Kannada's popular supporting actor and former Bigg Boss Kannada contestant Ugram Manju, or 'Max' Manju, is all set to embark on a new chapter of his life. The film star rose to huge fame with his gritty performance in the cult hit Ugramm and his recent stint in the Bigg Boss house. The pre-wedding festivities began with a vibrant and soulful Haldi ceremony (Arishina Shastra) held at his residence on Wednesday, January 21.
Traditional and Simple Haldi Ceremony
In contrast to the high-octane dramas associated with reality television stars, Manju decided to stay grounded and traditional in his pre-wedding rituals. The Haldi ceremony was a private affair attended by close family members, relatives, and a few industry friends. Photos and videos from the gathering show a beaming Manju, draped in turmeric and mingling with his loved ones. As he prepares to officially become a married man from one of the industry's most eligible bachelors, the actor was shown dancing to hit Kannada tracks, enjoying the moments.
Who is the Bride, Sai Sandhya?
Ugram Manju’s bride-to-be, Sai Sandhya, has a professional medical background. She serves as a Transplant Coordinator, a noble job that Manju has talked about with immense pride. According to reports, the couple’s love affair kicked off a few months ago, and after receiving the blessings of both families, the couple were officially engaged in November 2025, during a traditional ceremony in Pinya. In the Bigg Boss Kannada 12 house at the event where Manju was recently a "Wildcard Guest," he gave brief peeks into their relationship. He revealed that a long drive to a temple in Mangaluru was critical for their marriage.
The Wedding Venue and Date
It will occur on Friday, January 23, 2026. The nuptials, true to the couple's wish for simplicity, will be hosted in the sacred town of Dharmasthala. It’s meant to be a “low-key” affair and center on the spiritual sanctity of the place rather than the glamour of a celebrity wedding. For everyone who works in the film industry and the broader community who watches, however, it is a happy tidbit. The actor’s close friends indicated a lavish wedding reception will commence in Bengaluru after the wedding. This event will also be filled with a star-studded guest list, including a number of Sandalwood actors and Bigg Boss contestants.
Strangely, Manju did a unique "Bachelor Party" while he was still inside the Bigg Boss house a few weeks back. To celebrate his upcoming nuptials, the show's makers had him perform a "BB Palace" task and brought along friends like Rajath Kishan, Mokshitha Pai, and Trivikram. The party became a topic of conversation on social media, which made the Kannada fans even more affectionate toward Manju.
The latest in the world of entertainment, as the actor gears up for his major Dharmasthala event, social media is already ablaze with congratulatory messages from fans following his transformation from a character artist to a household name.
