With Ranbir Kapoor-Alia Bhatt’s wedding only a day away, preparation is on in full swing at the RK bungalow in Chembur as well as at the Kapoor and Bhatt residences. Amid all this, on Tuesday, the to-be-bride’s half-brother Rahul Bhatt threw a curveball when he claimed that the shaadi of the year had been postponed to April 20, owing to security concerns. Alia’s paternal uncle Robin Bhatt, however, confirmed to mid-day that the nuptials are lined up on April 14, as per the original plan. 

“I don’t know of any change in the wedding date or of any security issue. I have not been informed about the postponement. As far as I know, their wedding is happening on April 14 as scheduled. It’s definitely not on April 20,” says the writer. 

Over the past few weeks, the wedding has taken centre-stage in tinsel town. The couple’s families have been tight-lipped about it, with even Mahesh Bhatt maintaining an uncharacteristic silence. Happy as he is for the lovebirds, Robin says, “I don’t know why it’s being done quietly. It was Ranbir and Alia’s call. It’s an unusual marriage because the children are taking all the decisions. It is their life, their marriage, and they know their minds. The elders are to [respect] their wishes and give their blessings.”  

The pre-wedding festivities will begin today. While the haldi, mehndi, sangeet and wedding ceremonies will take place at the RK bungalow, a glitzy reception for their industry friends will be held at a suburban five-star hotel later in the week. Kapoor has also booked the banquet hall in Vastu, his Pali Hill residence, for the entire week.

A source close to the family says, “Conflicting dates are being thrown around to avoid media frenzy. The security has been beefed up at Vastu and RK bungalow, and colour-coded wristbands have been given to the staff to ensure no one enters the venues without the necessary permission. Ranbir is an intensely private person, and did not want a destination wedding. Instead, he wanted an intimate affair where his near and dear ones can witness his union with Alia. To avoid the paparazzi, ahead of the wedding, Alia will head to the Bhatts’ farmhouse in Kalote, which is only an hour away from the RK bungalow.”

The wedding guest list is restricted to just over 100, and includes Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Karan Johar and Ayan Mukerji.