Farhan Akhtar and Shibani Dandekar, Mumbai
Catch exclusive details from the actors’ intimate farmhouse wedding here.
After 4 years of dating, actors Farhan Akhtar and Shibani Dandekar left their fans overjoyed with the announcement of their wedding! The couple exchanged vows in an intimate ceremony on February 19th at Farhan’s Khandala farmhouse with just close family and friends, followed by a Reception in his Bandra home on the 21st. He took to Instagram to share his newly-wedded bliss with the words, “A few days ago, @shibanidandekar & I celebrated our union and we are deeply grateful to all those who did respect our need for privacy on the day. The celebration however, is incomplete without sharing some precious moments with you and seeking your blessings as we begin our journey across the skies of time, together. With love from us to you.”
The start of pre-wedding festivities were marked with a mehndi celebration at the actor’s seafront Bandra residence on the eve of the 17th, which was lit up with fairy lights and cosy decor in honour of the occasion. Shibani looked chanelled boho-chic in a quirky and colorful co-ord set by Payal Singhal, complete with cool-girl waves, silver jewellery and flowers in her hair. Shibani’s sisters as well as close friends Rhea Chakraborty, Anushka Dandekar and Amrita Arora among others were seen dancing and having fun at the close-knit party.
The couple’s farmhouse wedding was a dreamy celebration with beautiful floral decoration enhancing the lush surroundings. Apart from Farhan’s family members Javed Akhtar, Shabana Azmi, Zoya Akhtar and Shibani’s family, the occasion was also graced by notable celebrities such as Anusha Dandekar, Hrithik Roshan, who arrived with parents Rakesh and Pinky Roshan, Ashutosh Gowariker, Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, Rhea Chakraborty, Amrita Arora, Ritesh Sidhwani, Shankar Mahadevan, Ehsaan Noorani and Satish Shah, among others. The dashing groom arrived in a black tuxedo by designer Govinda Mehta grooving to the beats of Sooraj ki Baahon mein from his film Zindagi na Milegi Dobara, while father Javed Akhtar dedicated the beauty of his words with a heartfelt poem for the couple. Shibani chose a ravishing red corset top and skirt set giving the illusion of a mermaid bridal gown custom designed by Jade by MK, teaming it with a bold red veil, slender heels by Aquazurra, and boho waves for a stunning look.
The couple shared their first dance to John Legend’s All of me, while the guests celebrated by dancing to Galla Goodiyaan from Dil Dhadakne do. Shankar, Ehsan and Loy charmed everyone with a memorable performance of Tum ho Toh from the actor’s hit film Rock on.
The newly-married couple exuded elegance in coordinated embroidered outfits in cream and gold for their reception party. Farhan opted for a classic kurta and Bandi jacket, while Shibani teamed her soft pastel peach saree with traditional kundan jewellery.
Shibani Dandekar and Farhan Akhtar have been dating since 2018. The model-VJ-actress met the Bollywood filmmaker and actor on the TV show ‘I Can Do That’ which the latter hosted.
The Wedding Makers
Wedding Planners: Shaadi Squad
Decor & Design: ALTAIR by Janki Desai, Twelve Tomatoes, The Drama Queen (Mehndi)
DJ: DJ AJ
Groom’s Outfits: Raisson D’être by Govinda Mehta (Ring Ceremony), Sabyasachi Mukherjee (Wedding)
Bride’s Outfits: Payal Singhal (Mehndi), Jade by Monica and Karishma (Ring Ceremony), Anamika Khanna (Wedding)
Bride’s Shoes: Aquazzura (Ring Ceremony)
Bride’s Stylist: Shaleena Nathani, Khyati Busa
Jewellery: Goenka India (Ring Ceremony), Birdhichand (Wedding)
Makeup: Cassandra Kehren
Hair: Reena Dutta
Catering: Sage & Saffron
Bar: The Wedding Bartenders
Photography: Sam & Ekta