Hurley, Nayar ask for tight security at wedding venue

By Anil Sharma Mar 5, 2007, 12:52 GMT

© Janet Mayer / Photorazzi

Jaipur, March 5 (IANS) Hollywood actress Liz Hurley and her new India-born businessman husband Arun Nayar have sought a three-tier security ring during the lavish Indian-style wedding and parties they are to host in the tourist city of Jodhpur and their stay at the resplendent Hotel Umaid Bhawan Palace there.

Hurley and Nayar, who married at a private ceremony in England over the weekend, will be in Jodhpur, 330 km from here, from March 7-10.

According to sources at Hotel Umaid Bhawan Palace, the couple specially asked for the three-rung security. The first ring would be handled by their own personal security, the second by the hotel security staff and the third by the local police, who have been approached by the couple.

The personal security staff of the couple would take control of the hotel from the morning of March 7, hotel sources told IANS.

'They have given clear instructions that whatever happens in the hotel should not go out and no uninvited guests should be allowed to enter the hotel premises or the party areas,' the sources said. Entry would be limited and passes have been issued to hotel staffers.

They have also given instructions that during their stay in the hotel, no employee of the hotel should carry a mobile phone, especially ones with cameras.

The sources told IANS that the couple along with their guests are expected to arrive on March 7 and they would marry the same night in traditional Indian style in the hotel lawns. The main theme for the wedding would be 'Indian' with a Rajasthani touch. There would be Barmer-carved furniture, silk cushions for seating arrangements and also pretty Rajasthani quilts on the lawns. Kalbeliya, Langa and Ghoomar folk dancers and performers would regale guests during the wedding party.

The dress code for the ceremony is - pink saris for women and saffron turbans for men.

On March 8 afternoon, the couple is expected to host a party in Balsamand Palace, over 5 km from Jodhpur, while Nagaur Fort, around 135 km from here, would be the venue for a night party. On March 9, the couple is hosting a post wedding party in Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur. The fort, which houses one of the best of museums, would remain closed for others for the day.

The Umaid Bhawan Palace is the last of the great palaces of India. Set amid 26 acres of lush gardens, this golden-yellow sandstone monument has 347-rooms. It took 15 years to build and was completed in 1943 and has served as the principal residence of the Jodhpur royal family since.

Designed by renowned Edwardian architect Henry Lanchester, a part of the palace is still the residence of the royal family and a section houses a museum displaying antiques from the royal past. The hotel portion has 64 rooms including 40 suites.

© 2007 Indo-Asian News Service