Avika Gor Marries IIM Graduate Milind Chandwani on TV Set

When Avika Gor, the actress who grew up as “Anandi” on Balika Vadhu, walked down the aisle beside Milind Chandwani, an IIM Ahmedabad graduate and associate director of product at Kuku FM, millions of fans across India tuned in. The ceremony unfolded on Pati Patni Aur PangaMumbai on September 30, 2025, turning a reality‑show set into a glittering wedding venue. The couple, together for five years, chose a televised celebration to thank the audience that has followed Gor’s journey from a child star to a household name. That decision, she said, was about sharing the joy with the people who “have been an important part of my journey.”

How the love story began

It all started in Hyderabad back in 2020, when a mutual friend introduced the two at a tech conference. Gor, then filming the later seasons of Sasural Simar Ka, was drawn to Chandwani’s calm demeanor—a stark contrast to her own “filmy” personality. “He asked… I smiled, I cried (in that order)… and screamed the easiest YES of my life,” Gor wrote on Instagram when he proposed in June 2025. The post, peppered with references to background scores and mascara‑running drama, quickly went viral, earning over 3 million likes.

Pre‑wedding rituals: From temple to haldi

Before the cameras rolled, the couple sought blessings at Siddhivinayak Temple in Mumbai—a customary stop for many Indian celebrities. The temple’s marble steps echoed with prayers for a smooth marriage, and Chandwani reportedly offered a modest donation to the temple’s charitable fund.

Five days later, on September 25, 2025, the wedding’s haldi ceremony took place on the same reality‑show set. Family members smeared turmeric paste on the bride and groom, a ritual meant to cleanse and beautify. The camera crew captured moments of laughter as Chandwani’s friends—some from his “Roadies” days—playfully smeared extra yellow on the bride’s cheek.

The big day: A blend of Gujarati and Sindhi traditions

When the curtain rose on the main ceremony, Gor was a vision in a traditional red lehenga embroidered with delicate gold thread and complemented by emerald jewelry—a nod to Chandwani’s favorite gemstone. He, meanwhile, wore a regal gold sherwani trimmed in emerald, matching his bride’s accessories. The décor fused Gujarati bandhani drapes with Sindhi folk motifs, reflecting the couple’s cultural roots.

Music swelled, and a live band played a medley of Gujarati garba and Sindhi folk songs, prompting guests to dance in coordinated outfits. The highlight? A surprise performance by comedian Sudesh Lehri and his wife Mamta, who arrived in synchronized royal‑blue ensembles and delivered a comedic routine about married life that had the audience in stitches.

Celebrities and fans: A star‑studded audience

The guest list read like a who’s‑who of Indian television. Hina Khan, who herself married on a reality show a few years back, arrived with a bouquet of red roses. Rubina Dilaik, Gurmeet Choudhary, and Debina Bonnerjee shared heartfelt toasts, each reminiscing about on‑set camaraderie with Gor. Even veteran choreographer Farah Khan made a cameo, offering a quick dance lesson that the couple attempted—with mixed results.

Fans on social media flooded the platform with hashtags like #AvikaMilindWedding and #FromAnandiToBride. Within hours, the ceremony’s highlight reel amassed over 15 million views on YouTube, proving that the televised wedding achieved its goal: letting the audience be part of the celebration.

Milind Chandwani: From IIM graduate to social entrepreneur

While the wedding stole headlines, Chandwani’s own résumé is worth a closer look. He earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Dayananda Sagar College in Bengaluru before cracking the competitive entrance exam for IIM Ahmedabad. After a stint at a leading tech startup, he joined Kuku FM as associate director of product, overseeing the platform’s expansion into regional languages.

Beyond the corporate world, Chandwani founded the NGO Camp Diaries, which provides educational resources to children in remote villages. In a recent interview, he said, “Building products that reach the masses and giving kids a chance to learn are two sides of the same coin for me.” His blend of tech acumen and social commitment adds a layer of depth to the glamorous wedding narrative.

Why a televised wedding matters

Marrying on a reality‑show set is more than a publicity stunt; it signals a shift in how Indian celebrities engage with their audiences. Historically, Indian weddings were private affairs, even for the famous. In the last decade, however, we’ve seen a rise in televised nuptials—think of Huma Qureshi and Shahid Kapoor’s lavish ceremony broadcast on a sports channel. The trend reflects a democratizing impulse: fans want to share in the milestones of the stars they adore.

Industry analysts note that such events boost viewership ratings and create lucrative brand partnership opportunities. For the network behind Pati Patni Aur Panga, the wedding generated a 27 % spike in prime‑time ratings, translating into higher ad revenues for sponsors ranging from jewellery brands to streaming services.

What’s next for the couple?

Post‑wedding, Gor hinted at upcoming projects, mentioning a possible Bollywood debut and a short‑film collaboration with Chandwani’s NGO. “We’ll keep mixing drama with purpose,” she smiled during a post‑wedding interview. Chandwani, meanwhile, plans to roll out a new educational podcast on Kuku FM, aimed at rural youth—a venture that could benefit from Gor’s star power.

Fans can look forward to a honeymoon that’s as unconventional as the ceremony itself: the pair booked a private charter to explore the heritage sites of Gujarat, blending travel vlogging with social advocacy.