In South Mumbai today, Arjun Tendulkar, son of Sachin Tendulkar, married his longtime partner Saaniya Chandhok, and the cricket world and high society came together. The wedding at the lavish St. Regis Hotel has immediately turned into the most-talked-about social event of the year, coupling sporting royalty with political and business figures.
Arjun, who is an all-rounder in domestic cricket for Goa and the Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL, looked regal in a traditional ensemble, while Saaniya, a successful entrepreneur and the granddaughter of industrialist Ravi Ghai, wore a red lehenga adorned with intricate emerald jewelry.
A Star-Studded Guest List
The ceremony took place in a rare gathering of icons in numerous fields. Former India captains such as MS Dhoni, wife Sakshi, and Rahul Dravid led the cricketing contingent. Other legends like Yuvraj Singh, Anil Kumble, and Irfan Pathan were also seen arriving to bless the couple. India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir made a fleeting appearance before his flight out for India’s high-profile T20 World Cup semi-final against England later tonight.
Mukesh and Nita Ambani, along with Akash and Shloka Ambani who have known the Tendulkar family closely for decades represented the corporate world. The political side was also well represented, with notable leaders such as Raj Thackeray, NCP’s Supriya Sule, and Ashish Shelar.
From Childhood Friends to Life Partners
The union signals the end of a journey that began years ago. Arjun and Saaniya were believed to be childhood friends, and Saaniya shared a very close bond with Arjun’s sister, Sara Tendulkar. An alumna of the London School of Economics, Saaniya has carved out her own space building a leading premium pet wellness company called Mr Paws. Her family’s legacy in the hospitality sector (owning the InterContinental on Marine Drive) lent the wedding an added layer of historical Mumbai charm.
The Celebrations
The main wedding came on the heels of a series of colorful pre-wedding ceremonies, including a Mehendi and Sangeet at the Royal Western India Turf Club on March 3. The families also attended a special Puja that was held by the Ambanis at their Jamnagar estate in February, paving the way for today's lavish ending ceremony.
Sachin and Anjali Tendulkar personally greeted the guests, and the "Master Blaster" appeared very emotional and at the same time very happy during the Varmala ritual. As the two wrapped in a celebratory hug post the rituals, the ballroom erupted in cheers, heralding a beautiful new chapter for the Tendulkar and Chandhok families.
