Karishma Tanna Bangera on her love language, finding the right bridal lehenga, and more

“Never stop dating and be best friends,” says Karishma Tanna Bangera upon being asked what the best piece of relationship advice she received was. Tanna-Bangera found her lifelong companion in Mumbai-based businessman, Varun Bangera. Their wedding was the perfect balance of grand and intimate with just their closest friends and family in attendance. Set against the gorgeous backdrop of the Arabian Sea, Tanna and Bangera tied the knot on February 5, 2022, at Taj Lands End in Mumbai.

The wedding took place under the tranquillity of the sunset sky and the sindoor ceremony was celebrated with fireworks. After nuptials that looked straight out of Pinterest, Tanna-Bangera danced her heart out, with her husband and other loved ones, at the reception. Tanna-Bangera lived through, what we can safely say, is most millennials’ dream wedding.

Even though the wedding guest list was limited, the couple got immense love and good wishes from people who became a part of their celebrations through their social media posts. Known for her immaculate sense of style, Tanna-Bangera looked stunning, not just during her wedding but also during the pre-wedding festivities. A quintessential modern Indian bride, she kept things minimal and chic. She picked a strappy white and gold kurta set from Sukriti and Aakriti for her haldi, a stunning yellow bandhani lehenga by Punit Balana for her mehendi, and for her wedding, she ditched the traditional red and opted for an embellished powder pink lehenga by Falguni Shane Peacock. 

As we look back at Tanna-Bangera's modern fairytale wedding, it makes us think about the beauty of finding true love that culminates into a lasting bond. But marriage is a lot more than having a magnificent wedding. It requires love, understanding, wisdom, and a lot more. They say the first year of marriage can be crucial as couples try to navigate through both the beauty and complications of a commitment that big. 

In conversation with Brides Today, Tanna-Bangera talks about her love language, her conflict style, and the journey she embarked on to find her dream lehenga.

Brides Today (BT): What is your definition of love?

Karishma Tanna Bangera (KTB): My definition of love has evolved over the years. Earlier, it used to be about passion and excitement. Now, it's more about understanding, support, and a deep emotional connection.

BT: What is your primary love language and why?

KTB: My primary love language is words of affirmation. I appreciate verbal expressions of love and appreciation because they make me feel valued and cherished.

BT: Do you believe in soulmates and love at first sight?

KTB: I do believe in soulmates, but I'm not sure about love at first sight. I think it's possible to have a strong connection with someone right away, but true love often develops and deepens over time.

BT: It’s been a year since your wedding; tell us about it.

KTB: Our wedding was a dream come true. It was an intimate ceremony with close family and friends at a beautiful destination. Everything felt magical, and I'll cherish those memories forever. I keep telling my husband, let’s get married again!

BT: How did you know Varun was the one you wanted to spend the rest of your life with?

KTB: Varun truly understands and accepts me for who I am. We share common values and have a strong emotional bond that made me realise he was the one I wanted to spend my life with.

BT: What according to you is the secret to a happy marriage?

KTB: In my opinion, the secret to a happy marriage is communication, patience, and always making an effort to keep the romance alive. It's about working as a team and supporting each other through thick and thin. 

BT: Tell us about your bridal lehenga. What was your journey to finding the right one?

KTB: Finding my bridal lehenga was like a journey of exploration. I wanted something traditional yet unique, and it took a while to find the perfect one that matched my vision and made me feel like a princess on my special day. There was a time when I wanted to wear dark colours like maroon or red. Then I thought I should wear something pastel-hued. My personality is very dreamy and I feel like I look better in muted and lighter colours. When I finalised my colour palette, I knew my lehenga had to be by Falguni Shane Peacock.

BT: What is your conflict style? How do you manage miscommunications and fights in your relationship?

KTB: We try to avoid yelling at each other, and instead sit down to calmly discuss our differences. We believe in listening to each other's perspectives and finding a middle ground that works for both of us. Also, when I am angry, I like to be quiet but my husband understands that I am upset.

BT: What has being an actor and playing so many characters throughout your career taught you about relationships in real life?

KTB: Playing different characters has taught me empathy and the importance of understanding different points of view. It has fostered better communication.

BT: Your proposal video was adorable. Can you tell us the story behind it?

KTB: Our proposal was a beautiful surprise. Varun planned a thrilling adventure for me. He made me skydive and when I landed, he was on his knees. I was overwhelmed and in tears. It was surreal. It was incredibly sweet!

BT: What is the best piece of relationship advice you received and how do you incorporate that in your marriage?

KTB: The best relationship advice I received is to always prioritise quality time together and to never stop dating each other. We regularly plan special outings and surprises to keep the spark alive in our marriage. Be best friends. That’s the mantra!