Shaadi in the Smoke: Delhi’ wedding photoshoot takes a swipe at air pollution |
Delhi, the national capital, is still struggling with a severe air pollution crisis with AQI ranging between 350- 500, which increasingly affects daily life and cultural celebrations as the wedding season has just begun.This environmental challenge has seeped into one of the city’s most cherished traditions, the weddings and a recent viral video shared by a popular Instagram influencer perfectly shares the sentiments of the people of the National Capital and NCR.
Delhi wedding photoshoot parody takes a jibe at current AQI (Photo: Rishabh Singh/ Instagram)
Viral parody video is a jibe on current AQI situation in Delhi NCR
Rishabh Shukla, an Instagram influencer humorously captures this reality by depicting a couple’s wedding photoshoot where the bride and groom wear oxygen-filter masks instead of the usual radiant smiles.The viral video shows the urban couple dressed in traditional wedding attire but wearing pollution-filter masks on their faces. Muskan Nathpal, posing as the bride, joins Shukla in what is called a “kaafi dhuadaar photoshoot” . Instead of the usual floral decorations, the couple stands amid a pile of medicines, humorously underscoring the health impact of pollution. The caption along with the video invokes fun at the situation but carries an underlying message that pollution has become inseparable from daily life in Delhi.The couple’s playful parody has been widely relatable to audiences online. Although the video looked funny, and attracted laughter, it also aimed to raise awareness about the grave state of Delhi’s air quality.This creative yet somber take highlights how deeply pollution now influences life, even moments designed for beauty and joy.
Social media response
Netizens responded strongly to the video, with some commenting on the bleak future it predicts. One wrote, “This is future wrapped in sarcasm,” while another added, “No wonder all future weddings will be like this.” A witty comment read, “Hamare lungs normal nhi hai bhai lohe ke lungs leke peda hue hai,” humorously lamenting the lungs’ abnormal condition due to pollution.According to a News18 report, on November 10, 2025, Delhi recorded Air Quality Index (AQI) levels in the ‘severe’ category, with some areas like Anand Vihar crossing an alarming AQI of 400 despite efforts like water sprinkling to control dust. Reports reveal that malfunctioning air quality monitors and inconsistent data have hampered effective control measures, despite officials’ claims of ongoing pollution mitigation efforts.This creative yet poignant wedding photoshoot brings to light the new reality for Delhi residents, that while life goes on with celebrations and traditions, the air people breathe is increasingly toxic, forcing adjustments even to something as joyful as marriage ceremonies.
