Rs 61 lakhs as 'Haq Mehr' for Sania Mirza

The 'Haq Mehr' (dower money) kept in the Nikah ceremony performed between Indian tennis ace Sania Mirza and Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik today was a staggering Rs 61 lakhs.

Shoaib's brother-in-law Imran Zafar told PTI that the marriage had been a simple one with only 15 relatives of Malik and around 35 members of Sania's family attending the ceremony at Hotel Taj Krishna.

Shoaib and Sania tied the nuptial knot after both the families advanced the high-profile marriage by three days after a tumultuous build up to the wedding.

"We kept it a simple affair. We are now relieved that marriage has finally taken place after so many controversies," Imran said.

"We had to obtain the photocopy of Shoaib's passport from the Hyderabad Police for the Nikah ceremony as his passport is still in the possession of a court," he said.

In the Muslim community, the wife is given a set financial sum at the time of the marriage, which is written down as a term of the 'Nikah' or marriage contract. This sum is known as 'Haq Mehr', and is intended to give the wife enough to survive on in the event of divorce or widowhood.

Imran said it was a happy occasion given the ordeal both the families went through in the last few days.

"It is a very happy occasion for us. We are grateful and thankful to all those people in both countries who supported us and wished for this marriage to take place," he said.

The chief Qazi of Hyderabad, Qazi Najmuddin Hussain solemnised the marriage.

"Sania looked very nice in a red sari worn by her mother in her nikah 25 years ago. She also wore a necklace of rubies and other jewels, while Shoaib was dressed in a black sherwani with a black cap given by Imran Mirza," Imran added.

He said the two families would now decide upon when to organise Valima reception in Pakistan after the wedding reception on April 15 in Hyderabad. 

The two families surprised everyone this morning by announcing through the spokesperson that marriage has been preponed. Sania became the second wife of Shoaib, who divorced his first wife Ayesha Siddiqui last week.

The 'Mehandi' ceremony is scheduled for tomorrow, Sangeet on April 14 and reception will be held on April 15.