Who needs a Bollywood big fat wedding when Tollywood’s golden boy, Akhil Akkineni, just delivered the most refined celebration of the year? On June 6, 2025, under the nostalgic roof of Annapurna Studios, built by his legendary grandfather, Akkineni Nageswara Rao, the actor tied the knot with entrepreneur and artist Zainab Ravdjee in a ceremony that married old-school charm with understated elegance.Ditching over-the-top theatrics for timeless tradition, Akhil stepped into marital bliss in a classic white shirt and pancha, radiating the quiet confidence of a man rooted in legacy. Meanwhile, Zainab stunned in an ivory silk saree, glimmering with diamond jewellery, looking every bit the modern goddess in a bridal moment that redefined less-is-more sophistication.
The traditional Telugu wedding was a fashion study in restraint and regal simplicity. No couture excess here, just graceful drapes, heritage jewels, and a glowing bride and groom whose chemistry did all the talking.But don’t be fooled, while the styling was minimalist, the guest list was maximalist. It read like the Met Gala of the South: Chiranjeevi, Ram Charan and Upasana, Sobhita Dhulipala, Daggubati Venkatesh, and director Prashant Neel all arrived in full festive flair. Political royalty like Telangana CM Revanth Reddy and Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu were also sent personal invites by hosts Nagarjuna and Amala Akkineni because when an Akkineni gets married, everyone shows up.As for the bride, Zainab Ravdjee is no ordinary “plus-one turned wife.” A perfume alchemist and contemporary artist, she’s carved a chic, creative lane for herself far removed from her family’s construction empire. Her recent exhibit, Reflections, drew a fashionable crowd from Hyderabad to London, and her olfactory creations have earned her cult status among the city’s elite.
From the sacred rituals to the dancing groomsmen to the subtle sparkle of heirloom diamonds, this was a wedding steeped in sentiment, style, and the soft power of restraint. While Akhil may have found his forever, we found our favourite wedding aesthetic of the year: quiet luxury, South Indian style.
Watch this space, if Zainab’s wedding wardrobe is any clue, her post-wedding fashion is about to be a masterclass in new-age Nizami elegance.
