Neil & Lizana
Wedding party and reception in Pune, India

Bridal Sari designed by fashion icon, Neeta Lulla

When Breakfast with Belle, anchored by Caribbean Belle’s editor-in-chief, Aliyyah Eniath, and then executive editor, Tanushree Luthra, first aired on WinTv, the theme was all weddings. A simple fashion show was presented, and of course, faces of the freshest models were required. So Lizana Hosein first entered WinTv for a make-up testing and trial. There she came face to face with then WinTv President Neil Prashad. For Neil it was love at first sight. He took beautiful Lizana into his office with our Breakfast with Belle crew and broke into songs of India.

Months later, he met Lizana at a dinner outing, and weeks after that, a casual run-in at another restaurant in Kapok Hotel stirred his heart once more. This time, he had caught the attention of his beloved. It was his birthday after all; he was all dressed in white, surrounded by friends, and though they sat at separate tables, Lizana’s eyes danced with his. The following morning, he was determined to find her. And she, determined to find him. Logs at the television station revealed her number. Neil had his assistant call to summon her to the station. From there, the couple had drinks together, and quickly became friends and confidants. A short while after, they got engaged. In what seemed like a whirlwind romance, they were determined to spend their lives together. Time needn’t be wasted.

Neil promised Lizana a fairytale wedding in India, and after weeks of planning and residing in India, the event came to pass at the Le Meridian Hotel in Pune, as a lavish affair. No expense was spared; every comfort was accommodated.

The wedding was preceded by a mehindi night party for the bride at 104 Bungalow in Sinhagad, Pune. Lights and flowers magnificently accented tall poolside trees, and armchair couches were arranged for each girl as a team of experts mehindi-decorated beautiful hands and feet. All wedding guests joined the after festivities, and enjoyed food and dancing way into the night.

The day of the wedding soon arrived. Neil made a prince-like arrival on horseback, though he admits to being nervous about horseback riding on busy traffic streets. The bride wore a dress designed by famous fashion designer to Bollywood film stars, Neeta Lulla; and Anna Singh outfitted the groom. The groom and male guests wore turbans, as a symbol of honor, celebration and joy; almost like a sacred crown.

The Hindu ceremony took place before the wedding reception, and incorporated various traditions including the exchange of garlands, the sindoor ceremony, the seven steps and the exchange of rings. When the bride and groom take seven steps together around the fire, they make a promise to travel together hand in hand – to be with each other through thick and thin. According to Hindu belief, if two people walk seven steps together, they will remain together for a lifetime.

The sindoor ceremony was most memorable for the couple. This is where the groom places a pinch of sindoor in the bride’s hair, symbolic of eternal life together. In Hinduism the sindoor is also indicative of a married woman.

The reception took place later that evening; the décor theme incorporated two decorative rose hearts, indicating two hearts becoming one. Some of Bollywood’s most celebrated artists were present to perform for the couple and guests, including, Rahul Sharma, Sukhbir, Hariharan and Sivamant. Guests received a gold coin as a token and heartfelt thank you for their well wishes and blessings.

Soon after the couple took off to Kerala (South India) and then to Tobago for their honeymoon. They are hoping to start a family in Tampa, USA, in the near future.

Sukhbir, performing at the reception	Neeta Lulla and Nishka Lulla