Sonakshi Sinha’s bridal journey was an ode to simplicity—a deliberate contrast to the opulence often expected of Bollywood weddings. Yet, as she stepped into the set in bridal couture, it became clear that she could effortlessly embody both worlds. The set, a dreamscape of muted tones and ethereal backdrops, seemed like a painting, every detail meticulously crafted to capture the essence of a modern Indian bride. While the shoot celebrated high fashion and intricate jewellery, Sonakshi’s real wedding attire told a different story—one of minimalism, deep personal significance, and a profound connection to her roots.
Rewearing her mother’s saree and jewellery was a thoughtful nod to tradition, transcending fashion. “I wanted my wedding day to be about us, not designers or brands. My mother’s lehenga was beautiful, but I didn’t want a dialogue between how she and I wore it. I wanted to start a small tradition instead,” Sinha reflects. “Having a part of my mother with me was important, so I asked her to show me what she had, hoping something would call out to me.” And it did. The white chikankari saree she wore belonged to her mother, and she wanted to pass it down, creating a cherished family tradition.
When asked about her minimalist approach, Sinha’s honesty is refreshing. “I’ve seen brides stressed, micromanaging every detail, not enjoying their own day. Zaheer and I have been together for so long; when it finally happened, I wanted it to be just about us,” she says. “My advice to brides is simple: focus on what’s important—happiness, love, and family. That’s what will make the memories last.” In an era where brides embrace a spectrum of colours, Sinha suggests: “Do what feels right for you. I’d always imagined myself in something of my mother’s—in a red sari with sindoor and gajra in my hair. And that’s what I did. Whether it’s lime green, pink, or yellow, the choice is yours. Stay true to yourself.”
Rewearing and repurposing heirloom pieces, as Sinha did, enriches the modern wedding narrative. “It’s simply practical,” she says. “Why buy something to wear only once? Jewellery, for example, can be worn in so many ways. Rewear it, reuse it. It’s sensible, even economically.” Her approach to beauty on her wedding day was equally understated. “There was so much happening before the wedding that I had no time for the usual beauty rituals,” she laughs. “Zaheer and I were very hands-on with the planning. Even on the wedding day, I just told my makeup artist and hairstylist to do what they felt was right. Staying stress-free helped me look my radiant best.”
Reflecting on her wedding day, Sinha cherishes a profound moment. “We had just signed the papers, and my parents wanted to perform a small kanyadaan ritual. As the pandit began reciting the mantras, the azaan started playing outside. Zaheer and I exchanged glances, and our eyes lit up. It felt like divine intervention, a moment of pure blessing.”
Looking ahead, Sinha sees herself balancing her entrepreneurial ventures with her acting career. She is currently focused on scaling up her brand SoEzi, while anticipating the release of her upcoming film, Nikita Roy and the Book of Darkness. But before she dives headfirst into work all over again, she is enjoying this time with her spouse, content with the current chapter of her life.
ELLE India Editor: Ainee Nizami Ahmedi, Photographer: Vansh Virmani, Jr. Fashion Editor: Shaeroy Chinoy, Words by: Kannagi Desai, Cover Design: Alekha Chugani, Hair: Madhuri Nakhale, Makeup: Heema Dattani, Bookings Editor: Rishith Shetty, Bookings Coordinator: Anushka Patil, Assisted by: Vaishnavi Misra (styling), Zehra Ahmedi (bookings), Brand Coordinator: Rhea Sanil, Draper: Laxmi Devi, Nails by: SOEZI, Carpets: OBEETEE Carpets, Furniture: Colonial Collections Furniture, Artists PR: Communiqué Film PR
Read the full story in ELLE India’s Wedding Book, or download your digital copy via Magzter, available free with our latest issue of ELLE India.
