When Smriti Mandhana was supposed to walk down the aisle in her hometown of Sangli on November 23, 2025, she instead sat beside her father’s hospital bed, gripping his hand as monitors beeped steadily in the background. The wedding to music composer Palash Muchhal—planned for weeks, with sangeet and haldi ceremonies already celebrated—vanished overnight. Not because of drama, not because of distance, but because of two heartbeats that suddenly faltered: one belonging to her father, Shriniwas Mandhana, and the other, unexpectedly, to the man she was about to marry.
Heart Pain at the Venue
At 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, November 23, just hours before the wedding ceremony was set to begin, Shriniwas Mandhana clutched his chest in pain. Left-sided, sharp, radiating—classic angina. His son, Smriti’s brother, didn’t hesitate. He called Dr. Naman Shah, the family physician and Director of Sarvhit Hospital and Clinical Research Centre in Sangli. By 2:15 p.m., an ambulance had whisked him away. ECGs showed elevated cardiac enzymes. Blood pressure? Sky-high. "We need to keep him in observation," Dr. Shah told reporters the next day. "If it worsens, we’ll do angiography. Right now, we’re managing stress-induced strain."
Dr. Rohit Thanedar, the cardiologist on call, confirmed no new blockages, but the numbers didn’t lie. Cardiac enzymes were up. Blood pressure stubbornly high. Stress, Dr. Shah suggested, was the likely trigger. "Wedding season in India is exhausting," he said. "Lots of noise, pressure, expectations. For someone his age, it can be a perfect storm."
The Fiancé’s Collapse
But the story didn’t end there.
On Monday, November 24, as Smriti stayed by her father’s side, Palash Muchhal collapsed—not from heart issues, but from heartbreak. "He cried so much that his health suddenly deteriorated," said his mother, Amita Muchhal. "He didn’t leave the house after haldi. He was silent, broken. We had to take him to the hospital for four hours. IV drip, ECG, tests—everything came back normal. But the stress? It was unbearable."
Palash was diagnosed with a viral infection and severe acidity, both exacerbated by emotional overload. He was discharged the same day, flown back to Mumbai with his sister Palak Muchhal by his side. No major organ damage. No life-threatening condition. Just the quiet, invisible toll of grief and helplessness.
"He Has to Be Okay First"
By Tuesday, the decision was final. "Smriti is very clear—she wants her father to be okay first," said Tuhin Mishra, her manager, in a quiet but firm statement to media. "The wedding has been indefinitely postponed. We request privacy."
It wasn’t a delay. Not a rescheduling. Not "next month." Indefinitely. That word carried weight. It meant the wedding wasn’t just paused—it was put on hold until her father’s health was truly, fully stable. And even then, Smriti would need time. Time to breathe. Time to heal. Time to remember that love isn’t measured in invitations or cake tiers, but in presence.
Why This Matters Beyond the Glitter
Smriti Mandhana, 28, isn’t just a cricket star—she’s the face of a generation of Indian women who’ve turned stadiums into sanctuaries of possibility. Since becoming vice-captain in 2022, she’s led India through World Cups, won Player of the Series, and shattered records. But here, in this moment, she wasn’t the athlete. She was the daughter. And she chose her father over the spotlight.
Her choice resonates because it flips the script. In a culture where weddings are grand, mandatory spectacles, Smriti didn’t just postpone an event—she rejected the pressure to perform happiness on schedule. She reminded the world that health isn’t negotiable. That family isn’t a backdrop to celebration—it’s the reason for it.
Meanwhile, Palash Muchhal’s hospitalization adds another layer: emotional labor is real. Men aren’t supposed to break down. But he did. And he was cared for. His mother didn’t shame him. The hospital didn’t dismiss him. That quiet dignity—of a man allowed to be vulnerable—is just as revolutionary as Smriti’s century on the pitch.
What’s Next?
Shriniwas Mandhana remains in the ICU at Sarvhit Hospital, with follow-up tests scheduled. If his enzymes stabilize and blood pressure drops, he may be discharged within days. Angiography remains a possibility, but not a certainty. Palash Muchhal is recovering at home in Mumbai, resting under his family’s care.
As for the wedding? No date. No plans. Just patience. And perhaps, a new kind of beginning—one built not on fireworks, but on healing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the wedding postponed indefinitely instead of just rescheduled?
Smriti Mandhana and her family made it clear that the wedding won’t be rescheduled until her father, Shriniwas Mandhana, is fully recovered and medically stable. With elevated cardiac enzymes and high blood pressure, his condition requires ongoing monitoring, and doctors haven’t ruled out needing angiography. Indefinitely postponing avoids false expectations and allows space for genuine healing, not just logistical rearrangement.
How did stress cause a heart attack-like episode in Shriniwas Mandhana?
Angina pectoris, the condition Shriniwas experienced, occurs when the heart doesn’t get enough oxygen, often due to stress-induced spikes in blood pressure and heart rate. In middle-aged individuals with underlying coronary risks, intense emotional or physical strain—like organizing a high-profile wedding—can trigger it. Dr. Naman Shah confirmed no permanent damage yet, but stress was the primary catalyst, not a pre-existing blockage.
Was Palash Muchhal’s hospitalization serious?
No, Palash Muchhal’s hospitalization was brief and not life-threatening. He was treated for a viral infection and stress-induced acidity, receiving an IV drip and ECG. All tests returned normal, and he was discharged within four hours. His condition was entirely emotional—crying nonstop from anxiety and grief over the wedding’s collapse. His case highlights how mental strain can manifest physically, even in young, otherwise healthy people.
What role did Dr. Naman Shah play in this situation?
Dr. Naman Shah is not just the hospital’s director—he’s the Mandhana family’s long-time physician. He personally responded to the emergency at the wedding venue, dispatched the ambulance, and has overseen Shriniwas Mandhana’s care since admission. His dual role as family doctor and medical authority gave the family trusted guidance during chaos, and his public statements helped clarify the medical facts amid media frenzy.
How has the public reacted to the postponement?
Public reaction has been overwhelmingly supportive. Fans and fellow cricketers praised Smriti’s decision on social media, calling it "human" and "powerful." Many shared stories of their own families prioritizing health over tradition. Even entertainment circles, where weddings are often treated as events, applauded the move. The hashtag #SmritiOverTheWedding trended in India, reflecting a cultural shift toward valuing well-being over spectacle.
Will Smriti Mandhana return to cricket soon?
Smriti has not officially commented on her return to cricket, but sources close to the Indian women’s team indicate she’s expected to rejoin training once her father’s condition stabilizes. The BCCI has granted her compassionate leave, and teammates have publicly expressed support. Given her leadership role and recent form, her return will be closely watched—but for now, her priority remains family, not the field.
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