akshmi Mittal ranks third in the Forbes list of Five Billionaire Weddings, after having spent $60 million for his daughter's wedding ceremonies. Though an NRI, Mittal represents the aspirations of India's multi-millionaire and billionaire club. BBC World, close on the heels of its India-centric programming campaign, has announced plans to launch a show on the Indian wedding industry.

At the first stage, the channel has invited couples who plan to marry in March to audition for the show in New Delhi. The show will feature the couple's wedding in all its finery. However, it will not be a reality series. Taking a macro-economic view, BBC World will portray the Indian wedding industry, pegged at Rs 50 crore, with the selected wedding as a backdrop. According to Narendhra Morar, commissioning editor, BBC World, "While other channels have covered Indian weddings from a consumer or personal finance perspective, this will be the first time that a series attempts to examine and analyse the wedding industry. From the size of the jewellery market to that of catering for the big event." The show will follow each stage of the couple's preparations, with an analytical perspective. Independent production company Pulse Media will produce the show, which will be a six-part series. ... more