It's celebration time at Sania Mirza's residence in Hyderabad

With controversy and uncertainty taking a backseat, celebrations have finally begun at the residence of tennis star Sania Mirza, who is going to marry Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik in Hyderabad on April 15.

The mood of tension and anxiety prevailing at Mirza's house at Jubilee Hills for the past few days has now turned into that of celebrations as the arrival of relatives and friends began.

A spokesperson appointed by the Mirzas' told reporters in Hyderabad today that the wedding invitations were in the process of being distributed and around 1000 guests were expected for the reception.

"Shoaib's mother, brother, sister, brother-in-law, niece and nephew have already arrived in the city from Pakistan. Few
more family members of Shoaib Malik are expected to arrive soon from Germany. The official celebrations would begin on April 13 with 'Sangeet' ceremony in which all of Mirza and Malik's loved ones will perform," the spokesperson said.

"Last night, the two families played dumb charades and anthakshari. Chinese cuisine, one of the favourites of both the bride and the groom was made by Sania's aunts and served for the dinner.

"Sania was in a mood to have some bhelpuri but due to media's presence outside, she had to remain content by eating it at home as her cousins and sisters helped her to get it from a local shop. The day ended with a usual strength of caroms with Sania's mother Naseema and Shoaib hogging the limelight," the spokesperson added.