Bollywood influences Kerala weddings

Bollywood influences Kerala weddings

Malayalis are taking marriage festivities a step further by adding choreographed dance sequences and even skits revolving around the bride and the groom as part of the celebration

Manu Vipin

AMalayali wedding is evolving with the passing of time with many North Indian influences creeping into it. The mehendi ceremony, which takes place just before the wedding, was quite unheard of in this part of the country until recently. However, things are changing, and now Malayalis have taken the festivities a step further by adding choreographed dance sequences and even skits as part of the celebration.
"Wedding choreography is a hit these days. There is usually a dance performance or a short skit, which will include the song and dance routine put up by the family members," says Vinu John, a Chennai-based choreographer, who has helped choreograph several such weddings in Kerala.
He says, for a recent wedding, he trained the family members between the age group of six and 60 for over 10 days. "The theme revolved around the bride and the groom, how they met and even depicted a part of their future. It was performed during a cocktail function organised just before the wedding for a select few family members. The crowd thoroughly enjoyed the show," says Vinu.
Ram Menon of an event management firm in Kochi, says, "Apart from the entertainment value, it is a time for family members to bond. It is mostly NRI Malayalis and those exposed to other cultures who incorporate such events as part of a wedding."
However, choreographer Aparna Gopinath adds, "Even localities hire dance choreographers to make their celebrations 'trendy.' People no longer shy away from extravagant weddings, irrespective of caste and creed," says Aparna, who has a series of wedding choreographies lined up during the upcoming Onam season.
manu.vipin@timesgroup.co

NORTH MEETS SOUTH: Movies like Band Baaja Baarat have influenced many a Kerala wedding