US-based billionaire businessman Raju Mantena, also known as the Pharma King has put Udaipur’s Jag Mandir Palace back in the spotlight with his daughter’s wedding. The city is hosting one of the grandest celebrations from November 21 to 24. The main wedding ceremony is set to take place on Sunday, November 23, at the iconic Jag Mandir Palace, located in the middle of Lake Pichola, one of India’s most breathtaking heritage sites.
The high-profile wedding has already captured international attention for its extraordinary guest list and lavish arrangements. Among the prominent international dignitaries, Donald Trump Jr. is in Udaipur and American singer Jennifer Lopez too is set to perform at the grand weeding of Netra Mantena and Vamsi Gadiraju. From Bollywood, actors Ranveer Singh, Shahid Kapoor, Kriti Sanon, are already gracing the festivities. But did you know this isn’t the first time Jag Mandir Palace has hosted a lavish wedding? In fact its rise as one of the most sought-after wedding destination has a Bollywood connection. Read this article to know more about it.
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About Jag Mandir- What makes it special?
Jag Mandir is a palace built on an island in Lake Pichola in Udaipur, Rajasthan. Also known as the “Lake Garden Palace,” it was built by three Maharanas of the Sisodia Rajput dynasty of Mewar. Its Construction began in 1551 under Maharana Amar Singh and was completed by Maharana Jagat Singh I (1628–1652), after whom the palace is named. Jag Mandir was used by the Royal family as a summer retreat and for hosting parties.
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Built in Mughal-style architecture, it is historically significant, as Shah Jahan stayed here in 1623 while rebelling against his father. The towers at the corners of the palace are octagonal in shape and are topped with cupolas. A series of interconnected reception halls, residential suites, and internal courts are built inside the palace. They all are in Rajput and Mughal architectural styles.
Jag Mandir’s journey to Royal wedding fame
Jag Mandir truly came into national spotlight in 2004, when Bollywood actress Raveena Tandon chose the island palace as the main venue for her wedding to film distributor Anil Thadani. Although some ceremonies were held at nearby locations, the central wedding celebrations took place at Jag Mandir, instantly bringing the palace into limelight. This moment marked a major turning point, as it transformed Jag Mandir from a serene historic island palace into one of India’s most sought-after destinations for grand, royal-style weddings.
Other prominent weddings that followed Raveena’s include those of Vikram Chatwal and Priya Sachdev, Niyati Patel (daughter of former Union Minister Praful Patel), billionaire banker Uday Kotak’s son, the UK-based Sethia family, and businessman Sanjay Hinduja’s family. Since then, the palace continues to be a popular choice for couples who look to celebrate their wedding in style.
Who manages Jag Mandir?
In present time, Jag Mandir is managed by the HRH Group of Hotels. They are India's only chain of heritage palace hotels that remain under private ownership. Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar served as the chairman and managing director, until he passed away this year. Now it is managed by Shriji Huzur Dr Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar.