Why Shatrughan Sinha Returned Abhishek and Aishwarya’s Wedding Gifts to Amitabh Bachchan

Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai tied the knot on April 20, 2007, in a ceremony that was an intimate and private affair. The couple, along with their families, decided to keep the wedding low-key, inviting only a select group of close friends and family members.

This decision was driven by personal circumstances and a desire to respect the family’s situation at the time. However, this exclusivity left some of the Bachchan family’s close friends off the guest list, sparking both curiosity and controversy.

To make up for not inviting everyone, the Bachchans sent out thoughtful gestures in the form of sweet packets and wedding cards to friends and colleagues they couldn’t host at the event.

While most recipients appreciated the gesture, one person stood out for his surprising reaction—veteran actor Shatrughan Sinha. A long-time friend of Amitabh Bachchan, Shatrughan had shared the screen with him in iconic films such as Bombay to Goa, Kala Patthar, Shaan, and Dostana. Despite this history, Shatrughan returned both the wedding card and the sweets, making headlines and stirring public interest.

The reason behind this unexpected move was later revealed by Shatrughan himself. In an interview, he candidly explained his decision: “If you didn’t invite someone to the wedding, why send sweets afterward?”

He elaborated that he found the gesture unnecessary and even a bit impersonal. He also added that he wouldn’t accept the sweets without a personal call, stating, “I won’t be put in second place and embarrass myself by accepting them.”

This sentiment, though surprising to many, highlighted Shatrughan’s straightforward personality and his insistence on personal respect in relationships. While some viewed his decision as harsh, others saw it as a reflection of his candid and principled approach to such matters.

The Bachchans, on the other hand, had their reasons for keeping the wedding small and private. Abhishek Bachchan, during an appearance on Koffee with Karan, explained that the family chose to keep the celebrations subdued because his grandmother, Teji Bachchan, was unwell and in the hospital at the time.

He said, “We didn’t feel good about having a big celebration when my grandmother was in the hospital. It didn’t feel right to throw a huge party under those circumstances.”

Abhishek further shared that while they wanted to invite everyone, the family ultimately decided to send out a card seeking blessings from those who couldn’t attend. Most people understood and appreciated this gesture, but Shatrughan Sinha’s decision to return the card and sweets stood out as a rare exception.

Despite this incident, there was no bitterness between the two families. Abhishek and the Bachchans acknowledged that not everyone could be pleased and accepted Shatrughan’s stance gracefully.

Ultimately, the gesture of sending sweets and cards was about conveying goodwill and seeking blessings, which the Bachchans believed was more important than any criticism or misunderstanding.

This episode serves as a reminder of the varying perspectives people have when it comes to social etiquette and personal relationships, especially in the high-profile world of Bollywood.