Kapoor to Kapur, charismatic journey comes full circle

The tiny lane leading upto the cottage was the stamping ground, with television crews and photographers trying to catch a glimpse of the celebrations. Preparations began at 8 am, as the bride’s sister Kareena drew up to the house.

Guests—from Salman Khan, Jackie Shroff, Govinda, David Dhawan, Akshay Kumar, Boney Kapoor with wife Sridevi, industrialist Vijaypath Singhania, Deputy Chief Minister Chhagan Bhujbal, Simi Garewal, Hasina Jethmalani, Aarti Surendranath—slowly filed in towards afternoon. Fans of all ages packed into the lane, craning their necks for a dekko. Shashi Kapoor and Vivek Oberoi drew the most cheers as they arrived.

Tabu, dressed in a white embroidered saree and a stunning emerald necklace, called the wedding a very sentimental moment. “Lolo (Karisma) and I started our careers together with the same producer—she with Prem Qaidi and me with a Telugu movie. We then did six movies together, with so many memories of outdoor shoots. Lolo looked so beautiful, simple and captivating.” The actress described the wedding as more of a family and friends celebration. “I was with Bebo (Kareena) and David; I didn’t eat anything because there was so many people.”

Simi Garewal, who was invited from both sides, said the wedding was a sober affair. “The arrangements were very beautiful and the food spread was really elaborate,” she said. Deputy Chief Minister Chhagan Bhujbal said that there was no unnecessary show of wealth. “It was a simple function performed in a traditional way.”

Bollywood’s biggest stars decided to give the wedding a skip though.

The Chopras and the Johars stayed away, as did Shah Rukh Khan, a one-time close friend of the Kapoor girls. Save for Akshay Kumar and Twinkle Khanna, and Akshaye and Rahul Khanna—who were both invited by the groom’s side—Karisma’s wedding had none of the glitter that R K weddings are famous for.

However, conspicuous by their absence was the Bachchan family. Megastar Amitabh Bachchan had announced on his birthday his son’s engagement to Karisma but it was called off due to some disagreement.

The huge wrought-iron gate of the Kapoor residence was covered with strings of fresh jasmine flowers and crimson red roses, lending an air of festivity to the much-looked forward wedding in the film industry.

Private security guards stood guard at the entrance to prevent anyone from gate-crashing. The media was kept out of bounds of the venue as per the wishes of the bride.

Though the wedding was supposed to be a close family affair, the guest-list far exceeded expectations.

The wedding feast—a multi-cuisine menu of over 120 dishes, included Swiss cheese, French breads, Italian pastas, Thai curries, Chinese soups and a mix fare from the traditional Indian thali, including hot malpuas.