Wedding preparations are on in full swing at Vivek Oberoi's home -- but it's not for his shaadi on October 29 to Priyanka Alva.
Woh pehli baar
The actor's cousin Vaibhav is getting married in Goa this week and the Oberois and the Alvas are all stirred up as VO's fiancee will meet all his rishtedars for the first time.
It is learnt that that the Oberoi parivaar is leaving for Goa tomorrow. At this family reunion, Priyanka will be formally introduced to the boy's family and friends.
Vivek is the master planner for Vaibhav's (danseuse Padmini Ravi's son -- who 'fixed' the actor's alliance with Priyanka) wedding. It is a traditional mix of South Indian and Punjabi wedding styles and there are functions all through the week. Says a source, "Priyanka is looking forward to the ceremony and celebrations.
Her fiance has planned a naughty taang-khichai session for the sangeet with a 45-minute skit presented from the bride and groom's side. Even Priyanka is expected to participate."
Who's that girl?
Priyanka is the daughter of well-known danseuse Nandini Alva and late Janata Dal (U) leader Jeevaraj Alva. Priyanka has studied in London and is currently working with the NGO, Artistes' Foundation for Arts.
The match was arranged with help from Bharatanatyam dancer and choreographer Padmini Ravi, a close friend of Nandini Alva. Padmini Ravi is Vivek's maasi (maternal aunt).
Engagement abhi baaki hai, mere dost
Even though Vivek and Priyanka exchanged rings in Bangalore, the official engagement ceremony hasn't happened yet.
There will be an official rokka ceremony in September (after Vaibhav's wedding) with Vivek's guruji blessing the couple.
This will be either in Haridwar or Mumbai. In the rokka, the boy and the girl commit to enter a wedlock and won't consider any more matrimonial proposals afterward. Ardaas (evoking blessings from God) is done, followed by an exchange of gifts.
The wedding details
Vivek and Priyanka's wedding will take place on October 29 in Bangalore and will be Punjabi-styled. It will not just be a three-day event, there will be the usual mehndi, sangeet and wedding-reception. But there will be other traditional ceremonies like a Durga Pooja, haldi and rut jugga ceremony.
There will be plenty of traditional post-wedding rituals too. The actor's wedding plans will be finalised at Vaibhav's wedding. Oberoi Jr is deciding between Delhi designers and Mumbai ones for his wedding outfits.
He will wear a traditional Punjabi sherwani achkan, bejewelled sehra and turban with detailed work for his wedding.
