Why do celebs wed in India?

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt — may tie the knot in Jodhpur next year, the question on everyone’s mind is what makes India, particularly Rajasthan, a hotspot for Hollywood A-listers’ weddings?

With reports that Hollywood’s hottest couple — Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt — may tie the knot in Jodhpur next year, the question on everyone’s mind is what makes India, particularly Rajasthan, a hotspot for Hollywood A-listers’ weddings?

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"These celebrities are so drenched in western ways that they want to explore the mystic charm of India. Rajasthan’s palaces and vibrant culture are an added reason,” says film-maker Mahesh Bhatt.

It may be recalled that apart from singer Katy Perry and actor Russell Brand who got married in October earlier this year in Ranthambore, actor Elizabeth Hurley and business bigwig Arun Nayar too, had an Indian wedding in Udaipur in 2007. The couple is now on the verge of divorce.

“Where else can these celebrities find a mix of spirituality, exotica and

Kamasutra

? Plus, they believe than Hindu weddings last forever,” says adman Suhel Seth. If not an Indian venue, Indian rites are a hit. Model Heidi Klum and singer Seal renewed their marital vows with Hindu rituals, and actor Julia Roberts turned to Hinduism recently.

However, Hindu groups caution that such ceremonies shouldn’t be reduced to mere spectacles. “We want them (Brangelina) to take the marriage seriously and perform it devotedly,” says Rajan Zed of the Universal Society of Hinduism, USA.