Shaadi Mubarak
It is also that time of the year when the roads are blocked by the bandwagon of 'band walla', dulha's on ghodi's and a bunch of 'happy' and tipsy people experimenting with Bollywood bhangra steps. It is that time of the year, when my bedside table has this stack of wedding cards and my refrigerator is filled with sweets and chocolates. (Yes, today's couples and family's are experimenting with Chocolates, dried fruits and cookies too at some occasions).
And thus starts the planning of another wedding. I am just a guest, but I start getting invites to be a part of dance practice- where a choreographer is called to teach me how to croon to the Bollywood numbers. One of the friends gladly plays the role of a script writer- boy meets girl; Girl not interested; Boy follows girl and proposed; All these are spiced up with bollywood songs. At some point in time in the act, the parents are called on stage to dance to the classic tune of 'aa meri johra jabee'. The friend play the role of extras when the bride and groom are on the stage.
Call it Bollywood influence or our version of the first dance, the traditional sangeet of yesteryears, when the ladies of the house will sit together with a dholak and a chamach has transformed into this whole act of synchronized dancing.
This also brings out some of the 'hidden' talent. .. I am a horrible dancer.. i can't do this, o my god, people will laugh at me. And yet, everybody is pushed onto this stage - a wholesome family entertainment provided by the friends and family of the groom and girl
The celebrations continue from 3 to 8 days. Depending on how big the party is. And if you are single, doing well in life, attractive to look at and somehow related to the boy or the girl, the question is often asked- so you are next or why are you not married. Its time you should? Arre, tumhara chota bhai tumse tej nikla? Ab to shaadi kar lo? humne tumhare liye bhi ek sunder se ladki dekhi hai?
I have often wondered why do people get married?
Even before I can complete this thought, I am pulled onto the dance floor. Yes, these days, the bollywood bandwagon starts on the stage with choreographed performances, a tradition started by the barjatiya brothers in hum aap ke hain kaun to a true club style dance floor. Gone are the days of ladies of the house sitting around and singing folk songs, we are the hi-tech world of DJ's and choregraphers. Welcome to Shaadi Mubarak- bollywood istyle!
It is also that time of the year when the roads are blocked by the bandwagon of 'band walla', dulha's on ghodi's and a bunch of 'happy' and tipsy people experimenting with Bollywood bhangra steps. It is that time of the year, when my bedside table has this stack of wedding cards and my refrigerator is filled with sweets and chocolates. (Yes, today's couples and family's are experimenting with Chocolates, dried fruits and cookies too at some occasions).
And thus starts the planning of another wedding. I am just a guest, but I start getting invites to be a part of dance practice- where a choreographer is called to teach me how to croon to the Bollywood numbers. One of the friends gladly plays the role of a script writer- boy meets girl; Girl not interested; Boy follows girl and proposed; All these are spiced up with bollywood songs. At some point in time in the act, the parents are called on stage to dance to the classic tune of 'aa meri johra jabee'. The friend play the role of extras when the bride and groom are on the stage.
Call it Bollywood influence or our version of the first dance, the traditional sangeet of yesteryears, when the ladies of the house will sit together with a dholak and a chamach has transformed into this whole act of synchronized dancing.
This also brings out some of the 'hidden' talent. .. I am a horrible dancer.. i can't do this, o my god, people will laugh at me. And yet, everybody is pushed onto this stage - a wholesome family entertainment provided by the friends and family of the groom and girl
The celebrations continue from 3 to 8 days. Depending on how big the party is. And if you are single, doing well in life, attractive to look at and somehow related to the boy or the girl, the question is often asked- so you are next or why are you not married. Its time you should? Arre, tumhara chota bhai tumse tej nikla? Ab to shaadi kar lo? humne tumhare liye bhi ek sunder se ladki dekhi hai?
I have often wondered why do people get married?
Even before I can complete this thought, I am pulled onto the dance floor. Yes, these days, the bollywood bandwagon starts on the stage with choreographed performances, a tradition started by the barjatiya brothers in hum aap ke hain kaun to a true club style dance floor. Gone are the days of ladies of the house sitting around and singing folk songs, we are the hi-tech world of DJ's and choregraphers. Welcome to Shaadi Mubarak- bollywood istyle!
