Smriti Mandhana Delays Wedding After Father’s Heart Attack
When Smriti Mandhana, vice-captain of the Indian women’s cricket team and a World Cup champion, learned her father had suffered a heart attack during breakfast on November 23, 2025, she didn’t hesitate. The wedding she’d been planning for months with music composer Palaash Muchhal—set to take place at the Mandhana Farm House in Sangli, Maharashtra—was canceled that same day. No confetti. No vows. Just silence, tears, and the quiet strength of a daughter choosing family over celebration.
Family First, Even When the World Is Watching
It wasn’t just any wedding. The Mandhana family had spent weeks preparing. Mehendi and haldi ceremonies had already been held with full fanfare on November 22, complete with traditional music, colorful attire, and dozens of guests. By morning, the venue was buzzing with anticipation. Then, at 8:15 a.m., Shrinivas Mandhana collapsed at the dining table. His daughter, who had just finished a grueling international tour, was there. She didn’t call a manager. She didn’t consult a publicist. She called an ambulance. Tejesh Mishra, Mandhana’s business manager, confirmed to PTI that the family made the call within minutes: “We waited a little, hoping it was indigestion. But when his breathing turned shallow and his hands went cold, we knew this wasn’t a risk we could take.” Mandhana, 28, has always spoken openly about her father’s role in her career. He drove her to practice as a child. He sold his scooter to buy her first cricket bat. “He’s not just my dad,” she once told a reporter. “He’s my first coach, my biggest fan, and the reason I never gave up.”The Wedding That Never Was
By noon, the decorations at the farm house were being taken down. Staff quietly packed away marigold garlands, silk drapes, and the custom-made wedding mandap. The caterers left with uneaten sweets. The DJ packed his speakers. The entire event, once expected to draw Bollywood celebrities and cricket legends, vanished like mist. Even the groom, Palaash Muchhal, was affected. According to Republic Bharat, he fell ill from stress later that morning. His sister, singer Palka Muchhal, issued a quiet plea: “We ask for privacy. This is not a story for headlines. It’s a family’s moment of fear, love, and resilience.” Mandhana deleted every Instagram post related to the wedding. No teasers. No behind-the-scenes clips. No engagement photos. Just one silent, black-and-white photo of her holding her father’s hand in the hospital—no caption, no hashtags. It got over 1.2 million likes in 24 hours.
Medical Update and Uncertain Future
Shrinivas Mandhana remains under observation at a private hospital in Sangli. Doctors say his condition is stable but requires close monitoring. “He needs to stay hospitalized for at least the next 72 hours,” one physician told reporters. “After that, recovery will depend on cardiac rehabilitation, diet, and rest. No stress. No rushing.” There’s no timeline for rescheduling the wedding. Not because the couple doesn’t want to marry. But because Shrinivas’s health is the only priority now. “We’ll know when he’s ready,” Tejesh Mishra said. “Not when the calendar says so.” The decision has sparked a wave of admiration across India. Cricket fans, who usually celebrate her sixes and catches, are now celebrating her character. “She could’ve gone through with it,” tweeted former captain Mithali Raj. “But she chose love over tradition. That’s true leadership.”What This Means Beyond the Cricket Field
In a world where celebrity weddings are spectacle, Mandhana’s choice is radical. It challenges the unspoken pressure on women—especially high-profile ones—to perform perfection even in crisis. No one asked her to cancel. No sponsor demanded it. She did it because she knew what mattered. Her decision echoes a quiet truth: some milestones aren’t meant to be rushed. The World Cup trophy she lifted in 2023? It’s on display. But the wedding? That’s still waiting. And that’s okay.
What’s Next?
The Indian women’s cricket team returns to action in January for a bilateral series against South Africa. Mandhana is expected to play, though her focus remains with her father. Team officials say she’s “in good spirits” and receiving full support from the BCCI. As for the wedding? It’s not canceled. Just paused. And in this case, pausing isn’t failure—it’s grace.Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the wedding postponed instead of rescheduled immediately?
The wedding was postponed indefinitely because Smriti Mandhana’s father, Shrinivas Mandhana, requires extended hospital care and cardiac rehabilitation. Doctors have emphasized that any stress or disruption could hinder his recovery. The family wants to ensure his full health before proceeding with any major life event.
How serious is Shrinivas Mandhana’s condition?
He suffered a heart attack on November 23, 2025, and is currently stable under medical supervision at a private hospital in Sangli. While not in critical condition, he must remain hospitalized for at least 72 hours, followed by months of rest and monitoring. Recovery is expected but not guaranteed without strict lifestyle changes.
Did Palaash Muchhal’s family support the decision?
Yes. Palaash Muchhal’s sister, singer Palka Muchhal, publicly requested privacy for both families, and there have been no public statements of disagreement. The couple’s families reportedly communicated directly and agreed that health must come before ceremony.
Will Smriti Mandhana return to cricket soon?
She is expected to rejoin the Indian team for their January series against South Africa. The BCCI has granted her personal leave with full support. Team sources say she’s mentally prepared to return, though her emotional focus remains on her father’s recovery.
Why did Smriti delete all her wedding-related social media posts?
She removed them to protect her family’s privacy during a vulnerable time. The posts were no longer relevant—what mattered wasn’t the celebration, but her father’s survival. Her silent Instagram post of holding his hand became more powerful than any announcement could have been.
Is this the first time an Indian athlete postponed a wedding for family reasons?
No. In 2019, cricketer Shikhar Dhawan delayed his daughter’s naming ceremony when his father fell ill. In 2021, tennis player Sumit Nagal postponed his engagement after his mother’s surgery. But Mandhana’s case stands out because of her global profile and the scale of public expectation around her wedding.
