to intimate traditional ceremonies, each event contributes to a vast ecosystem that fuels everything from gold demand to employment opportunities.

Delhi, the capital of celebrations, will lead this wave with 4.8 lakh weddings, driving ₹1.8 lakh crore in expenditure. The city’s markets, venues, and services are already buzzing with bookings months in advance — from bridal couture and bespoke jewelry to five-star catering and themed decor.

Breaking down the nationwide spending, jewellery accounts for 15%, followed by apparel and sarees at 10%, catering at 10%, event management at 5%, and other key categories like electronics, sweets, and décor making up the rest. The services sector alone — including photography, travel, music bands, floral décor, and sound & lighting — is expected to see its strongest season in years.

What makes this wedding season especially remarkable is its “Vocal for Local” transformation. Over 70% of wedding-related purchases are expected to come from Indian-made products and services, from handwoven bridal sarees and homegrown jewelry labels to local floral artisans and food vendors. This growing preference for local craftsmanship underscores a cultural shift — one where tradition meets conscious consumerism.

Beyond the shimmer and song, the economic impact runs deep. This 45-day wedding season is projected to create more than 1 crore jobs, including temporary and part-time employment across sectors like hospitality, logistics, and event management. The celebrations are also expected to generate ₹75,000 crore in tax revenue, bolstering the national and regional economies during the festive quarter.

Every wedding in India has long been a blend of family, faith, and festivity. But in 2025, it also becomes a story of enterprise and empowerment — a celebration that brings together artisans, designers, planners, and dreamers under one grand canopy. As lights adorn city streets and music fills the air, India’s wedding season stands not only as a cultural phenomenon but as a testament to the country’s economic vitality and evolving identity.

A nation made for celebration is now proving that when India marries, the world takes notice.