Sapna Bhavnani, a celebrity hairstylist known for her contribution to the field of fashion, writing, photography, entertainment and reality television. She is vocal about her views on various issues. She is a proud feminist and works for various causes. She had told Humans of Bombay about her story of gang rape when she was 24.
She has been married and divorced thrice. She wants to change the perception of marriage in the present society. She came up with a photo project where she married many a times, to things and people that are dear to her. It started four years ago, while in Berlin, Bhavnani wanted to try on a wedding dress but received judgement for the way she looked with her shaved head and inked body.
First she married herself.
Her vow to herself: “With this marriage, I promise to love, respect, and cherish myself in rain and shine. Till death do us part.”
She married her cat.
Her vow to her cat: “With this marriage, I promise to be there when you get old and crabby (not that that will ever happen). When your meows gradually fade to silence, I promise to be your foundation. I’ve become strong now for you to lean on me. My sweet feline, I love you. Till death do us part.”
She also married the city of Bombay.
Her vow to Bombay: “With this marriage, I promise to make you as beautiful as you make me feel; by walking gently on your skin, by planting smiles on your naked rocks when the hot sun beats down on them and by not judging you for the garbage thrown by us. I am Bombay. I am you and you are me. Till death do us part.”
She married her ink.
Her vow to her ink: “With this marriage, I promise to bear all the pain and blood shed without complaining. The only story left to tell would be ours, but that would change with every new life. You are me and I am you. Till death do us part.”
And also her disappearing ink.
Her vow to her disappearing ink: “With this marriage, I promise to accept your infidelity as unintentional. Your disappearance will not signify abandon but abundance. My stories will be written with soul instead of ink. Till death do us part.”
She married her roots.
Her vows to her roots: “With the marriage, I promise to explore the shit outta you, unafraid of consequences. I promise to show the world how beautiful and gentle you really are, even though you exist in a place we all are conditioned to hate from childhood. Your presence in our National Anthem to this day makes me realise your absence even more. The white colour of my skin makes me wonder of the men that came in and out of my lineage. Never has anything or anyone had my attention like you. You have rooted yourself inside me and i know this journey is going to be the longest I’ve ever had. Bring it on. Till death do us part.”
She married her dearest fan, Sumair.
Her vows to Sumair: “With this marriage, I promise to be your chomu forever. I don’t use words like “forever” ‘cuz i don’t believe in them, but somehow it feels apt with you. Even if I am lying, I know you will be ok with that. And that is exactly why I will always be around. Till death do us part.”
She married her BFF, Shivraj, after his death to keep him alive forever.
Her vow to Shivraj: “With this marriage, I promise to never take you for granted. There were moments when you reached out to talk but I was always busy. ‘Cuz no one pays any attention to those who smile all the time. You are gone, but you are not. I have become the woman who smiles all the time. Till death do us part.
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