Playlist: My Big Fat Indian Wedding
Every Indian wedding has the same songs that rouse aunties and uncles to the dance floor. Here’s the ultimate playlist study guide for those moments — just in case you ever find yourself thrust into the spotlight.
Written by Srija Reddy
Photo courtesy of Dharma Productions
Have you ever seen those cheesy wedding rom-coms? You know, where the couple is freaking out because all their friends are getting married and they have to attend so many parties? Or the girl hires a date for a sister’s wedding, but they end up falling in love? Sure, the endings are filled with love and happiness, but the beginnings are stress-induced montages of shopping, getting ready, and dealing with awkward family.
Now take that awkwardness and multiply it by 50. Instead of buying one outfit, you now need at least three. Instead of your aunt asking you when your wedding will be, you now have your aunt, second cousin, third uncle twice removed, and all their friends gossiping about your love life. And instead of memorizing one speech, you now have to memorize an intricately choreographed dance that you then have to perform for at least 1,000 guests during the Sangeet. Welcome to an Indian wedding.
Of course, beyond the stereotypes, Indian weddings are beautiful celebrations of love and family, and music forms the basis for symbolically connecting two families. This playlist holds songs that remind me of the times I’ve shared with my family on the dance floor. They are memories of my mom forcing me to wear traditional outfits, my cousins and I trying to steal the groom’s shoes, me massaging my feet after I throw off my heels, and my family immediately wishing for another wedding the morning after. Whether you are an Indian wedding veteran, or a novice attending your first, here’s a playlist to commemorate the party.