This one can’t get bigger. It’s already being billed the ‘ultimate wedding of the year.’ Yes, you’ve guessed it — we’re talking about Superstar Rajinikanth’s daughter Soundarya’s upcoming nuptials with Chennai-based Ashwin Ramkumar, scheduled to take place at a glittering ceremony on September 3 in the city. If the engagement saw the who’s who in the city attending, the guest list for the wedding spans the globe, including Hollywood biggies.
Reportedly, Sonia Gandhi with son Rahul is expected to attend the lavish function. Sources reveal that since Rajinikanth has numerous friends in Bollywood, most of them will be in attendance, including the first family of B-town Amitabh Bachchan, with wife Jaya, son Abhishek and bahu Aishwarya. One hears Hollywood actor and humanitarian Richard Gere, who shares a great rapport with the superstar, is also on the guest list. Reportedly, the star who started the ‘Gere Foundation India Trust’ to generate AIDS awareness, had visited Rajini’s Poes’ Garden residence and even dined with him a couple of times.
Then there are the political personalities, plenty of them, including central and state ministers, with all of whom Rajini shares a great rapport. The guest list can’t be complete without the numerous film folk from Tollywood and other regional film circles. Both the Rani Meyyammani and Raja Mutthiah halls have been blocked for the wedding day. “Since many celebrities are going to be attending the function, Rajinikanth is particular about the security measures and is personally supervising them. We chose these halls since they facilitate security from a single entry point,” discloses a source from Poes Garden.
Every detail is being meticulously attended to, with the invitation cards being conceptualised personally by Soundarya and Ashwin — they will be simple, yet unique. When it comes to sarees, Soundarya prefers traditional Kanchivaram pattu sarees and is not really keen on designerwear. A top saree house from Chennai has been entrusted with the job of weaving sarees with colours and motifs hand-picked by Soundarya.
The young entrepreneur, who is known for her independent nature, has already made plans to move to a plush new apartment at Spur Tank Road in Chetpet. Insiders reveal that after marriage, the new apartment will be Soundarya and Ashwin’s abode. The bride-to-be has also ordered pastel shades of custom-made furniture and furnishings for their new home.
Soundarya has reason to be pleased with the fact that her home banner Ocher Picture Productions has tied up with a few big international projects, with the official announcement expected soon.
As for Sultan the Warrior, her maiden directorial venture, things will start rolling out in a couple of months as she awaits her dad’s call sheet. Currently, Rajini is busy wrapping up Endhiran.
