Smriti Mandhana’s much-anticipated wedding in Sangli was derailed by two sudden medical emergencies within a span of 24 hours, leaving both families shaken.
The India opener, who recently won the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 and was second leading run scorer with 434 runs, had been celebrating with her family in her hometown when her father, Shrinivas Mandhana, developed heart attack–like symptoms on Sunday. An ambulance reached the venue immediately and he was taken to Sarvhit Hospital and Medical Research Centre, bringing the ongoing festivities to a complete halt.
Doctors later clarified that the symptoms were likely triggered by “physical or mental stress” brought on by the hectic preparations. The medical team led by Dr. Naman Shah monitored his progress and indicated that he could be discharged if recovery continued steadily.
While the Mandhana family was still coming to terms with the scare, another unexpected crisis followed. Smriti’s fiancé, music composer Palaash Muchhal, who had been actively participating in the events, also had to be taken to a private hospital after feeling sudden discomfort. The situation initially caused alarm, however, doctors later confirmed that Palaash was suffering from a viral infection along with increased acidity. After receiving treatment, he was discharged and moved back to his hotel before later returning to Mumbai for rest.
His mother, Amita Muchhal, explained how emotionally affected he was by Mr. Mandhana’s condition and how close the two were, “Palaash is extremely attached to Smriti’s father… The two of them are even closer than Smriti is with him. When he fell ill, it was Palaash, before Smriti, who decided that they should not go ahead with the wedding rituals until he gets better.”
She recalled how overwhelmed he became during the episode, “He cried so much that his health suddenly deteriorated. They kept him in the hospital for four hours. He was given an IV drip, an ECG was done, and other tests were carried out. Everything came back normal, but he is under a lot of stress.”
She also described how his health deteriorated shortly after a moment of celebration, “A day earlier, he had been dancing a lot. He was extremely happy, even posting Stories on Instagram. But later, while we were planning the baraat procession, he started feeling discomfort. At first, he didn’t say anything, but when it worsened, we called an ambulance.”
With both families dealing with simultaneous medical emergencies, Smriti and Palaash jointly decided to postpone their wedding. The ceremony had been scheduled for November 23 in Sangli, following Palaash’s proposal at DY Patil Stadium after India’s historic World Cup triumph. The couple, who have been together for several years, are now focused on recovery within the family before choosing a new date.
Fortunately, Mr. Mandhana is now recovering well, and Palaash’s condition has stabilised. Once both are fully healthy, the wedding will be rescheduled.
(Quotes sourced from the Hindustan Times)
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