The glitzy Mumbai wedding reception of Nupur Sanon and Stebin Ben on January 13 was meant to be a celebration of their union, but social media is currently fixated on a fashion “faux pas” involving the groom’s sister. Steby Ben, Nupur’s new sister-in-law (nanand), is facing intense trolling after photos revealed she wore an outfit strikingly similar to the bride’s.
While the night saw a rare appearance by Salman Khan, the spotlight has shifted toward the maroon-themed fashion face-off that has netizens divided.
The Fashion Conflict
The controversy stems from the choice of color and silhouette worn by both the bride and her sister-in-law:
- The Bride’s Look: Nupur Sanon dazzled in a maroon off-shoulder sculpted corset gown designed by Manish Malhotra, complete with a dramatic matching veil.
- The Sister-in-Law’s Look: Steby Ben opted for a maroon gown in a very similar shade. Netizens were quick to point out that the resemblance was too close for comfort, especially for a reception where the bride usually stands out.
- The Contrast: In contrast, the bride’s sister, Kriti Sanon, drew praise for her “guest etiquette,” wearing a stunning olive green saree (also custom Manish Malhotra), which complimented the couple without competing with them.
Netizens React: “Sabko Dulhan Banna Hai”
The comment sections on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) have been less than kind, with many accusing Steby of trying to upstage the bride on her big day.
“She must know about her bhabhi’s dress… she should not wear this and spoil her best day,” wrote one user.
Another popular sentiment echoed across platforms was: “Sabko dulhan banna hai” (Everyone wants to be the bride), suggesting that the choice of color was a deliberate attempt to grab attention. However, a few supporters defended Steby, arguing that maroon is a traditional wedding color and the similarity might have been an unintentional coincidence.
The Sanon-Ben Wedding Timeline
The reception was the final leg of a multi-day celebration that began in Udaipur:
- Jan 10: An intimate Christian wedding.
- Jan 11: A traditional Hindu ceremony.
- Jan 13: The star-studded Mumbai reception.
While the “wardrobe war” continues to trend, the couple seems unfazed, with Nupur preparing for the theatrical release of her Hindi debut, Noorani Chehra, later this year.