Shama Sikander: My wedding is on hold for now

Preparations for Shama Sikander’s wedding with her fiancé James Milliron, a US businessman, would have been in full swing had the world not come to a standstill owing to the coronavirus pandemic. The actress, who was all set to walk down the aisle in September this year, has now been forced to push her wedding to a later date.

Shama had got engaged to James in 2016, following a courtship of one year. She tells us, “We had planned a destination wedding in September-end and almost everything, including the venue, was finalised. We were all set to zero in on a date when the pandemic hit. Both our families had started preparing for the big day. James’ family doesn’t travel and so, his parents don’t even have a passport. We had asked them to initiate the paperwork and get their passports made. However, the plan is on hold for now, as I don’t think it will be safe to travel around that time.”

She adds, “Also, COVID-19 has changed our ideas about everything in life. We are just trying to help those around us to get through this tough time. And, that has definitely brought more joy to us. The wedding will happen whenever it has to.”

The couple is worried about James’ parents, as the situation is particularly grim in the US. She says, “James is with me in Mumbai, and his parents are alone there. We are worried about them, as they are old and his father was unwell around four months ago. We are constantly in touch with them.”

Shama feels fortunate that James is with her during the lockdown. “I can imagine how difficult the situation can get for those who are living alone. It can take a toll on you emotionally. I am glad that James is with me during this crisis. Besides spending quality time with each other, I am also learning to adapt to a different and a new way of life. I have started meditating more and also valuing things, which we otherwise tend to take for granted.”