Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma gear up for reception in Mumbai

Mumbai: It’s been no less than an absolute fairytale, when it comes to cricketer Virat Kohli and actress Anushka Sharma’s grand wedding. In fact, it’s now being termed as the wedding of the year. The couple tied the knot earlier this month in a hush-hush ceremony in Tuscany, Italy. Tight-lipped till the last second, the decadence and the exquisiteness of their Italian nuptials tumbled out the very day.

Their reception in New Delhi on December 21 too had the hallmark of royalty and elegance, what with Anushka reprising her bridal look in a rich, red Sabyasachi Benarasi saree. And now, the couple which landed in Mumbai on Friday, is gearing up for the grand finale — the Mumbai reception. The grand event is set to host Anushka’s pals from the film industry, as well as Virat’s friends from the world of cricket. The reception will be held at the plush St. Regis in Lower Parel.

A source close to the preparations reveals that the ballroom has been booked for the reception. “Virat and Anushka’s families and friends have been invited to the Astor Ballroom, which can seat about 300 guests. In fact, the whole of eighth and ninth floor have been booked and blocked out for the couple, which will ensure their, as well as their families’ privacy,” says the source, assuring us that a few extra rooms have also been kept on standby for the wedding party, given the number of guests in mind.

What’s more, Anushka is reportedly going to make this event a hat-trick for her favourite, Sabyasachi. The couple’s carefully crafted clothes have been the talk of the town since the wedding, and the bride is set to make sure she’ll have them talking about her outfits for a long, long time. After her pink lehenga and scorching red saree, Anushka will reportedly wear a velvet lehenga, bathed in royal blue. Sources reveal that the jewellery, quite like the last two times, will be designed by Sabysachi, yet again.

Anushka and Virat’s invitation card mentions that the celebrations are set to start at 8.30 pm. After Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally arrived to wish the couple in Delhi, Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis is reportedly set to make an appearance here in Mumbai. The star-studded guest list will include the who’s who of the film industry too. Anushka, who has worked with all the three Khans, Salman, Shah Rukh and Aamir, has invited them to the party. Besides them, Varun Dhawan, Priyanka Chopra, Ranbir Kapoor, Ranveer Singh and Akshay Kumar are expected to be present at the do.

Virat’s pals from the Indian cricket team are also set to attend the reception. Sources, however, say that the visiting Sri Lankan side, which played India, recently, won’t be able to make it for the reception, as they’re heading back home. A lavish spread for the visiting guests will be in place, with about 200 different dishes available, including Punjabi and Italian cuisine. The couple will reportedly head straight to their sprawling Worli apartment after the reception, instead of staying put in the hotel.