Actress Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas marry in traditional Hindu ceremony
Actress and former Miss World Priyanka Chopra married American singer Nick Jonas in a traditional Hindu ceremony. After three days of wedding celebrations which included a colourful mehendi ceremony, a friendly cricket match and a power-packed desi musical evening.
Priyanka looked breathtaking in her traditional red Indian wedding outfit, a source said.
“Nick did a beautiful job following the customs of a Hindu ceremony. It was lovely seeing how they honoured both of their heritages,” the insider added.
From their roka ceremony in August to their wedding, Nick has embraced Indian traditions whole-heartedly. Priyanka also ensured an occasion like Thanksgiving Day was celebrated like it’s meant to be with Nick’s family.
“One of the most special things that our relationship has given us is a merging of families who love and respect each others’ faiths and cultures.
“And so, planning our wedding with an amalgamation of both was so amazing,” Priyanka and Nick wrote on their respective social media handles, when they shared glimpses of their mehendi revelry.
Their wedding celebrations were in tune with the majestic venue — the royal Umaid Bhawan Palace, situated atop a hill in this ‘Blue City’ in Rajasthan.
The duo first exchanged vows in a Christian ceremony officiated by the groom’s father on December 1. They wore custom-made Ralph Lauren ensembles — a good fit as the two stars had shared the spotlight for the first time as guests of the designer at the 2017 Met Gala.
Marking their union here was the Jodhpur sky lit up with fireworks. However, Priyanka was widely trolled for it as around Diwali, she had urged people not to burst firecrackers due to the health hazards it leads to. As a result, she was called out for her ‘double standards’.
Nevertheless, their fans were swooning over some of the tidbits they shared of the ‘#NickYanka’ pre-wedding ceremonies.
At the mehendi ceremony, the actress sported a breathtaking multi-hued folksy Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla lehenga, channelling the desi look in every which way, while Nick sported an aqua kurta by the same designers.
As for the sangeet, a video and photographs shared by Priyanka suggest it was no less than a Bollywood awards night complete with a stage, elaborate light set-up and props as well as energetic performances.
Priyanka’s cousin and actress Parineeti Chopra, who performed on stage, welcomed Nick warmly to her family and is all praise for her jiju (brother-in-law).
“The job of us bridesmaids was to make sure the bride was happy and comfortable at all times. But we did not have to worry about it because Nick promised to do it all his life.
“Welcome to the family Nick jiju! I am so so happy that the Jonas and Chopra family is now united,” she wrote.
The couple first began talking in 2016 via social media and met in person for the first time at a party for the Academy Awards in 2017.
Priyanka made a transition to American showbiz as the lead in crime drama Quantico, eventually landing a role in the Baywatch film.
The couple was later also called out against the use of elephants and horses at their wedding. After a section of social media users cracked down on the use of firecrackers at the wedding celebrations in Jodhpur, animal rights organisation PETA has raised a concern about the use of a horse and elephant at their nuptials.
“Dear Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas, elephants for weddings live in chains and horses are controlled with whips, spiked bits. People are rejecting elephant rides and having horse-free weddings. Congratulations, but we regret it was not a happy day for animals,” PETA India posted on Twitter on Monday, a day after the two celebrities got married.
Nick is said to have arrived on a horseback for the wedding.
The post by People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) was backed by a video titled Band, Baaja, Brutality, and showcased what horses go through when they are used at weddings.
According to PETA India CEO Manilal Valliyate, “Priyanka has been ill served by not being advised of the firestorm that would be caused by participating in animal abuse.”
“It doesn't make a person look big or glamorous to promote cruelty to animals who has no choice but to serve. It makes them look small. Overwhelmingly, these days PETA is delighted to see so many celebrities feel passionately about protecting animals,” Valliyate said.
The duo has scheduled a reception in New Delhi today.
