Insecure people have larger-than-life weddings: Sakshi Salve

What began as a childhood observation of lavish Indian weddings has resulted in Sakshi Salve's first book. The 32-year-old daughter of prominent lawyer Harish Salve says her book The Big Indian Wedding offers a light-hearted take on what drives wedding ceremonies today, but stops short of taking names to avoid offending anyone. "Most of my observations came from friends' weddings, so I thought it best not to take any names," she says with a laugh. Admitting that she has inherited her analytical and observational skills from her famous father, she says her dad encouraged her to note her experiences at weddings. "He knows the people, the weddings I've written about. But I've made the most fun of myself and my family."

The most fun Salve's had, she says, was at her own sister's 2012 wedding in Goa. "We didn't have a JLo flying down exclusively or hire any Bollywood star to dance. There were about 300 guests — very less by Indian standards. Everything was elegant with a personal touch to it." The author says crowded venues and opulence at weddings are off-putting. "I fail to see the point of wedding functions at a foreign location, with over 2,000 guests and international artistes crooning. It's all about showing off a Rs. 4 crore diamond necklace or expensive designer lehenga. People who host these larger than life weddings are deeply insecure. It's a way for them to prove a point to themselves than others.".