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Economic Times
an hour ago
- Business
- Economic Times
How much money the Boston-based Indian couple had to pay to turn Wall Street into a dance floor for their wedding
The Couple Behind the Celebration Music, Magic, and Manhattan Two Traditions, One Celebration You Might Also Like: Wall Street turned into a dance floor for this unbelievable Indian wedding. Who are the bride and groom? Permits, Police, and Precision In an event that stopped both traffic and timelines, Varun Navani and Amanda Soll brought the grandeur of a big fat Indian wedding to the heart of New York City. With a traditional baraat—the groom's wedding procession—cascading down Wall Street, the couple quite literally shut down the most iconic financial street in the it didn't come easy. The couple reportedly filed 28 permits to make their dream celebration possible, shelling out an eye-watering $25,000 to $66,000 (₹21 lakh to ₹56 lakh) per location, as per city records reviewed by the New York Post. That's not a wedding budget—it's a Wall Street-grade who are these headline-makers? Varun Navani is the CEO of Rolai, an AI platform helping people learn data science and machine learning. A Forbes 30 Under 30 alumnus (Boston, 2023), he brings innovation to the tech space. His bride, Amanda Soll, is no less accomplished—she serves as the Director of Legal Compliance and Risk Management at from Boston, the couple chose New York City as their wedding stage—and spared no expense turning it into a multi-day celebration began on May 23 at the Conrad Hotel with a welcome brunch and tea. That evening, guests gathered at The Glasshouse for a lively sangeet, filled with song and the real showstopper arrived on May 24, when Wall Street transformed into a dazzling baraat route. Videos now viral on social media show more than 400 guests dressed in traditional Indian attire dancing to the beats of dhols and DJ sets. Groom Varun arrived in a vintage white car, clad in a finely tailored ivory sherwani and layered pearl necklaces. Amanda stunned in a deep red Sabyasachi lehenga, epitomizing elegance and baraat ended at Cipriani Wall Street, where the grand reception unfolded—running from 5:30 p.m. until the early morning cultural fusion didn't end with the baraat. On May 25, the couple hosted a Jewish wedding ceremony at Cipriani, paying tribute to Amanda's heritage. An after-party followed at Slate, keeping the festive energy alive until 4 a.m. The final farewell came on May 26 with a goodbye detail—from venue choices to guest experiences—was thoughtfully curated to blend Indian and Jewish customs in a dazzling off a 400-person event in the middle of Lower Manhattan isn't simple. The city labeled it an 'extra-large' event, requiring extensive NYPD coordination and full block closures. The price tag—ranging between $25,000 and $66,000 (₹21–56 lakh) per permit—reflects the scale and ambition of the far from celebrity status or royalty, Varun and Amanda are a reminder that modern professionals, too, can pull off events that feel straight out of a Bollywood fantasy—if they're willing to plan and pay a city known for deals, deadlines, and data, the Navani-Soll wedding gave Wall Street a rare glimpse of uninhibited joy. For a few magical hours, the financial capital of the world grooved to dhols, draped itself in dupattas, and welcomed tradition with open was a dazzling display of culture and ambition, as Varun Navani and Amanda Soll turned New York's Wall Street into a vibrant celebration of love. With 28 permits, meticulous planning, and a lavish budget, the couple blended Indian and Jewish traditions across a multi-day wedding spectacle. Their grand baraat wasn't just a procession—it was a statement that even the busiest street can pause for joy.
New Indian Express
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Why I find Aishwarya Rai's and Deepika Padukone's Cannes outings troubling
Bollywood stars like Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Deepika Padukone, and Sonam Kapoor have long explored the Cannes Film Festival as a stage to showcase not their work but themselves, possibly because they are more attractive and intelligent than their movies. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, a Cannes veteran since 2002, is a prime example of Cannes commodity objectification. Her filmography, including commercial hits like Jodhaa Akbar or Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, prioritizes her as a spectacle over substance. Yet she is a red-carpet darling, frequently representing L'Oréal, and misrepresenting herself as an actor. In 2022, Aishwarya wore a custom Gaurav Gupta Couture gown, described as a 'sculptural piece with minimal accessories', whatever that means, and a Dolce & Gabbana floral black dress. Her 2025 appearance featured an ivory Kadwa Banarasi saree by Manish Malhotra, paired with ruby heirloom jewelry from his High Jewelry line, with the saree alone estimated at ₹15-20 lakh ( $18,000-$24,000) and the jewelry potentially exceeding ₹1 crore ($120,000) due to its 500-carat ruby embellishments. A couple of great movies could be produced within the budget of her accessories. Deepika Padukone, another L'Oréal ambassador, has also prioritized Cannes' glamour over cinematic heft. Her roles in films like Padmaavat or Bajirao Mastani dazzle visually but