From 126 Dishes To Diamond Heels: Karisma And Sunjay Kapur's Big Fat Wedding's Approximate Cost

The news of industrialist, Sunjay Kapur passing away earlier this month left the nation shocked. Actress, Karisma Kapoor was seen at his funeral, even though the couple had long gone their separate ways. Their children, Samaira and Kiaan, were also present at his final rites. Karisma and kids were joined by members of the Kapoor clan, including Kareena Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan. All of them offered their prayers to the deceased soul.

Karisma and Sunjay’s marriage may have ended nearly a decade ago, but the grandeur of their 2003 wedding is still recalled by many. It was one of the most extravagant affairs of Bollywood in the early 2000s. Here's a breakdown of the estimated cost of the couple's wedding that took place in 2003.

Karisma Kapoor and Sunjay Kapur’s wedding set the tone for the 2000s Bollywood glam

Their marriage ended in 2016, but the legacy of Karisma Kapoor and Sunjay Kapur’s wedding is still remembered for its royal nature. It was hosted at the Kapoor family’s home, RK Cottage (Krishna Raj Bungalow) in Mumbai, on September 29, 2003. Photos from the celebration resurfaced following Sunjay’s passing, reminding the scale at which the wedding was planned.

Estimated budget for Karisma and Sunjay’s wedding

Though no official cost breakdown was ever released, based on the venue, bridal outfit, jewellery, and menu, some pop-culture outlets like BollywoodBubble and industry insiders estimated that the wedding might had a cost of anywhere between Rs. 5 to 8 crores. Adjusted for inflation, it would be approximately Rs. 15-20 crores today. Every detail, from the bride’s lehenga to the lavish menu and floral arrangements, was designed to perfection for the wedding.

Karisma’s bridal look was a pastel lehenga that broke traditions

Karisma  was at the top of her career when she decided to get married. She broke away from the traditional red that dominated the bridal fashion of the time. Karisma Kapoor wore a pink and gold lehenga designed by her close friend and celebrity stylist, Manish Malhotra. The custom piece was valued at around Rs 5-7 lakhs in 2003.

The lehenga featured zari embroidery, sequin detailing, and delicate gota work across the hem and the dupatta. It perfectly reflected Karisma’s elegance. The soft pink colour of the lehenga added a dreamy touch to her bridal aura. The lehnga instantly set a trend among the brides who were looking to break away from traditional colours.

Karisma’s jewellery and diamond heels

Karisma accessorised her wedding day look with a diamond choker set and she layered it with a longer necklace. She wore delicate drop earrings and a maang tikka with floral detail. Golden kaleeras were attached to her bangles, keeping in line with her Punjabi roots. She had reportedly worn golden heels with diamonds encrusted on them. However, it's just a speculation as no information on them was shared.

A feast of 126 dishes and 60 chefs at Karisma and Sunjay’s wedding

If the fashion was breathtaking, the food was no less. The wedding menu featured 126 dishes, including Mughlai, Thai, Italian, Oriental, Indian, and fusion cuisines. The catering team was made up of 60 chefs from Sun ‘n’ Sand Hotel, Mumbai. While no official figures were released, arranging a feast of that scale and complexity, with such huge chef team and premium ingredients, could have cost anywhere between Rs 40 to Rs 60 lakhs at the time.

The venue decor at Karisma and Sunjay’s wedding was a Sheesh Mahal-inspired setup

The RK Cottage was transformed into a dream setting with mogra garlands, chandeliers, and pastel floral decor. The entire home shimmered like a Sheesh Mahal. It would have easily cost reportedly somewhere in the margins of Rs 25-30 lakhs approx at the time. Decorators for the wedding were flown in from Delhi and Mumbai.

The star-studded guest list and security arrangements at Karisma and Sunjay’s wedding

Reportedly over 800 guests were in attendance at Karisma and Sunjay’s wedding. The guest list included big names like Salman Khan, Govinda, Jackie Shroff, and the entire Kapoor family. The event comprised of high-level security, valet services, and media control arrangements. These logistical arrangements added another Rs 10–12 lakhs approx to the wedding budget.

Family drama and fallout of Karisma Kapoor and Sunjay Kapur

Despite the wedding’s grandeur, not everything was okay behind the scenes. Karisma's father, Randhir Kapoor had initially disapproved of the match. In a later interview with the Hindustan Times, he remarked, “We Kapoors didn’t need anyone’s money.” The marriage was celebrated nationwide but faced difficulties. The couple separated after having two children and filed for divorce in 2014, finalising it in 2016. Karisma accused Sunjay of mental and physical harassment, and financial disputes emerged during the divorce.

Karisma and Sunjay’s wedding still inspires to-be brides and grooms

Despite the separation, Karisma and Sunjay’s wedding continues to be an iconic reference within Bollywood. Karisma’s pastel lehenga, soft makeup look, and unconventional bridal choices paved the way for new-age brides. Even today, brides look back at the Kapoor-Kapur wedding for inspiration in fashion, decor, and luxury wedding planning.

At an estimated cost of Rs 5-8 crores, Karisma Kapoor and Sunjay Kapur’s wedding redefined Bollywood weddings in the early 2000s. From a pastel bridal lehenga to 126-dishes, every detail was nothing short of luxury. And while the marriage didn’t last, the wedding remains engraved in the pop culture memory of Bollywood.

Also Read: Alia Bhatt And Kareena Kapoor Fail To Answer A Basic Question About English Alphabet, Netizens React

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