The discussion about Smriti Mandhana Palash Muchhal settling on the 7th of December as their new wedding date was dismissed by the brother of her Shravan Mandhana. The spark that rekindled the conversation was numerous reports from social media that claimed the couple had decided on the date.

In an interview with the media Shravan told the press that the wedding is still delayed — “I don’t know about the reports. The wedding has not been postponed.”

The initial November 23 celebration at Sangli was abruptly cancelled after Smriti’s father was struck by an illness that was serious the day of the event and was taken to a hospital. The same time, Palash reportedly was hospitalised too due to tension.

The delay has sparked widespread speculation, that ranged from rumoured relationship problems to allegations of cheating. In addition Smriti’s decision to remove engagement-related posts and tags fuelled speculation, and two choreographers who were involved in the celebration also got involved in the controversy. They both denied involvement.

While family members, including Palash’s mother requested privacy and advised followers to not speculate about the possibility, neither Smriti or Palash have explicitly responded to the speculation. The only apparent gesture of shared affection they have made so far has been a slight update of their Instagram bios which included an emoji of the evil eye, widely interpreted as a silent protest to the criticism.