Aamir's knotty affair: Simple and private

It might be touted as the wedding of the year but if you're expecting trumpets and OTT extravaganzas at the Aamir Khan-Kiran Rao nuptials, then think again.

Khan is keeping the celebrations in tandem with his understated ways. The couple has opted for a civil marriage on December 28 to be followed by a very private and low-key three-day party at Panchgani.

"It's more of a New Year's party than a wedding bash. There is a small wedding reception on December 29 at Hotel Il Palazzo. The next two days will be more like a weekend party to usher in the New Year," says a close friend of Khan.

Rao is personally looking after the arrangements. The wedding party on December 29 will have a Qawwali and Sufi poetry session.

"Kiran has invited her friends from Sophia's and Jamia Millia. Her entire family will be present throughout the weekend," discloses a member of the Rao family. The Raos have arranged for a lavish wedding reception on January 2 in Bangalore.

Invitations to Khan's close friends for the Panchgani getaway are being sent via SMS. Ashutosh Gowariker, Rani Mukerji, Bobby Bedi, Kunal Kapoor, Raj Zutshi, Ketan and Deepa Mehta, Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra and Baba and Tanvi Azmi will represent Bollywood. Khan has deliberately kept it a low-key affair. "You've to understand that Aamir is a very private man. This is his second marriage and he doesn't want to be insensitive to his ex-wife Reena and kids, Junaid and Ira," says another close Khan aide. Incidentally, Khan's children will be present in Panchgani.

Post the wedding, Khan will take a small break, after which he will be busy with his next release Rang De Basanti.