Kamal Ghorui
While the massive headlines were all about Arjun Tendulkar and Saaniya Chandhok’s star-studded Mumbai wedding on March 5th, it’s these newly surfaced, “unseen” photos that are actually telling the real story. There is something so much more relatable about a pre-wedding ceremony – the moments where the nerves are just starting to kick in and the focus is on family traditions rather than the cameras.The theme of the week was clearly pink, but Saaniya managed to make the color feel completely different for every event. Here is a look at the style choices that have everyone hitting the “save” button on their bridal mood boards.
The Mehendi: festive in fuchsia
For her mehendi, Saaniya went with a vibrant, bright pink that just screamed “celebration.” The outfit was a beautiful balance of heavy and light – rich gold zardozi work ran along the neckline and borders, giving it that regal bridal weight, but she kept the rest of the look breezy.She skipped the stiff, over-styled updos for soft, loose waves and went with a “lit-from-within” makeup look. It felt less like a celebrity appearance and more like a bride who actually wanted to enjoy her own party. A classic choker and a delicate maang tikka were the only finishing touches needed.
The chooda: The power of pastels and emeralds
When it came time for the chooda ceremony – one of the most emotional parts of a wedding – the vibe shifted to something much more delicate. Saaniya stepped out in a pastel pink Bandhani saree that looked incredibly graceful.But the real “fashion” moment here was the contrast. She broke up the soft pink with a bold, deep green emerald necklace and matching earrings. It was an unexpected color pairing that turned a traditional look into a modern statement. It’s a great lesson for any bride-to-be: don’t be afraid to let your jewellery do the talking.
The big day: A classic red heritage
For the main ceremony, Saaniya didn’t try to reinvent the wheel – she went for the timeless power of a red bridal sari. The drape featured intricate stone and sequin work, but it was the styling that felt most grounded. By opting for a seedha pallu (front-facing drape), she leaned into a beautiful North Indian and Gujarati heritage look.She paired the red silk with a heavy Polki choker and that unmistakable stack of red-and-white chooda bangles, mixed with traditional green glass ones.
Why it worked
The reason these photos are trending isn’t just because of the names involved. It’s because Saaniya’s style felt intentional. From the “loud” pinks of the mehendi to the quiet, soulful red of the wedding, she stayed rooted in tradition without letting the clothes wear her.
