The much-anticipated wedding of Indian cricketer Smriti Mandhana and acclaimed filmmaker-composer Palash Muchhal, scheduled for Sunday, November 23, in Sangli, Maharashtra, came to an abrupt halt, leaving the entertainment and sports fraternity shocked. What began as a medical emergency soon spiralled into a frenzy of speculation on social media, with deleted Instagram posts and viral screenshots fueling wild theories about the couple’s relationship.
A Wedding Day Crisis Unfolds
The couple’s grand celebrations turned into a family emergency when Smriti’s father, Shrinivasa Mandhana, was rushed to Sarvahit Hospital after showing symptoms of a heart attack while wedding preparations were in full swing. According to reports, Mr. Mandhana was feeling unwell in the morning and was immediately admitted for observation and medical testing. His condition, while initially concerning, stabilised under hospital care. Doctors attributed the health scare to physical and mental stress triggered by hectic wedding preparations, according to reports.
The crisis forced the couple to make an unprecedented decision. According to Smriti’s business manager Tuhin Mishra, the cricketer was clear about her priorities. “Smriti was very clear that in these circumstances she did not want to get married, which is why the decision has been taken to postpone the wedding indefinitely,” he told media outlets. Notably, it was Palash himself who initiated the decision to halt proceedings, demonstrating his commitment and sensitivity to the family emergency. Palash’s mother, Amita Muchhal, revealed that even before Smriti made her position clear, her son had firmly decided that the wedding rituals would not proceed until her father recovered.
Palash’s Health Crisis Compounds the Crisis
The family’s ordeal deepened the following day when Palash was hospitalised in Sangli after breaking down under emotional stress. His mother explained that he was overwhelmed upon learning about Smriti’s father’s hospitalisation, leading to a sudden health scare. “He was kept in the hospital for four hours with IV drips and tests, but everything came back normal,” Amita said, attributing the episode to the immense emotional pressure of the situation. Palash was discharged after four hours and subsequently travelled to Mumbai with his family. Both families requested privacy during this sensitive period, with Palak Muchhal, Palash’s sister, issuing a formal statement urging well-wishers to respect their space.
Deleted Posts and Social Media Speculation
What intensified the crisis and sparked wild theories was Smriti’s decision to quietly delete all wedding-related content from her Instagram account. Every post related to her pre-wedding festivities including her engagement announcement, proposal video, and celebrations from her haldi, mehendi, and sangeet ceremonies vanished from her feed. While she retained older posts with Palash, such as birthday messages and couple photos, the sudden disappearance of wedding content triggered an avalanche of speculation online. The timing of the deletion, coinciding with the postponement announcement, led social media users to question whether there was more to the story than just a family health emergency.
Viral Screenshots Ignite Cheating Allegations
The internet’s speculation hit a fever pitch when screenshots of alleged private conversations between Palash and a woman identified as Mary D’Costa went viral on social media platforms, particularly Reddit. The images, dated May 2025, allegedly show Palash inviting the woman for swimming, spa visits, and early morning trips to Versova Beach. When Mary questioned his relationship status and asked if he was in love, Palash reportedly evaded the questions while continuing to insist on meeting her. The original Instagram account from which these screenshots were shared has since been deactivated, but the images continue to circulate widely across platforms.
“When she tries to figure out his relationship status or if he’s in love, Palaash avoids the questions. Instead of giving a clear answer, he still tries to convince her to meet,” according to the viral Reddit threads. Major media outlets, have issued disclaimers stating they cannot independently verify the authenticity of these screenshots.
Reddit Rumors Escalate Further
Beyond the alleged chats with Mary D’Costa, Reddit threads began circulating even more serious allegations. Some anonymous users claimed that Palash had been seen kissing another woman just four days before his engagement to Smriti. Others alleged that the composer had engaged in flirtatious communication with a choreographer involved in the pre-wedding functions. While these claims remain unverified and largely anonymous, they have amplified online discourse and divided social media users between those demanding accountability and those cautioning against believing unsubstantiated allegations without concrete evidence.
The Internet Erupts – Opinions Divided
Social media has become a battleground of conflicting narratives. Some users expressed shock at the alleged behaviour, with one Reddit user commenting, “Felt the ick just reading through these. Damn, the shamelessness in people.” Others questioned the timing and authenticity of the allegations, suggesting they may be opportunistic rumours capitalising on the wedding postponement. Celebrity gossip forums have been inundated with discussions ranging from demands for clarity to calls for respecting the couple’s privacy during a difficult family crisis.
What Lies Ahead?
As of now, neither Smriti nor Palash has publicly addressed the cheating allegations. The couple has remained silent, with their families focusing on the health recovery of Smriti’s father. The timing and circumstances surrounding the deleted posts and viral screenshots have left fans and critics puzzled about what actually transpired behind closed doors. The wedding date remains indefinitely postponed until Smriti’s father recovers fully and the family feels ready to resume celebrations. Meanwhile, the internet continues to speculate, with no official statement forthcoming from the couple or their representatives to address the swirling allegations and clear the air about what really happened.
By – Sonali