They were originally meant to wed in the spiritual district of Tirupati but "logistical issues" led to South Indian superstar Nayanthara and her film director husband Vignesh Shivan tying the knot in the historical city of Mahabalipuram in Tamil Nadu on Thursday.
But on Friday morning, the couple were seen offering their prayers at the Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati, which is located in the neighbouring state of Andhra Pradesh. The temple, which is also popularly known as Tirumala Temple, is more than 1,000 years old, and believed to be the wealthiest temple in India.
In the 2016-17 financial year, the temple declared revenue of 26 billion rupees (Dh1.4bn).
Dressed in a mustard sari paired with striking jewellery Nayanthara smiled for photographers and interacted with worshippers as she held hands with Shivan, who wore white traditional South Indian robes paired with a matching shirt. The temple, which usually receives more than 10,000 visitors a day, was a buzz of activity as the couple performed their rituals.
Popularly referred to as the "lady superstar" of Indian cinema, Nayanthara is one of the biggest actors in South India, known for her work in Tamil, Malayalam and Telugu films. She and Shivan met on the set of his 2015 film Naanum Rowdy Dhaan and began dating soon afterwards.
Scroll through the gallery below to see Nayanthara and Vignesh's star-studded ceremony with Shah Rukh Khan and Rajinikanth
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South Indian star Nayanthara married director Vignesh Shivan in a traditional South Indian ceremony in Mahabalipuram, a historical city in Tamil Nadu. All photos: Instagram / wikkiofficial, unless otherwise specified -
The couple, who met while making the 2015 film 'Naanum Rowdy Dhaan', have been in a relationship for seven years -
Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan and Tamil superstar Rajinikanth joined a host of other celebrities at the wedding, including Kamal Haasan, Chiranjeevi, Suriya, Ajith, Karthi, Vijay Sethupathi and Samantha Ruth Prabhu. -
The bride and groom's outfits were custom-made by Jade, the label by designers Monica Shah and Karishma Swali, known for their use of Indian arts and crafts. -
Shivan wore a veshti, a sarong-like robe wrapped around his waist, paired with a kurta and shawl, handcrafted by Jade. -
Following a pre-wedding mehndi celebration on June 8, Nayanthara and Shivan married in an early morning ritual on June 9 that reportedly began at 8.10am at Four Points by Sheraton Mahabalipuram Resort & Convention Centre. -
Popularly referred to as the 'lady superstar', Nayanthara is one of the biggest actors in South India, known for her work in Tamil, Malayalam and Telugu films. -
Shah Rukh Khan congratulates Nayanthara. -
Shah Rukh Khan shares a light moment with the bride and groom. -
South Indian superstar Rajinikanth greets Nayanthara. Acclaimed director Mani Ratnam can also be seen in the background. -
South Indian actors and couple, Suriya and Jyothika, with the newly-weds. -
Music composer Anirudh hugs the bride Nayanthara. -
The couple with actor Vijay Sethupathi and his wife Jessie. -
Oscar-winning composer A R Rahman with the bride and groom. -
Groom Vignesh Shivan with his mother Meena Kumari. -
The pair only made their relationship Instagram-official in 2021 after Shivan proposed. That year, they also launched their production company Rowdy Pictures. -
Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, right, with film director Atlee, centre, and Khan's manager Pooja Dadlani Gurnani, at the wedding. Photo: Instagram / atlee47 -
South Indian actress Shamlee and Shah Rukh Khan at the wedding. Photo: Instagram / shamlee_official -
Filmmaker Boney Kapoor arrives for the wedding in Mahabalipuram. Photo: Pallav Paliwal -
Rajinikanth at the wedding venue. Photo: Pallav Paliwal -
Television personality and actress Dhivyadharshini. Photo: Pallav Paliwal -
Actor Vasanth Ravi. Photo: Pallav Paliwal -
Actor Karthi. Photo: Pallav Paliwal
They made their relationship Instagram-official in 2021 after Shivan proposed to Nayanthara, and also announced the launch their production company Rowdy Pictures.
Some of the biggest stars in India, including Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan and South Indian idol Rajinikath, attended the wedding at the Four Points by Sheraton Mahabalipuram Resort & Convention Centre. Other major stars on the guest list included actors Kamal Haasan, Chiranjeevi, Suriya, Ajith, Karthi, Vijay Sethupathi and Samantha Ruth Prabhu.
Shivan shared photos of the wedding on Thursday.
"On a scale of 10… She’s Nayan and I'm the one by God’s grace. Just married Nayanthara," he posted.
The couple's outfits were custom-made by Jade, the label by designers Monica Shah and Karishma Swali, known for their use of Indian arts and crafts. Nayanthara wore a handcrafted red sari, with her and Shivan's name embroidered on the border, while Shivan wore a veshti, the sarong-like robe wrapped around his waist, paired with a kurta and shawl.
Hours before the wedding ceremony on Thursday, Shivan posted a tribute to his future wife on Instagram, calling her "My thangamey", which translates to "my gold" in Tamil.
"Today is June 9 and it’s Nayan’s. Thanking God, the universe, the goodwill from all the lovely human beings who have crossed my life. Every good soul, every good moment, every good coincidence, every good blessing, every day at shooting and every prayer that has made life this beautiful," he shared.
"Now, it’s all dedicated to the love of my life! Nayanthara, my thangamey, excited to see you walking up the aisle in a few hours."
A star-studded reception is soon to follow.
The symbolic fashion details from Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor's wedding — in pictures
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Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor after their wedding in Mumbai, on April 14, 2022. All photos: Pallav Paliwal -
The couple outside Vastu, Ranbir Kapoor's home and the wedding venue, after the ceremony. -
The happy couple hold hands after the wedding. -
Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt wave at their fans. -
The couple speak to the media following their wedding. -
Kareena Kapoor Khan, cousin of Ranbir Kapoor, leaving for the wedding. -
Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan leave for the wedding. -
Kareena Kapoor Khan arrives for the mehndi ceremony. -
Karisma Kapoor, Ranbir Kapoor's cousin, arrives for the mehndi ceremony. -
Amitabh Bachchan's daughter Shweta Bachchan is among the guests. -
Alia Bhatt's mother Soni Razdan, in the rear seat, and sister Shaheen Bhatt. -
A general view of the venue.
