Radhika Merchant kicks off wedding celebrations with a gorgeous custom lehenga by Manish Malhotra
Radhika Merchant dazzled in a bespoke ensemble by Manish Malhotra and accessorized with heirloom jewelry passed down from her mother, Shaila Merchant, who wore the same pieces at her own mameru ceremony.
Radhika Merchant’s pre-wedding celebrations have been a source of remarkable fashion inspiration, and her appearance at the recent mameru ceremony was particularly noteworthy.
The festivities began at the luxurious Antilia, where Radhika dazzled in a bespoke ensemble by Manish Malhotra. The outfit was adorned with intricate ‘Durga-shloka’ embroidery along the borders, showcasing Malhotra’s signature craftsmanship. Adding a touch of sentimentality, Radhika accessorized with heirloom jewelry passed down from her mother, Shaila Merchant, who wore the same pieces at her own mameru ceremony.
Manish Malhotra shared a series of stunning photos on social media, highlighting Radhika’s exquisite attire. “Gorgeous Radhika Merchant begins her wedding functions looking stunning in a custom vibrant bandini lehenga: Rai bandhej on a Banarasi brocade in Rani pink. Classic gold taar zardosi embroidery. Durga Maa shloka embroidered in the borders. 35 meters of bandhej used to make the ghagra. Blouse inspired by a vintage Koti,” he wrote.
Stylist Rhea Kapoor also shared Radhika’s look on social media, captioning the photos, “Beautiful Radhika at her mausalu in Manish Malhotra, wearing the jewels her mom wore at her mausalu (mameru).”
In a Gujarati wedding, the mameru or mosalu ceremony is a significant pre-wedding ritual. A traditional ceremony celebrated in Gujarati culture a few days before the actual wedding. In Mosalu, the groom’s mother’s family, in this case members from Nita Ambani’s side of the family, led by her mother Smt. Purnima Dalal and her sister Ms. Mamta Dalal, came to the residence to bless the couple along with gifts and offerings. The groom’s maternal uncles and family presented the bride and groom with a traditional set of gifts known as “Mameru.” In a way Mosalu and Mameru reflect the respect given to and involving the larger family in wedding festivities. These occasions highlight the importance of the wedding for the extended family and becomes an occasion for them to celebrate together. Smt. Nita Ambani’s family were present in large numbers for the ceremony.
Radhika Merchant and Anant Ambani are set to wed on July 12 at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai.
