Twinkle Khanna wore casual shorts at her mehndi, reveals surprised celebrity artist

Twinkle Khanna’s Mehndi: The Unconventional Bridal Moment That Surprised Everyone

When it comes to celebrity weddings, most imagine grandeur, elaborate outfits, and closely guarded details. Yet, one of Bollywood’s most iconic couples, Twinkle Khanna and Akshay Kumar, turned this narrative on its head 24 years ago by opting for an understated and truly memorable affair. Bridal mehndi artist Veena Nagda, a well-known name in the industry, recently recalled her surprising experience at Twinkle’s intimate and unconventional mehndi ceremony.

The Secret Wedding: A Lesson in Simplicity

Twinkle Khanna and Akshay Kumar’s wedding wasn’t just a private event—it was a near-total secret. The ceremony, attended by only about 50 guests, stood in stark contrast to the star-studded Bollywood nuptials we see today. What makes this wedding forever etched in Veena Nagda’s memory was not just its intimacy, but the unpredictability and casualness with which Twinkle approached her big day.

The Last-Minute Call That Started It All

Interviewed on the popular YouTube channel Meri Saheli, Veena Nagda reminisced about how she was contacted just a day before the ceremony. Twinkle Khanna herself made the call—a rarity, as most brides of her stature would rely on assistants or wedding planners. What’s more, Twinkle didn’t reveal her own identity, merely stating the service was required for "the bride and ten others." This added to the sense of mystery and surprise that would soon greet the artist upon arrival.

Lost and Found: A Wedding Day with Bollywood Royalty

Things got even more interesting when Veena was given the wrong address, making the experience even more cloak-and-dagger. Eventually, a car arrived at the original location and took her to the correct apartment, where she was greeted warmly at the door by none other than Dimple Kapadia, Twinkle’s mother and a celebrated actress herself. The warm welcome set the tone for what would become an extraordinary session.

‘Isn’t It For a Friend?’: The Mehndi Reveal

Upon entering the apartment, Veena was still under the impression that her services were for a friend of the family. Dimple Kapadia greeted her with a knowing smile, asking if she was surprised by the real circumstances. Twinkle Khanna then walked in, dressed casually in shorts, and browsed through mehndi designs—decidedly not the image of a Bollywood bride on her wedding day. It was only then that Twinkle revealed she herself was the bride and that the ceremony was taking place that very evening.

Veena’s shock stemmed not just from the secrecy, but from Twinkle’s carefree demeanor—the actress was entirely at ease, unbothered by expectations of traditional bridal wear or the elaborate rituals that often precede high-profile weddings. For a nostalgic look at Twinkle Khanna’s minimalist bridal fashion, you can check out this throwback Instagram post highlighting her understated style.

The Race Against the Clock: Mehndi’s Magical Outcome

Adding to the uniqueness of the occasion, time was unusually tight. Veena began applying Twinkle’s bridal mehndi in the morning and finished by 4 PM, with the wedding set for 7 PM. Typically, brides leave mehndi on for several hours (sometimes overnight) to achieve the deepest possible color. Twinkle, however, removed hers just a couple of hours later, between 5 and 6 PM. To everyone’s surprise, the mehndi developed a rich, dark hue by the following day—leading Twinkle to personally call Veena Nagda to express her amazement at the result.

This blend of nonchalance and serendipity made Twinkle Khanna’s wedding memorable—both for herself and for the wedding technician who’s attended hundreds of celebrity ceremonies. The story is now a part of Bollywood folklore, illustrating that sometimes the most magical events are also the least planned.

A Lasting Example of Authenticity

For many, Twinkle Khanna’s approach on her wedding day stands as a refreshing alternative to the lavish, carefully orchestrated weddings now prevalent in the industry. In today’s era, embracing authenticity—whether by choosing minimalist bridal looks or focusing on intimacy over extravagance—has become a subtle trend celebrated by brides and fashion experts alike. For more on how brides are redefining their marriage ceremonies through minimalist style and relaxed attitudes, this Instagram feature explores new-age bridal looks and contemporary mehndi artistry.

Twinkle’s honest, relaxed approach continues to resonate with those who cherish real moments over spectacle, and Veena Nagda’s candid reflections serve as a reminder that Bollywood’s most memorable love stories often unfold quietly, away from the glare of the spotlight. For a further glimpse into Twinkle and Akshay’s life, as well as Dimple Kapadia’s legendary presence, check out in-depth profiles and updates on leading entertainment and news sites such as Times of India’s dedicated sections on Twinkle Khanna and Akshay Kumar.

Twinkle Khanna’s mehndi story is more than a quirky wedding anecdote—it’s a testament to finding joy in simplicity, no matter how famous you are.