Anirudh Ravichander, Kavya Maran marry in self-respect ceremony: Here's what it means

Music composer Anirudh Ravichander and Sunrisers Hyderabad co-owner Kavya Maran chose a self-respect marriage for their wedding in Greece on November 11, moving away from conventional religious rituals. The couple exchanged garlands and chains in the presence of family and friends, with the ceremony drawing attention to a marriage tradition rooted in equality and mutual consent.

The details of their wedding were confirmed by Dr T R B Rajaa, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) IT Wing Secretary, following speculation on social media about the rituals performed by the couple. A photograph showing Anirudh tying a chain around Kavya's neck had prompted questions about whether they had opted for a self-respect marriage.  

Anirudh and Kavya's wedding rituals explained

In a post on X, Rajaa confirmed that the couple had exchanged garlands and chains as part of the ceremony. He also revealed that two prominent personalities present at the wedding played a role in the exchange.

"YES ... Kavya and Anirudh garlanded each other... #Thalaivar handed over a chain to Kavya and #Superstar handed over a chain to Anirudh... the bride and groom exchanged chains and an union of hearts was blessed by their friends and family."

The references were to former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, who handed a chain to Kavya, and actor Rajinikanth, who presented one to Anirudh. Rajinikanth is the composer's maternal uncle, while Stalin shares a close family connection with Kavya's father, Sun Group chairman Kalanithi Maran.

The wedding celebrations in Greece followed engagement festivities on November 10. Several photographs and videos from the events have since circulated online, including pictures of the newlyweds with their families and prominent guests.

Anirudh also shared the first official wedding photograph with Kavya on social media, captioning it, "My once in a lifetime, for a lifetime. 11.11".

What is a self-respect marriage?

A self-respect marriage, also known as Suyamariyathai Thirumanam, is a form of marriage that emerged from the Self-Respect Movement established by social reformer Periyar E V Ramasamy in Tamil Nadu.

The movement challenged caste-based discrimination, social hierarchies and patriarchal traditions. It advocated equality, dignity and individual freedom, including the idea that marriage should not depend on religious authority or elaborate customary ceremonies.

Under this practice, couples can publicly declare their commitment to each other and exchange garlands, rings or other symbols of marriage in the presence of witnesses. A priest and traditional religious rituals are not mandatory.

The central principle is that marriage is based on the consent and mutual commitment of the two individuals rather than religious formalities.

When did self-respect marriages become legally recognised?

Self-respect marriages received legal recognition in Tamil Nadu in 1967 through an amendment to the Hindu Marriage Act.

Section 7-A of the Act recognises marriages solemnised through a declaration of commitment, an exchange of garlands or rings, or other accepted forms of affirmation in the presence of relatives, friends or other witnesses.

The amendment gave legal validity to marriages conducted without conventional religious ceremonies, making the practice an important part of Tamil Nadu's social and legal history.

Anirudh and Kavya's wedding celebrations in Greece

The wedding brought together several prominent personalities from cinema, politics and business. Rajinikanth, his wife Latha Rajinikanth and daughter Aishwarya Rajinikanth attended the celebrations. MK Stalin and Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin were also among the political figures present.

Photographs from the wedding featured the newlyweds alongside Rajinikanth, Stalin and members of both families, including Kalanithi and Kavery Maran. Producer AV Suresh was among those who shared glimpses of the celebrations on social media.

The Greece ceremony will be followed by a reception in Chennai on November 21. The event is expected to bring together guests from the film, political, business and cricketing worlds. Kalanithi and Kavery Maran had also extended an invitation to Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy.

Who are Anirudh Ravichander and Kavya Maran?

Anirudh Ravichander is among the prominent music composers in Indian cinema. He made his debut with the Tamil film '3' and rose to wider recognition with the song 'Why This Kolaveri Di'. He has subsequently composed music for several successful films, including 'Vikram', 'Jailer', 'Leo' and 'Jawan'.

Kavya Maran is the daughter of Sun Group chairman Kalanithi Maran and is associated with the family's media and sports businesses. She is widely recognised as the co-owner of Indian Premier League franchise Sunrisers Hyderabad.