23 April,2014 08:47 AM IST | | Gaurav Dubey and Bharati Dubey
Rani Mukerji and Aditya Chopra finally tied the knot in Italy but their extended Bollywood families were clueless about their marriage and were shocked to hear about it
Aditya Chopra and Rani Mukerji
Speculation about Aditya Chopra and Rani Mukerji's marriage is known to have taken up reams of paper over the years. But the couple - that has been seeing each other for more than six years - finally got married on Monday in Italy.
Aditya Chopra and Rani Mukerji
Rani, 36, issued a statement, saying: "I would like to share the happiest day of my life with all my fans whose love and blessings have been part of my journey all these years. It was a beautiful wedding in the Italian countryside with a few close family and friends. The one person I missed terribly was Yash uncle, but I know he was there with us in spirit. His love and blessings will always be with Adi and me. I have always believed in fairytale and my life has been exactly like one. Now as I enter the most important chapter of life, the fairy tale continues."
A source points out that incidentally, birthdays of the couple, which got married on April 21, also fall on the 21st of the month. "Rani's birthday is March 21 while May 21 is Aditya's birthday. Looks like the number 21 holds a special significance for them," says the source.
Extended family left out?
What's more interesting, however, is the fact that the lovebirds, in a bid to keep their wedding a secret, didn't choose to invite their extended families. Most of these relatives were clueless about their marriage and were, in fact, shocked to hear about it from others.
Neelam Mukerji, Joy Mukerji's wife and Rani's aunt, said, "I didn't know about the wedding, but I am very happy for her. When a girl gets married and starts a new life of her own, it's reason enough for all of us to celebrate."
Subir Mukerji, Rani's uncle, was unaware about the actress' Italian wedding. "I only came to know about the wedding when the media started calling me in the morning. I used to keep teasing her about her marriage and I am glad to know that she has tied the knot," he said.
Renu Chopra, Aditya Chopra's sister-in-law, too was in the dark about this development. "I am really happy for both of them. But I only know what you know. Of course, we knew they were going to get married but nobody knew when. Rani would keep telling us that they would marry when the time is the right. Adi has always been a private person and we respect that," Renu said.
Another close friend of the actress reveals that Rani's choreographer friend, Vaibhavi Merchant, was privy to this intimate ceremony. "Vaibhavi is currently in Italy with Rani," says the source.
Will Aditya Chopra step out in public with Rani?
The big question being asked now is whether Aditya will ever be spotted in public with his wife. Ever since his production house sent out a press release about the wedding, B-Town has been buzzing about whether anyone will be able to get hold of their wedding snapshots. The 42-year-old filmmaker has always preferred to stay away from the media glare. Many have even jokingly asked whether he actually exists.
Unfazed by talk surrounding his need for privacy, Aditya Chopra has zealously guarded the same and stayed away from premieres, awards events and parties. A few years ago, when he was spotted outside a suburban multiplex, he ran for cover as he shied away from the paparazzi.
Over the past two decades, there have been barely four photographs of him in circulation. One apparently dates back to his 1995 film, 'Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge'. The other was when a few years ago he was spotted outside a multiplex and another in January 2012 when he was snapped with his family members and Rani at Mumbai's international airport on their return from a New Year vacation. Later that year, some snapshots were taken during a Diwali celebration at Rani's residence.
The filmmaker has successfully kept away from prying eyes despite the age of cell phone cameras. This is a remarkable feat considering that he is a part of B-Town where every celeb movement makes news. Those around him respect his need for privacy and ensure that no information about him is leaked out. Now it remains to be seen if this scenario will change post his marriage with Rani.
(with inputs from Shaheen Parkar)
