Bollywood: Ali Fazal and Richa Chadha share first photos from pre-wedding celebrations

As Bollywood’s loved-up couple Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal gear up to say ‘I do’ this week, Gulf News has done the leg work of getting you all the details on their special day. From what’s going to be served at the wedding to what the bride and groom are likely to wear, we have it covered:

Fazal and Chadha shared a first glimpse from their pre-wedding celebrations in New Delhi. The two took to their Instagram accounts where they shared a loved-up picture. In the image, the actress looked regal in a custom-made outfit by designer Rahul Mishra, while Chadha looks dapper in an angrakha designed by Abu Jani & Sandeep Khosla.

Love was in the air when the cute couple shared a sweet audio message for their fans and well-wishers. "Two years ago we formalised our union and just then the pandemic hit us all. Like the rest of the nation, we too were struck by personal tragedies one after the other. And now, as we all enjoy this window of respite, we are finally celebrating with our families and friends and are so very touched and grateful for all the blessings that are coming our way," the two said in the clip.

The pre-wedding festivities have already begun with the Mehendi and the Sangeet ceremony in Delhi. Several reports claim that the initial celebrations will be held at Richa’s friend’s home which has an expansive lawn. It’s no surprise that Richa chose Delhi since she was raised there. Word has it that the couple have chosen themes reflecting their love for nature and sustainability.

When it comes to looking spectacular on the big day, Richa has chosen designers Kresha Bajaj and Rahul Mishra. Meanwhile, the groom will dapper in Abu Jani & Sandeep Khosla and Shantanu Nikhil.

A lot of attention is also being showered on the food and bites that will be served to their guests at the wedding. According to a report in Times Of India, a whopping 150 dishes will be served at the Mehendi and Sangeet ceremony. Think ‘tikkis’, ‘chaat’,and ‘chole bhature’. "Desserts are an assortment of dishes from Purani Dilli. There are chaats, tikis and lot of street food counters from across different parts of Delhi. The person making the Choley bhature is the guy who got famous due to Virat Kohli,” wrote IANS.

Historic venue: The couple’s wedding celebration will be held in Delhi at an iconic 110-year old venue. One of India’s oldest clubs, the Delhi Gymkhana Club is one of the most exclusive venues in the Indian capital. This club will host one of the ceremonies. The club reportedly has a wait list for memberships, that could go as long as 37 years to get approved.

What’s a wedding without some colour and pomp. We hear Mehendi artist is being flown from Rajasthan. The couple has also chosen conventional banquet style of a reception like experience and handpicked 176-year-old mill that routinely holds luxury events.

The guest list is also extensive. Expect Hollywood stars like Judi Dench and Gerard Butler to mingle with Bollywood stars.

It’s no secret that these two have waited more than two years to finally tie the knot. The pandemic and COVID restrictions played spoil sport. They first met on the sets of 'Fukrey' in 2012 and soon fell in love.