Subhash K Jha in Patna
Telugu star Ram Charan is all set to marry Upasana Kamineni in not one but two lavish ceremonies on June 14 and 15.
Amidst ongoing preparations and various celebratory dos in the run-up to the D-Day, the actor lets us in on some of the details of his big day, the guests and his post-marriage plans among other things.
So D-Day is just around the corner.
Yes, I can't tell you what it is like. My wife Upasana -- she is already my wife in my mind and heart -- and I are partying and attending poojas every night and catching up on some sleep during the day. My father had organised a pre-wedding dinner this Sunday and Salman Khan joined us for the same.
When and where is the wedding?
Well, there will be two weddings, the first wedding is on the morning of June 14 at Upasana's farmhouse which we've converted into a banquet hall. The second ceremony is scheduled for the next morning at the same venue.
Why two wedding ceremonies?
The wedding on June 14 is for family and friends. It is expected to be attended by around 4000 people. Then the same evening we're hosting a reception for around 7,000 guests. The next morning on June 15, we'll have another wedding followed by lunch for my fans. We expect over 4,000 people there too.
On the evening of June 15, we're hosting a reception for the staff and family of Apollo group of hospitals.
On the evening of June 15, we're hosting a reception for the staff and family of Apollo group of hospitals.
'I have been kept out of all the preparations'
A wedding specially for the fans! How come actors in Mumbai don't display the same consideration?
The emotional connect between us and our fans is probably stronger. There's just no question of not inviting my fans.They are a part of my father's and my extended family. And since we can't have so many people at one wedding, we just extended it to two.
Where are you going for your honeymoon?
We are taking just a four-day break. The destination is not decided yet. But it will be somehere quiet and peaceful. It has to be in India since I have to return in four days and resume shooting.
Where are you going for your honeymoon?
We are taking just a four-day break. The destination is not decided yet. But it will be somehere quiet and peaceful. It has to be in India since I have to return in four days and resume shooting.
How are the preparations coming along?
Well, the bridegroom's side can afford to take it relatively easy. Upasana's folks are going all out. No, I am kidding.
A lot of things are happening. But I have been kept out of it. I just have to attend all the functions. Everybody else is taking care of all the arrangements. Mujhe to bas shaadi karni hai (All I have to do is get married).
A lot of things are happening. But I have been kept out of it. I just have to attend all the functions. Everybody else is taking care of all the arrangements. Mujhe to bas shaadi karni hai (All I have to do is get married).
'Amitabh Bachchan is coming for the wedding on June 14'
I see your Hindi has improved.
Agar Hindi mein film karna hai to Hindi bolni hogi (I'll have to speak in Hindi if I have to do a Hindi film). My first look for Zanjeer is out. I can't wait to know what (Amitabh) Bachchan Saab thinks of it. He is coming here on June 14 for my wedding.
Who else is coming from Mumbai?
Salman landed on Sunday with some of our mutual friends at 4 in the evening. He can't be here in Hyderabad for the wedding because he has to be in Dubai. Salman wanted to spend some time with my dad.
They go back a long way. I've worked out with him in Mumbai. Believe me, it was the toughest workout session I've ever gone through. Salman made sure I didn't feel lonely in Mumbai.
They go back a long way. I've worked out with him in Mumbai. Believe me, it was the toughest workout session I've ever gone through. Salman made sure I didn't feel lonely in Mumbai.
'Salman and my father go back a long way'
And what about all your friends from the Telugu film industry?
They've all taken time off to help with the preparation. Suriya, Shruti Haasan, Tamannah, Kajal Aggarwal... I left it to my fellow-actors to invite all my friends from the industry.
Everybody has taken a break from work to be part of the preparations. It's like a family wedding for them. And considering this is the last wedding in my family -- my two sisters are married -- there is a lot of excitement.
Everybody has taken a break from work to be part of the preparations. It's like a family wedding for them. And considering this is the last wedding in my family -- my two sisters are married -- there is a lot of excitement.
How do you feel about being a married actor?
I basically feel a man becomes more balanced after getting married. The focus is on work and family. I am getting married young. I've known Upasana for seven years.
She was my best friend. Then we started dating two years back. So I am marrying my best friend. I couldn't have asked for more.
She was my best friend. Then we started dating two years back. So I am marrying my best friend. I couldn't have asked for more.
'I was pampered by all my father's directors and producers as a kid'
How does she get along with your family?
You know, when I told her I am building a separate home for us at the Golf Course area for us to live in after marriage, she put her foot down. She insists we stay with my parents.
That is so considerate.
Well, she had an ulterior motive. She says she can't handle me alone. She needs my parents' help.
So are you a spoilt brat at home?
I was pampered by all my father's directors and producers during childhood. But at home my father made sure I led a normal life. I grew up with a huge expectation hovering over my career as an actor. Luckily for me, I managed to create an identity of my own early on.
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