Screengrabs taken from YouTube video uploaded by British Movietone
There is relatively little documentation of Rajiv Gandhi's 1968 nuptials to Sonia Maino that has been made public, which is why this silent, black-and-white video from the archives of the Associated Press is a fascinating glimpse into what must have been the wedding of the year. The clip shows the couple exchanging garlands and signing official documents, surrounded by family and several important political figures of the time.
In the video, uploaded by British Movietone on YouTube back in July, 23-year-old Rajiv and 21-year-old Sonia are married in a civil ceremony, he in a bandhgala and safa, she in a sari, reported to have been pink. They also cut a tiered wedding cake. Those present include Rajiv's mother Indira Gandhi who was Prime Minister at the time, President Zakir Hussain, the groom's brother Sanjay, aunt Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit, and the bride's family, minus her father who did not attend.
The wedding is believed to have been held in the garden of Indira Gandhi's residence at 1, Safdarjung Road in New Delhi. There is also footage from the reception, held later at Hyderabad House.
Sonia and Rajiv Gandhi, who met in Cambridge, were married 23 years and had two children together. Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated in 1991.
The video makes for a beautiful watch. Take a look:
In the video, uploaded by British Movietone on YouTube back in July, 23-year-old Rajiv and 21-year-old Sonia are married in a civil ceremony, he in a bandhgala and safa, she in a sari, reported to have been pink. They also cut a tiered wedding cake. Those present include Rajiv's mother Indira Gandhi who was Prime Minister at the time, President Zakir Hussain, the groom's brother Sanjay, aunt Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit, and the bride's family, minus her father who did not attend.
The wedding is believed to have been held in the garden of Indira Gandhi's residence at 1, Safdarjung Road in New Delhi. There is also footage from the reception, held later at Hyderabad House.
Sonia and Rajiv Gandhi, who met in Cambridge, were married 23 years and had two children together. Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated in 1991.
The video makes for a beautiful watch. Take a look:
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