Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
India’s newly-wed ‘it’ couple bowl SA fans over
Their celebratory mood proves infectious in Mother City
SHE’S still the picture of a blushing bride and he the lovestruck husband – and together, they’ve been charming people around the world.
And now, Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli and his wife, Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma, have South Africans enthralled as their extended honeymoon celebrations touched down in Cape Town and he led the Indian team as their tour of South Africa began.
Still in post-wedding celebratory spirit, the two, affectionately known as “Virushka”, have been snapped dancing on the streets of Cape Town, shopping and touring.
While the regal men in blue and gold are playing the Proteas at the Newlands cricket stadium today, possibly all eyes will be on the new bride, Sharma, who will be cheering from the stands.
Described as the Beckhams of India, the two tied the knot early in December in a private ceremony in Italy.
Sharma was decked out in a pale pink lehenga with Renaissance embroidery, and gold metal, pearls and beads echoing Bollywood glamour much like her famous roles in Phillauri and her first movie with Shahrukh Khan, Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi.
A snowy honeymoon followed in Europe, and thereafter a few whirlwind receptions with India’s high society, including the well-known Bollywood family, the Bachans.
Celebrity watchers have been obsessed with the antics of the couple, including their new penchant for identical social media posts, such as their wedding day posts and images from Cape Town.
Soon after they tied the knot, both tweeted: “Today we have promised each other to be bound in love for ever. We are truly blessed to share the news with you.
“This beautiful day will be made more special with the love and support of our family of fans and well-wishers.
“Thank you for being such an important part of our journey and for the new year.”
They again posted: “Wishing you all a very happy, healthy and prosperous new year. Love and light to all.”
Just this week, Kohli was caught on camera wearing his wedding ring on a necklace during practice sessions, earn- ing him praise for his husband-worthy actions, and when Sharma was spotted shopping at an outlet with a 50% sale, Twitterverse said even a rich Bollywood actress could not help being lured by a sale.
Kohli recently tweeted: “Cape Town is such a beautiful place… and even more beautiful with my one and only,” earning him even more husband brownie points.
According to reports, the two had been dating for several years after becoming good friends when filming a commercial together in 2013, starting the fairytale romance.
Kohli will arrive in Durban just before the team’s one-day international match on February 1, but Sharma was not expected to be part of the crowd because she was expected to be back in Mumbai for the promotion of her latest movie, Pari, set for release next month.