Rumours surrounding cricketer Smriti Mandhana and music composer Palash Muchhal’s postponed wedding continue to intensify, prompting a family member to speak out. The couple, who were set to marry on November 23, halted their celebrations following health concerns related to Smriti’s father. Since then, speculation, especially on social media, has only grown louder.
Over the past few days, unverified claims alleging that Palash cheated on Smriti have begun circulating widely online. The chatter escalated after an Instagram user named Mary D’Costa allegedly shared screenshots of what she claimed were private chats with Palash. These screenshots, posted on Reddit, continued to spread even after the account and its display photo were deactivated, fuelling further speculation about the couple’s relationship.
In the midst of these circulating rumours, Palash’s cousin Neeti Tak has stepped forward to defend him. Sharing a note on her Instagram Stories, she urged people not to jump to conclusions based on unverified claims.
“Palash is going through a critical condition today; you all should not judge Palash as wrong without knowing the truth,” she wrote.
Calling for sensitivity, she added, “Technology today has come much ahead of humans, that is why people should not judge Palash in the face of rumours… pray for him.”
According to a report by Hindustan Times, Palash is currently admitted to a hospital in Mumbai, according to family sources. His sister, Palak Muchhal, also confirmed the wedding's postponement on Instagram, requesting privacy for both families. “Due to Smriti’s father’s health, Smriti and Palash’s wedding has been put on hold. We would request all of you to respect the privacy of the families during this sensitive time,” her statement read.
The wedding was halted after Smriti Mandhana’s father, Shrinivas Mandhana, was rushed to Sarvhit Hospital and Medical Research Centre in Sangli on the wedding day following heart attack-like symptoms. A day later, Palash himself was admitted to a hospital in Sangli.
Palash’s mother, Amita, told Hindustan Times that the stress surrounding the situation took a toll on him. She recalled, “Since haldi was done, we didn’t let him go outside. Rote rote ek dum tabiyat karab ho gai. 4 ghante hospital mein rakhna padha… Sab normal aaye but stress bahut hai.”
She also said that Palash is very close to Smriti’s father and insisted on pausing the wedding rituals until his health improved.
Meanwhile, fans noticed that Smriti has deleted all wedding-related posts from her Instagram account, adding further to online speculation.
Smriti and Palash began dating in 2019 and kept their relationship private for years. They made it public only in July 2024, when they shared a post marking their fifth anniversary.
As the couple deals with health emergencies and mounting online chatter, the families have reiterated their appeal for privacy.