Starring Raj and Simran, this Kashmir wedding was the DDLJ dream come true

Raj and Simran, the couple from Bollywood's most romantic, most-watched movie, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ), is the epitome of love. And so is the real-life couple—Raj Khandwala and Simran Sablok—who got got married in May 2023, at a breathtaking location in Srinagar, an ode to the snow-clad mountains of Switzerland. Making their dream come true were Raabta, a luxury wedding photography and cinematography company and Tailor Made Experiences, a luxury wedding planner specialising in destination weddings.

Integrating the touch of DDLJ

It was extremely important for Shrey Bhagat, founder and creative director of Raabta and the duo of Zashank and Shashank, co-founders of Tailor Made, to integrate a touch of Bollywood romance into the wedding. “While everyone’s first reaction on hearing the couple’s name is to equate them to the Raj and Simran of DDLJ, we wanted to showcase the unique personalities of our couple by incorporating things that reflected them in real life,” said the Tailor Made duo. Bhagat, too, was on the same page. “While the names, Raj and Simran, might echo the Bollywood charm of DDLJ, we aimed to capture Raj and Simran's personalities in our photography, focusing on their uniqueness rather than cinematic clichés.”

And this was done to perfection. For instance, the baraat was aptly named, "The Last Single Innings", reflecting the groom's love for cricket. Additionally, the bride's deep appreciation for Japanese culture was showcased through a specially curated Authentic Sake and Sushi corner at the reception dinner. 

The reason for choosing Srinagar

One needs to connect with the place where they’re getting married. In this case, it was Khandwala. “Initially, I had my doubts, but Raj had this deep connection with Kashmir, even though he had never been there before. When we visited in January 2023, we were completely enchanted by the warmth of the people and the breathtaking landscapes,” says Sablok. 

What was the wedding all about?

The Lalit Grand Palace, Taj Vivanta, and ITC Heevan were like pieces of a dream, each adding its unique charm to their special day. The city of Srinagar truly felt like a divine gift to India, and the couple couldn’t have got a more perfect setting for the wedding. Proceedings began with the welcome lunch at The Lalit Grand Palace that captured the beauty of the gardens—Le Jardin Du Shalimar—through a Mediterranean garden theme. The Persian-themed mehndi and sangeet was held at the Taj Vivanta in Srinagar and was one to remember as it overlooked the Dal Lake. Last, and certainly not the least, there was a Japan-themed reception that highlighted Sablok’s love for the country.

“The reception's Japanese theme was inspired by my passion for detailed and unique experiences, drawn from my travels and love for Japan. I wanted to infuse the wedding with elements from my global explorations. The Sake Bar, designed to evoke the traditional charm of Kyoto, was a centrepiece, featuring antique inscriptions and fans I collected from a Melbourne antique store. Our menu was carefully curated to include authentic Japanese cuisine, capturing the essence of my fascination with Japan.”

Adding the local touch

“Our approach was deeply rooted in highlighting Kashmir's charm while ensuring the couple remained the focal point,” say Zashank and Shashank. This pretty evident throughout the three days with Kashmiri kahwa stations at every function, a Kashmiri shawl given to all the guests, and the traditional wazwan meal served with a side of a Sufi performance by Shafi Sopori, a well-known Sufi musician in Kashmir. “From the contents of the room hampers to event giveaways, we infused distinctive local influences into every detail, ensuring a unique and immersive experience. The selection of venues was deliberate, showcasing the valley's natural beauty and cultural richness. ITC Fortune provided a warm ambiance for the "ghar wali mehndi," while Lalit and Taj offered breathtaking views of Dal Lake and the surrounding landscape. Each venue served as a canvas, allowing Kashmir's essence to shine through, making the celebration an unforgettable blend of local flavour and the couple's unique love story,” they add. 

The thoughtful idea of gifting shawls to the guests was Raj’s father's. “These shawls served as cherished mementos, connecting our guests to the warmth of Kashmir and the special moments of our wedding. We aimed for an intimate, homely atmosphere with old-world charm for our gathering. The Sufi night, featuring Shafi Sapori's mesmerising performance, became an unforgettable memory, filling our hearts with joy and energy,” says Sablok who went to many of Srinagar’s warehouses along with Khandwala and came across some vintage furniture, Kashmiri carpets and other decor items that were integrated into the wedding as well.

The many logistical issues

Bhagat was “absolutely thrilled” when he found out the wedding would be in Srinagar. “Kashmir is just breathtaking, and I have a special fondness for shooting there. The natural beauty is mesmerising and provides the perfect backdrop for every picture. I love how diverse the landscape is—it changes so dramatically with each season, offering endless opportunities for creative and stunning shots. But it's not just the scenery; the cultural richness, the genuine warmth of the people, and the delightful weather—they all come together to make Kashmir one of my absolute favourite places to shoot.” While Bhagat had done a wedding in Srinagar prior to this, it was the first time for Zashank and Shashank. 

What certainly made things easier was the wedding being held during the summer instead of the chilly winter cold. “Absolutely! Shooting in the hills during summer is definitely more manageable than dealing with heavy snow during winters. Plus, the summer season adds a vibrant burst of colour to the foliage and the mountainous backdrop, creating a picturesque setting that's just perfect for capturing weddings,” says Bhagat. “In April and May, Srinagar enjoys cooler and pleasant weather compared to the scorching heat waves in most parts of the country. This made the entire planning process considerably smoother for us,” added the Tailor Made duo.

That said, the wedding, due to its location, did present its fair share of challenges. “Security concerns in Srinagar posed hurdles, especially due to the upcoming G20 summit. Obtaining permissions for drones, walkie-talkies, and material movement was tough. Everything needed meticulous planning. All decor and equipment had to reach Srinagar five days early to avoid roadblocks. But, the silver lining was the people of Kashmir. So many locals helped us with the smallest to the grandest things to ensure that this wedding became worthy of being spoken about,” says the pair. 

Banishing stigmas

While one would have reservations about choosing Kashmir as a wedding destination, this wedding looks to play a role in changing perceptions. 

“I am sure we have changed the stigma associated with Kashmir, and all our guests had a wonderful experience. The stunning images and decor have shown the true beauty of the region. I believe our celebration has inspired others, proving that Kashmir is a remarkable choice for weddings, changing perceptions along the way,” says Sablok. 

As far as the response goes, Zashank and Shashank talk about things being ‘incredible’. “We've been flooded with queries from people eager to consider Srinagar and Kashmir for their weddings and milestone celebrations. This wedding, I believe, will have a substantial impact in dispelling misconceptions about Kashmir, presenting it as a secure and stunning destination. The people of Kashmir and the beauty of Kashmir in itself paints such a beautifully majestic picture that any celebration there becomes an awe-inspiring experience!”