The wedding of Indian cricket star Smriti Mandhana and music composer Palash Muchhal turned into a scene of heartbreak on November 23, 2025, when Smriti’s father, Srinivas Mandhana, suffered a sudden heart attack just hours before the ceremony in Sangli, Maharashtra. The event, planned as an intimate afternoon affair at the Mandhana Farm House in Samdol, was indefinitely postponed as the family rushed to prioritize his health. This unexpected twist left the couple, their loved ones, and fans worldwide in a state of shock, highlighting the fragility of life’s joyous moments.
Pre-Wedding Festivities in Full Swing
Leading up to the big day, the celebrations brimmed with energy and color, showcasing Smriti Mandhana’s playful side away from the cricket field. The sangeet ceremony featured emotional performances by teammates like Jemimah Rodrigues and Shreyanka Patil, who danced alongside the bride-to-be, creating viral moments of camaraderie. Smriti and Palash shared a choreographed dance to “Tenu Leke,” with her placing a garland around his neck, while he sang for her, drawing cheers from the intimate gathering of friends, family, and cricketers.
The haldi and mehendi rituals added vibrant hues to the week-long festivities. Dressed in a bright yellow outfit for haldi, Smriti danced with her “team bride,” including Shafali Verma, Renuka Singh Thakur, and Radha Yadav, in a lighthearted cricket match twist between the bride and groom’s sides. For mehendi, she stunned in a purple ensemble, a nod to her team’s iconic purple cap in women’s cricket, blending tradition with her athletic spirit. These events, shared widely on social media, offered fans a glimpse into Smriti’s reserved yet joyful persona.
The Shocking Health Emergency Unfolds
Chaos erupted around 11:30 AM on the wedding day when Srinivas Mandhana experienced severe chest pain and collapsed during breakfast preparations at the venue. Symptoms pointed to a heart attack, prompting an immediate rush to Sarvhit Hospital in Sangli for ICU admission and tests, including ECG and echocardiogram. Doctors noted slightly elevated cardiac enzymes and blood pressure, attributing the episode possibly to the emotional and physical stress of the wedding buildup, though no major blockages were initially detected.
Family’s Emotional Turmoil and Support Network
The Mandhana family, rooted in Sangli—Smriti’s hometown—found themselves navigating hospital corridors instead of wedding halls, with Smriti by her father’s side throughout the ordeal. Teammates like Shreyanka Patil, who joined the pre-wedding fun, rallied around the family, offering quiet strength amid the shock. Palash’s decision to stand firm, even as he dealt with his own health scare, highlighted the couple’s deep commitment, forged since their 2019 meeting and publicly confirmed last year through social media hints like heart emojis and the ‘SM18’ tattoo on his arm.
Srinivas Mandhana’s condition stabilized under close monitoring, with doctors recommending possible angiography and ongoing observation to prevent complications. The family expressed gratitude for the swift medical response and the outpouring of support from cricket circles, including messages from the Indian women’s team. This incident served as a stark reminder of health’s priority over celebrations, as the wedding date remains uncertain pending recovery.
Road to Recovery and Future Plans
As updates emerged, the focus shifted to healing, with Smriti deleting all wedding-related posts from her Instagram, signaling a pause on public sharing. Fans, who had buzzed about the November 23 date since early announcements, poured in messages of hope, reflecting Smriti’s status as a Women’s World Cup champion and vice-captain. The purple-themed elements, from her mehendi attire to team tributes, symbolized resilience, much like her on-field comebacks.
Palash, now recovering in Mumbai, reaffirmed his solidarity, emphasizing family bonds over haste. The couple’s journey, marked by Smriti’s cricket triumphs and Palash’s musical talents, promises a stronger union once the storm passes. For now, prayers for Srinivas’s full recovery unite everyone, turning a day of chaos into one of collective empathy.