predictably lack narrative depth, with critics noting their reliance on lavish sets over storytelling. In 2022, as a Cannes jury member, she wore a black and gold sequined Sabyasachi saree, estimated at ₹5-7 lakh ($6,000-$8,400), paired with statement jewelry from Sabyasachi's Bengal Royale Collection, valued at ₹10-15 lakh ($12,000-$18,000). Her red Louis Vuitton gown that year, with a plunging neckline and short train, was priced around $20,000-$30,000, with a diamond necklace adding $15,000-$25,000. Her 2018 fuchsia Ashi Studio gown cost approximately $15,000 to $25,000. These queenly ensembles contrast sharply with her film choices, like Gehraiyaan, which was panned for its shallow emotional core. Sonam Kapoor, known for her fashion-forward image, has starred in instantly forgettable films like Players or Mausam, yet her Cannes appearances are meticulously curated. In 2018, she wore a custom Ralph & Russo lehenga, estimated at ₹20-25 lakh ($24,000-$30,000), with Chopard jewelry valued at $50,000-$80,000. Her 2017 baby pink Elie Saab gown, styled with chandelier earrings by Kalyan Jewels, cost around $15,000-$25,000, with accessories adding $10,000-$20,000. Her 2013 gold and white Anamika Khanna saree, paired with a statement nose ring, was priced at ₹8-10 lakh ($9,600-$12,000). These high-cost looks amplify her "fashionista" persona, but films like The Zoya Factor underscore her limited cinematic contribution. Each year, a parade of Indian celebrities descends upon the French Riviera, draped in trailing gowns as long as a mile and tailored tuxedos, posing for paparazzi and flooding social media with carefully curated glamour shots. If only the care that goes into gowns also went into their movies. The problem isn't their 'look at me' entries. Global film festivals thrive on international representation. But the stark disconnect between the mediocrity of our actors back home and the gravitas they attempt to project at Cannes is telling. Bollywood, for all its cultural dominance and massive output—churning out over hundreds of films annually—rarely produces work that stands up to scrutiny. The majority of its mainstream fare is dull and tediously formulaic: melodramatic family sagas, recycled romantic tropes, or action flicks where the hero or the heroine triumphs over loud evil characters in oiled wigs. All of it guarantees ennui. Since we are in a gender-neutral age, consider their Hollywood male cohorts like Brad Pitt or Leonardo De Caprio. Pitt produced 12 Years a Slave, and gave himself a small supporting role. He backed Moonlight and produced The Big Short—movies that tackle complex themes with nuance and ambition. Leonardo DiCaprio's Appian Way Productions delivered The Revenant, The Wolf of Wall Street, and Killers of the Flower Moon, projects that push boundaries in craft and narrative. These stars don't attend festivals just for clout; they're invested in cinema as an art form, using their influence to fund stories that challenge, provoke, or redefine the medium. When they appear at Cannes, it's often tied to a project with weight. Their red-carpet moments are a byproduct, not the purpose. This isn't to say Indian cinema lacks talent or potential. Directors like Anurag Kashyap or Kiran Rao, Payal Kapadia, or Anant Mahadevan have shown what is possible when creativity trumps formula. But the stars who dominate Cannes' red carpet are rarely attached to such projects. The Bollywood industry's occasional gems—like Gully Boy or Tumbbad—rarely match the storytelling depth or technical finesse of global cinema. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, a Cannes regular for over two decades, again, is a case in point. Her filmography, while commercially successful, includes forgettable fare like Jodhaa Akbar or Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, which prioritize spectacle over substance. The counterargument might be that Cannes is a global stage, and Bollywood's presence helps put Indian cinema on the map. Fair enough—visibility matters. But visibility for whom? The films showcased in Cannes' competitive sections are rarely the masala entertainers these stars headline. Instead, it's the low-budget, independent Indian films—often ignored by Bollywood's elite—that occasionally make it to the festival's Un Certain Regard or parallel sections. All That We Imagine As Light is an example. The stars' presence, then, feels like a distraction, drawing attention away from the filmmakers who deserve the spotlight. Their red-carpet antics overshadow the real work of Indian cinema, perpetuating a rather sadly true narrative that Bollywood is all glitz and no substance. If Bollywood stars want to be taken seriously at Cannes, they should take a page from their Hollywood counterparts. Invest in stories that matter. For the price of a gown or two, make a good movie. Champion scripts that challenge conventions. Produce films that can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the best at the festival. Until then, their presence at Cannes will remain what it often feels like: a fashion show masquerading as a cinematic pilgrimage with little to show for it beyond Instagram reels and fleeting headlines on Page 3. (CP Surendran is a poet, novelist and screenplay writer whose latest novel is One Love and the Many Lives of Osip B. He can be reached at cpsurendran@ Views are personal.)
