You’d always imagine a best man or bridesmaid being an inherent part of your wedding, someone who’s your anchor, comfort and guiding force. In Anushka Pandit’s case, that came in the way of her sitar. The ex-teacher from Raipur who tied the knot this June, loves playing the instrument, so much so that she brought it to her wedding and gave family and friends an impromptu performance all dressed in her bridal finery. As videos and pictures of this surfaced, her wedding-day rendition went viral, with appreciation for it coming from everywhere!
While matches are made in heaven, clearly, classical music also had its way with the couple—while she's a sitar player and comes from musical heritage—he is a businessman with no music background, but he grew to love it. And on D-Day, she much to everyone's delight, she surprised everyone present with her performance. For Anushka, nothing could come close to being on stage with her instrument as she declares: “The sitar helps me manifest my authentic self.”
We chatted with the new bride about the completely unexpected moment, how being a bride and a musician existed together naturally for her and the fun that took place in their two-day wedding in Gurugram.
Manifest (M): What inspired you to play the sitar at your own wedding, rather than simply being a bride enjoying the celebrations?
Anushka Pandit (AP): Honestly, it wasn't planned at all. I knew I would be wearing a heavy lehenga, chooda, kaleeras, and even nail extensions, so playing the sitar was the last thing on my mind that day. The band performing at my wedding was actually my own musical family—I am a part of that group, and all the members are my close friends.
As soon as I entered, they suddenly announced, “Anushka is here, and she is going to play with us!” The audience started applauding, and before I knew it, everyone was cheering for me to join them on stage. I really had no option except to pick up the sitar and play.
What began as a completely unexpected moment turned into one of the most beautiful memories of my life. Looking back, I feel that some moments are simply meant to happen, and this was definitely one of them.
M: How many days was the wedding for and what were the different functions?
AP: Our wedding celebrations lasted for two wonderful days. The first day included Mandap Pujan, Haldi, Mehendi, Engagement, and a Cocktail evening. The second day was dedicated to the wedding ceremony itself.
Every function carried its own emotions and memories. The decor was beautiful with my favourite flowers around and like every bride, I looked forward to each celebration. But what made it special was the love, laughter, and togetherness that filled every moment. Each event gave me a memory that I will cherish forever.
M: Can you describe the moment you decided that music would be an active part of your wedding experience?
AP: Music was always going to be a part of our wedding. Being a musician, I couldn't imagine celebrating such an important occasion without music. We had invited several musical groups and performances for different functions.
However, my own performance was never planned. When my friends called me to the stage, I first looked towards my parents and my in-laws for permission. Everyone enthusiastically encouraged me to go. Their excitement gave me confidence.
The moment I sat down with my sitar and began playing my favorite dhun, I felt completely at home. I have performed on countless stages throughout my life, but that stage was different. It wasn't just a performance—it was a moment where my personal and musical worlds came together. It remains the most memorable performance of my life.
M: What piece or raga did you choose to perform, and why was it meaningful for the occasion?
AP: I did not perform a classical raga because I wanted everyone present to connect with the music. Instead, I chose the devotional composition ‘Shiv Kailashon Ke Vaasi’, which is also popularly performed by Rishab Rikhiram Sharma. Lord Shiva has always held a special place in my heart, and I felt that my wedding day was the perfect occasion to offer my music in devotion. It is one of my favourite compositions, and playing it made the moment even more meaningful.
M: How did it feel to transition between being the artist and the bride on the same day?
AP: I never really saw it as a transition. Being a bride was a beautiful experience, but being a musician is a part of who I am. No matter what role life gives me, music will always remain my identity. On that day, I simply enjoyed every moment as both. The bride and the musician existed together very naturally.
M: What emotions surfaced while playing in front of your family, friends, and partner during such a personal milestone? How did your family and partner react to your decision to perform?
AP: I come from a family deeply connected with music. Since childhood, music has been a natural part of my surroundings. My family always encouraged me to pursue music and supported every step of my journey.
I feel incredibly blessed because after marriage I received the same encouragement from my in-laws. They value my music, motivate me to practice, and genuinely want me to continue growing as an artist.
While I was playing, I felt gratitude more than anything else. My husband was standing right in front of the stage, cheering for me with the biggest smile. Seeing him so happy made the moment even more emotional and special.
M: What were the other traditions in your wedding?
AP: Our wedding was celebrated over two days at Orsom Stays, Sector 53, Gurugram. The celebrations included Mandap Pujan, Haldi, Mehendi, Engagement, Cocktail, and the Wedding ceremony. While all the traditional rituals were important, what made them truly memorable was celebrating them with our families and loved ones.
M: How did you and your husband meet, and is he also fond of music?
AP: It is actually a very interesting story. My husband is a businessman, while I am a musician, so on paper we belonged to completely different worlds.
My sister, Reshma Pandit, who is a tabla player, was performing in Raipur. My husband happened to attend that concert with a friend. At that time, he wasn't particularly interested in classical music. I was also present there, and that is where we first met.
We later connected on social media, became friends, and gradually got to know each other. Over time, he developed a deep appreciation for classical music. Today, he is one of my biggest supporters and always encourages me to aim higher and grow as an artist. Looking back, it truly feels like a beautiful plan designed by God.
M: Do you feel that the sitar helps you manifest your authentic self?
AP: Absolutely.
As a child, I dreamed of becoming a doctor, but life had different plans for me. Over the years, I have worn many hats. I have worked as a senior secondary Economics teacher for Classes 11 and 12, been associated with Doordarshan and Akashvani as an anchor, and continued my journey as a performer.
While I am grateful for every role I have played, the identity that feels closest to my heart is that of a sitar player. Whenever someone asks me who I am, I naturally introduce myself as a musician.
The sitar is much more than an instrument to me—it is my voice, my comfort, and my way of expressing emotions beyond words. Through it, I feel most connected to my authentic self. Looking back, becoming a sitar player was never part of my original plan, but perhaps it was always God's plan for me, and I am grateful that music chose me.