Bhopal to miss Kareena, Saif marriage

BHOPAL: While the Pataudi and Kapoor families are busy deciding the marriage ceremonies down to the last detail, the city not figuring in as the venue may come as a disappointment for many Bhopalis. The marriage of Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor is likely to take place on October 16. "It's going to be a simple and sober affair. There are no plans for any ceremony in Bhopal," Sharmila Tagore told TOI.
Sources say the families have yet to finalize the location for the wedding. Saif, who had visited the city in March this year, had hinted at holding at least one ceremony in Bhopal.
"Everything is smooth," said a Pataudi family source. "From the kurta, farshi paijama and Bhopali dupatta all have been taken care of, but the family wants to keep it a simple affair," she added. Ahead of the marriage, on September 22 is Tiger Pataudi's first death anniversary.
The wedding of Tiger and Tagore had taken place in Bhopal in December 1969. The nikah was a silent affair. The nikah was performed in the presence of a select few.
"They (Pataudi family) are more than celebrities in Bhopal. They belong to a family which is the custodian of the royal waqf properties. They must consider the high regard we have for their ancestors," said All India Muslim Personal Law Board member Arif Masood.
However, there are some like professor Zamiruddin, who have a different take on holding a ceremony in Bhopal. "People have become indifferent. Pataudis belong to a society where orthodox views do not matter."
Perhaps, one instance after the marriage of Sharmila and Mansoor Ali Khan might be more than illustrative. "Soon after their marriage, the newly-married couple was invited to advocate Akhtar Saeed Khan's house in Itwara locality," recalled Suleman Khan, an old timer from the city.
"Huge crowd gathered and started banging the door and even threw small stones at the door. It was not in protest, but to get a glimpse of the new bride. Who knows, history could repeat itself?" he added.