THE SIMPLE PLEASURES
THE SIMPLE PLEASURES
Author and Yoga instructor IRA TRIVEDI shares an exclusive with Bridal Asia about tying the knot with film producer MADHU MANTENA, her outfit selections, and her more.
How did Madhu propose to you?
Ira Trivedi: “Madhu proposed to me at Soho House in Bombay. We had moved there a couple of months before our home in Pali Hill was completely ready. My parents, who are senior citizens, came to Bombay right after the Covid-19 restrictions had been lifted, to meet Madhu for the first time. He asked my father for my hand and received my parents’ blessings, but I was not expecting it at all! The day he proposed, I had just finished teaching a yoga class, at around 9:00 PM, and was still in my yoga clothes when he asked me to join him upstairs in the Playroom in Soho House. Madhu had told me that there were a few friends there, but when I walked in, it was decorated in the most magical way! He went down on one knee and proposed so beautifully.”
How did you two meet?
IR: “We met 10 years ago at a friend’s party in New Delhi. Madhu always says that the moment he laid his eyes on me, he felt something he had never felt before. We began dating, then broke up because he asked me to marry him but I wasn’t sure about it. But then we got back together, and here we are, all these years later, feeling really blessed.”
What has been the greatest lesson you have learnt from your relationship?
IR: “My love story with Madhu has taught me that the Universe always gives us a second chance. Don’t listen to other people’s judgements…listen to your own heart and it will guide you to the right path.”
Tell us about your mehendi function…
IR: “We hosted the mehendi function at home in the evening. I wanted to keep my look simple, something
feminine yet beautiful, so I chose a simple Banarasi lehenga from Tilfi Banaras. It was very traditional and classic, but most importantly, it was comfortable. I didn’t want to be overwhelmed.
How did you style your looks?
IR: “For the jewellery, I wanted to wear easy pieces. I got almost all my wedding jewellery from Anmol Jewellers. And I was really lucky to have found this gorgeous Banarasi sari from Swati & Sunaina; every sari is custom-made by artisans who research ancient techniques. This, to me, is an heirloom, one I’d actually wear over the years and pass on to my children and grandchildren. According to me, lehengas go out of fashion over time, but saris are evergreen.”
Tell us about your decision to wear white to the reception…
IR: “I have always loved white weddings and their simplicity. And while I didn’t wear white on
the main day, I decided to wear the colour on the day of my reception. I searched and searched but everything I found was so over-the-top! Luckily, I found this wonderful designer called Naibah who has a beautiful store in Kala Ghoda. She had exactly what I was looking for—a beautiful, white, embellished wedding dress. And because the reception was at night, the white really stood out, almost glowing. Again, it was also very comfortable, and I could easily walk and dance in it. I got everything I wanted in that outfit.”
What is your favourite memory from the wedding?
IR: “Walking down the aisle with my parents and all of my friends. I had 11 bridesmaids surrounding me, as well as my sisters and all their children…everyone walked down the aisle to reach Madhu. That was amazing!”
What is the one piece of shopping advice you would give?
IR: “When selecting the outfits, don’t overcomplicate things by looking around too much. I think people spend too much time and energy on their outfits…I went on two shopping trips, and was able to get almost everything I needed. Just make quick decisions about your clothes and what you like. And don’t take too many opinions, stick to your own. You will receive a lot of advice in the run up to your wedding, so it’s really important to only listen to what feels good to you and your body. It’s about what is correct for you, not what is correct for your mom or sister or father.”
What is the one thing you would you have done differently?
IR: “I think I underestimated how long it would take to get ready on the actual day of the wedding—it took three hours! We rushed through almost everything because of that. And then, the photographer needed enough time as well because wedding photographs are such important memories. My advice is that you get ready in time and have fun with the photographs.”
How did you look after your skin in the run-up to the wedding?
IR: “People kept telling me to get a bridal facial done, but I did almost nothing. My skin is good thanks to yoga, so I don’t have any blemishes or acne. I went on one long visit to the salon before my wedding, just for a haircut, threading, and waxing. I had never done highlights in my life before, but I tried it and I’m happy with my hair.”
