Prepare to be dazzled by My Big Bollywood Wedding. The upcoming television special, airing on the Smithsonian Channel, will spotlight three unique Indian couples, and showcase the elaborate, behind-the-scenes planning process of their lavish, cultural weddings. Ahead of the June 10 premiere, The Knot gets the first exclusive look at the couples as they prepare for their “Big Bollywood Weddings.”
The special will feature distinctly different, ready-to-wed couples, starting with Binny and Sumona, a traditional Indian bride and groom living in New York City. Determined to have a “magical” wedding, this couple will give viewers an authentic look into a customary Indian wedding ceremony.
Then there’s Richard and Divya, also based in New York. He’s of Puerto Rican and Italian descent, while she takes pride in her Indian heritage. Although Richard has never attended a traditional Indian ceremony, he immerses himself in Divya’s culture. He agrees to wear an authentic sherwani to the wedding, and he joins in all of the Hindu rituals.
Finally, rounding out the group is Aneesa and Melinda, a same-sex couple who work as teachers in Massachusetts. Their nuptials offer a 21st century perspective on an Indian wedding. Aneesa is a proud immigrant who has always known she is gay. Melinda discovered her sexuality when she met and fell in love with Aneesa. Their ceremony combines Christian and Indian elements.
The special will highlight the joys, surprises, and challenges the couples face before walking down the aisle, and viewers will get an inside look at the extravagant elements that are often infused into Indian weddings.
Tune in to My Big Bollywood Wedding on Sunday, June 10, at 10 p.m. ET/PT on the Smithsonian Channel.
