KBC 17 episode with Amitabh Bachchan proceeds without Smriti Mandhana as shoot coincides with delay in her wedding plans with Palaash Muchhal

The upcoming episode of the popular quiz show Kaun Banega Crorepati 17 created excitement even before it was filmed. The show’s host, Amitabh Bachchan, welcomed several star players from the India Women’s Cricket Team after their victory in the Women’s Cricket World Cup. Fans were eager to watch the team interact with the veteran actor. However, Vice Captain Smriti Mandhana did not attend the scheduled shoot. Her absence raised curiosity, especially as it came shortly after news that her wedding with filmmaker Palaash Muchhal had been postponed.

Smriti’s wedding plans changed suddenly because her father was unwell. Her family decided to delay the ceremony until he fully recovered. This personal situation also affected her attendance at the special KBC 17 shoot. While other players reached the set on time and took part in the recording, Smriti stayed away from all commitments to focus on her family.

Smriti skipped the shoot as teammates joined the special episode

Smriti was expected to join her teammates for the Wednesday evening shoot. The episode was designed as a celebration of the team’s recent success, and several players reached the set at the same time. In her absence, the episode still featured a strong line-up of well-known cricketers, including Harmanpreet Kaur, Harleen Kaur Deol, Richa Ghosh, Shafali Verma, Deepti Sharma, and Sneh Rana. Their head coach, Amol Muzumdar, also appeared with them. Videos of the team arriving at the studio quickly circulated online and created more interest among viewers.

Smriti, however, decided not to participate in the shoot. Her manager confirmed that she had personal reasons, and those close to her understood that her family needed her attention at that time. Even though fans missed seeing her on the show, many expressed support after learning about the reason behind her absence.

Wedding was postponed after her father fell ill suddenly

Smriti Mandhana and Palaash Muchhal’s wedding was planned for November 23 in Sangli, Maharashtra. The preparations were in full swing, and photos from their pre-wedding events—such as the haldi, mehendi, and sangeet ceremonies—were widely shared on social media. Friends, family members, and fans were eagerly waiting for the celebrations to continue.

However, the situation changed unexpectedly on the morning of the wedding. Smriti’s father became unwell while eating breakfast. His health worsened quickly, and the family had to call an ambulance to take him to the hospital. He was kept under observation for many hours. Smriti’s manager, Tuhin Mishra, told the media that she was extremely close to her father and did not want the wedding to continue while he was not completely healthy.

According to him, Smriti decided that the wedding would be postponed indefinitely until her father recovered fully. Doctors advised that he needed to stay in the hospital for some time to monitor his condition. This made it clear to the family that the wedding could not go ahead as planned. Later, he was discharged from the hospital, but the family still did not announce a new wedding date.

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The news of the postponement spread quickly on social media. Many fans and friends sent their support to Smriti and her family. Some also commented on how she chose family over celebrations, praising her for prioritising her father’s health.

Pre-wedding photos removed from social media

In the days that followed, people noticed that Smriti had removed photos from her pre-wedding ceremonies on social media. These included pictures and videos that had earlier received thousands of likes and comments. However, she kept some of her older photos with Palaash on her Instagram account. This made fans wonder whether the step was temporary or emotional, given the difficult situation her family went through.

Meanwhile, supporters of Palaash Muchhal also spoke publicly, asking people not to judge the couple during a stressful time. One of his cousins defended him online and requested everyone to show sensitivity. Their message explained that the couple needed privacy while managing family health issues.

Even though many questions remained unanswered, both families continued to receive messages of care and encouragement. Well-wishers hoped that the couple would soon be able to celebrate their wedding once things settled down.

Team continued promotions while Smriti focused on family

As the Women’s Cricket Team continued their promotional schedule, Smriti stayed away from public events. Her teammates appeared on Kaun Banega Crorepati 17 without her, but expressed that they understood her situation. The special episode is still expected to attract a large audience because of the team’s historic performance at the World Cup and their friendly interaction with the host.

For now, Smriti is focusing on her family and her father’s full recovery. She has not shared any new update on the wedding, and her family has also chosen to remain private about future plans. Fans continue to send love and support, hoping she will return to public appearances once everything is stable at home.