A lavish wedding celebration in the royal palaces of Udaipur, Rajasthan, has been described as a “global spectacle” by Dubai Bling star Farhana Bodi, who was among the VIP guests. The multi-day event for the Mantena family featured a host of international and Bollywood stars, including the first-ever concert in India by Jennifer Lopez.
For Bodi, the celebration was a surreal experience that began the moment she arrived. “Walking into the Zenana Palace at the City Palace in Udaipur hit me instantly. The scale, the glamour, the crowd, the energy… it was surreal,” she said. Bodi compared the atmosphere to a grand film production, noting that experiencing such royalty in a real palace was on another level. She felt as though she had walked onto a magical film set, an experience that mirrors the growing trend of creating major production hubs in the region.
Star-Studded Entertainment
The wedding was marked by an extraordinary lineup of performers. A carnival-themed Mehndi ceremony featured a performance by Cirque du Soleil, which Bodi described as a “pinch-me moment” that felt like stepping into a fantasy world.
The entertainment also included two iconic musical acts. Jennifer Lopez delivered a high-energy show that Bodi called iconic, particularly as it was her first performance in the country. This was complemented by a nostalgic and magical dance from Bollywood legend Madhuri Dixit. “One was global glamour, and the other was pure Bollywood royalty,” Bodi explained. The sheer scale of the entertainment drew parallels with other major larger-than-life celebrations.
Intricate Details and Memorable Moments
The attention to detail was evident long before the event began. Bodi described the invitation as a set of palace-inspired boxes with intricate engravings, gemstones, and even snacks to keep guests energised. The wedding day itself stood out for its traditional floral decorations, with strings of marigolds, jasmine, and roses composed with artistic precision.
Among the guests, actor Ranveer Singh made a memorable impression with his infectious energy, dancing with guests in the crowd. However, Bodi said the most moving part of the celebration was the heartfelt family speeches. “For all the glamour and spectacle, those emotional moments were what stayed with me,” she recalled, highlighting a dance between the bride and her father.
Redefining Luxury Celebrations
The culinary offerings were another highlight, with curated menus for each function that balanced traditional Indian cuisine, like Hyderabadi Biryani, with modern fusion dishes.
Reflecting on the experience, Bodi said the wedding reshaped her perspective on luxury events, even by Dubai’s high standards. She concluded that true luxury is not just about grandeur but about storytelling, emotion, and the guest experience. “It inspired me to think beyond aesthetics and focus more on how a celebration can make people feel,” she said. “Welcomed, entertained, connected, and part of something magical.”