News18
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Pap Shares Story Behind Vicky Kaushal-Katrina Kaif's First 'Spotted' Pic: 'They Were Trying To…'
Last Updated: Katrina Kaif and Vicky Kaushal's first viral photo as a couple was captured at Amritpal Singh Bindra's Diwali bash, reveals paparazzo Manav Manglani. Vicky Kaushal and Katrina Kaif may not have shared screen space, but their off-screen bond has made them one of Bollywood's most loved couples. The pair managed to keep their relationship under wraps for a long time — until one unexpected evening changed that. Celebrity photographer Manav Manglani recently opened up about the very first time the couple was seen together in public, marking a significant moment in their journey. Speaking in a chat with Vishal Malhotra, Manav recalled how his team captured the now-iconic moment during a star-studded Diwali celebration hosted by producer Amritpal Singh Bindra. Sharing the details, he said, 'My team took the first picture of Vicky Kaushal and Katrina Kaif together, getting out of Amritpal Singh's Diwali party. She was wearing a red dress, while he was in a beige kurta-pyjama. As they were trying to figure out where their cars were, my team spotted them. It was only after they saw the cameras that they realised they had already been snapped; and that's when it hit them, they had been seen together publicly for the first time. That photo went viral, and how." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Manav Manglani (@ At the time, there had been speculation about the two being more than just friends. Still, the couple had made no official appearances together. That one moment — as casual and unplanned as it was — became the first visual confirmation of their relationship for fans and the media alike. The photo, according to Manav, became an instant internet sensation and went viral, fuelling the romance rumours that would eventually be confirmed when the couple tied the knot in a private ceremony. Vicky Kaushal-Katrina Kaif Wedding Katrina Kaif and Vicky Kaushal's wedding, held in December 2021, was a spectacular blend of tradition, elegance, and privacy. The couple tied the knot at the majestic Six Senses Fort Barwara in Rajasthan, a 14th-century fort-turned-luxury resort that served as the perfect royal backdrop. Katrina wore a stunning red Sabyasachi lehenga, while Vicky complemented her in an ivory silk sherwani. Their pre-wedding festivities included a Mehendi ceremony and a grand Sangeet. The couple began their celebrations with a small ceremony in Mumbai before hosting close friends and family in Rajasthan. First Published:
Indian Express
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
28 permits, Rs 55 lakh: All it took a couple to shut down Wall Street for wedding baraat
In a display of big fat Indian wedding grandeur, Varun Navani and Amanda Soll reportedly spent up to Rs 55 lakh to shut down Wall Street for their extravagant baraat, giving Lower Manhattan a taste of vibrant desi celebration. According to city records accessed by the New York Post, the couple filed 28 permits and paid between Rs 21 lakh and Rs 56 lakh ($25,000–$66,000) per location to make their dream baraat a reality. A viral video shared by DJ AJ, who performed at the event, shows hundreds dancing to dhol beats and music amid Manhattan's iconic skyline. 'We shut down Wall Street for a 400-person baraat—who would've ever thought? Definitely a once-in-a-lifetime kind of magic,' the DJ captioned the clip, which has garnered over 2 million views. WATCH HERE: A post shared by DJ AJ (@djajmumbai) Another video on Instagram posted by Saloni Mehta, one of the guests at the big fat wedding, wrote, 'Shutting down Wall Street for Baraat, still wrapping my head around it! This wasn't just a celebration, it was history in the making. One of the craziest, most surreal moments of my life and that they are officially married.' A post shared by Saloni Mehta | YourStyleWarder (@yourstylewarder) The couple, based in Boston, kicked off their wedding festivities on May 23 at the Conrad hotel, followed by a Sangeet at The Glasshouse. Navani, CEO of AI platform Rolai, wore a regal sherwani layered with pearl necklaces, while Soll, director of legal compliance at MasterCard, stunned in a deep red Sabyasachi lehenga. The celebrations continued on May 24 with a brunch and reception, and concluded on May 25 with a Jewish wedding ceremony at Cipriani, followed by an after-party at Slate. Over the years, big fat Indian weddings have become a cultural spectacle.
NDTV
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Couple Paid Up To Rs 56 Lakh For Each Of 28 Spots Booked For Wall Street 'Baraat'
Varun Navani and Amanda Soll's extravagant baraat shut down Wall Street and gave New York a taste of a colourful Indian wedding celebrations. The couple filed for as many as 28 permits to make this possible for their big day, as per the city records viewed by the New York Post. Mr Navani and Ms Soll spent between $25,000 (Rs 21 lakh) and $66,000 (Rs 56 lakh) per location to shut down Wall Street for the special occasion. A video of the grand Indian wedding celebration was shared on Instagram by DJ AJ. "We shut down Wall Street for a 400-person baraat- who would've ever thought? Definitely a once-in-a-lifetime kind of magic," the DJ wrote. View this post on Instagram A post shared by DJ AJ (@djajmumbai) In the video, which has garnered over 2 million views so far, people, dressed in their traditional best, are seen grooving to the peppy beats of dhol and electrifying music. Who Are Varun Navani And Amanda Soll? According to their LinkedIn profiles, Mr Navani is the CEO of Artificial Intelligence platform Rolai, while Ms Soll is the director of legal compliance and risk management at MasterCard. The couple hails from Boston, Massachusetts. As per their wedding page on The Knot, the couple's wedding festivities kicked off on May 23 at the Conrad hotel. This was followed by a Sangeet ceremony at The Glasshouse. On May 24, the celebrations started with brunch and tea at the Conrad. The couple also hosted a reception for their guests. For the big day, Mr Navani picked a finely tailored sherwani, layered with pearl necklaces. Meanwhile, his bride looked stunning in a deep red Sabyasachi lehenga. Another round of breakfast was organised by the couple on May 25 before their Jewish wedding. It was held at Cipriani, followed by an after-party at Slate.
