A high-profile guest at a recent, opulent multi-day wedding celebration in Mumbai has sparked a significant online debate after her choice of attire clashed with deep-rooted cultural traditions.
The event, the wedding of billionaire heir Anant Ambani to Radhika Merchant, was attended by numerous international celebrities. Among them was a well-known American media personality, who attended with her sister. The controversy centers on her decision to wear the color red—specifically, two distinct red ensembles—on separate days of the festivities.
For the initial ceremony, she appeared in a form-fitting, two-piece red lehenga adorned with intricate beadwork and tassels, accessorized with a diamond headpiece. Later, for the final day’s events, she chose another dramatic red outfit, this one featuring a hooded veil and detailed braiding, paired with an emerald headpiece.
While the looks were undoubtedly bold, they drew immediate criticism on social media. In Indian culture, red is a sacred color, particularly at weddings, where it is traditionally reserved for the bride. It symbolizes love, commitment, prosperity, and auspicious beginnings. For a guest to wear it is widely considered a major faux pas, akin to wearing white to a Western wedding.
Cultural experts and event planners have long advised that guests should avoid red out of respect for this tradition. Social media commentary reflected this view, with many users pointing out the inappropriateness of the choice. “Guests should try to avoid wearing red, since the bride typically wears red,” is standard advice, one commentator noted, echoing the sentiment of countless others who called the outfits “distasteful” and “inappropriate.”
Further critique was aimed at a subsequent social media post where the celebrity was seen wearing a tika (a forehead marking) with a revealing top, which some followers felt was a dissonant pairing with the sacred symbol.
The incident has highlighted the delicate balance between personal style and cultural sensitivity, especially at significant events steeped in tradition. It serves as a reminder that global celebrities, when attending culturally specific celebrations, are often held to a high standard of awareness and respect for local customs. The online reaction underscores that even the most glamorous fashion statements can be overshadowed by a perceived breach of protocol.
