Dad Yograj hates ‘fizool kharch’, says will keep marriage a simple affair and that it has nothing to do with demonetization setback
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; November 24, 2016)

Former sportsman, now an actor, but best known as star- cricketer Yuvraj Singh’s dad, Yograj Singh, is obviously on cloud nine as his son is set to tie the knot with girlfriend Hazel Keech on November 29 in Chandigarh.

Says the proud father, “I am happy that these kids have chosen the right time to get married. They are both happy, beautiful people who compliment each other. For us, Hazel is coming in as the eldest daughter of the family. Her bond with Yuvi’s younger siblings is spectacular. She is a second mother to the kids. Marriage is just an official label. For us, she has been part of our family for the last one year.”

Though unwilling to give out too many details, he does reveal that Yuvraj and Hazel had always fancied a simple wedding. A demonetization reference is inevitable, since it seems to have wreaked havoc at quite a few Indian weddings this season. Has it affected his son’s celebration too? Yograj says, “Demonetization has hit primarily those who have black money. It would’ve pinched us if we were doing something grand. We, as a family, have always believed in simplicity. In a country where a majority of the population lives in abject poverty, people should spend reasonably at weddings. It is better to make donations to charitable organisations on your wedding day, instead of wasting large amounts on lavish parties.”

Yograj says “Yuvraj does not want to do ‘fizool kharch’. The wedding will see a small number of 60 guests, which includes his son’s close friends, family and colleagues from the Indian cricket team. “We are holding the sangeet, mehendi and reception on the same day, followed by a gurudwara shaadi, after which we will take Hazel for ‘darshan’ of our guru Baba Deep Singh Ji.”

Though Yograj, himself divorced from Yuvraj’s mom, Shabnam, has no pearls of wisdom to offer his son, he hopes that Yuvraj builds a wall around his relationship with Hazel. “Marriage is about two people and there should be no scope for a third person. Relatives destroy relationships and I want these kids to know that they don’t have to let anyone have access to what they share. Hazel is a mature girl. She has grown up in a joint family, and all she wants from us is love. I was recently hospitalised, and she and Yuvraj were by my side all week. My family finally looks complete with Hazel!”