New Delhi: The Mandhana–Muchhal wedding was thrown into uncertainty on Sunday after Smriti Mandhana’s father, Shrinivas Mandhana, was rushed to hospital — and, hours later, her groom-to-be Palash Muchhal also had to be admitted due to severe stress as the families scrambled to cope with the unfolding crisis.
The wedding, scheduled for November 23 in Sangli, was halted when Smriti’s father developed heart-attack-like symptoms and was taken to Sarvhit Hospital and Medical Research Centre. Doctors said his condition appeared to be triggered by “physical or mental stress” linked to the intense preparations under way for the ceremony. With his sudden illness, both families agreed the rituals could not go ahead.
Even as they dealt with that emergency, Palash’s condition deteriorated. Overwhelmed by the situation, he broke down emotionally, and his mother Amita Muchhal said he began crying uncontrollably. He was immediately taken to a hospital in Sangli, where he stayed for around four hours. Doctors administered an IV drip and carried out an ECG and other tests, which all returned normal, but the stress had hit him hard.
Palash was later moved back to Mumbai to rest, and his sister Palak also left Sangli to be with him. His mother said both Smriti and Palash were devastated by the sudden turn of events, adding that expectations and excitement around the wedding had put the couple under immense emotional strain.
Amita Muchhal cancelled all functions scheduled for November 24 and said a new wedding date would be finalised only after everyone recovers. She added that Palash had dreamt of bringing his bride home and was heartbroken at the postponement.
The families have urged well-wishers to give them privacy as they focus on the health of both Smriti’s father and Palash, expressing confidence that the couple will marry once the situation stabilises.
