The entertainment world witnessed a star-studded union on Sunday, January 12, 2026, as popular singer Stebin Ben exchanged vows with actor Nupur Sanon, the younger sister of Bollywood star Kriti Sanon. The lavish yet intimate ceremonies, blending Christian and Hindu traditions, took place in the picturesque city of Udaipur, drawing a host of celebrities from the Hindi film fraternity.
From Bhopal to Bollywood: The Stebin Ben Story
Stebin Ben, a 32-year-old singer-songwriter originally from Bhopal, has carved a unique niche for himself over the past seven years. Unlike his now-wife, who hails from a film family, Ben is a true outsider in the industry. Born to Malayali-origin government officials, his passion for music was evident from his school days. However, adhering to his conservative parents' wishes, he first completed a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from LNCT College in Bhopal.
To fund his dream move to Mumbai, the aspiring musician performed at local cafes in Bhopal. His leap of faith came when he finally relocated to the city of dreams with a mere Rs 20,000 in his pocket. The initial struggle was real, as he had to share a small apartment with nine other men to make ends meet, a testament to his determination.
The Rise of 'India's Atif Aslam'
Influenced by the iconic music of 90s Bollywood romances like Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai, Stebin's big break came in 2018. He gained widespread recognition with a rehashed version of the classic song "Mera Dil Bhi Kitna Pagal Hai" from the 1991 film Saajan. His soulful voice soon drew comparisons to Pakistani singing sensation Atif Aslam, especially after he sang "Selfish (Solo)", a track originally performed by Aslam.
On being hailed as "India's Atif Aslam", Stebin acknowledged the similarity in their vocal tones. "Our vocal tones do share that high and mid-range quality. When I sing his songs, of course, a bit of his andaaz (style) creeps in. That's natural when you've grown up learning from them," he told The Print in an interview last year.
Independent Music and a Sold-Out Identity
While Stebin has lent his voice to several Bollywood films including Jersey, Raksha Bandhan, and Selfiee, he credits his independent singles for shaping his core identity. Tracks like "Sahiba", "Rula Ke Gaya Ishq", "Bhula Na Teri Baatein", and "Thoda Thoda Pyaar" have become anthems, allowing him to sell out concerts across India.
"Bollywood is the dream, but I go with the flow. I've worked on both film and independent music—and honestly, my indie tracks have performed better," he revealed. He attributes much of his success to social media, noting, "Every one of my songs first blew up on reels before taking over everywhere else." His massive Instagram following of 15.6 million fans has been instrumental in this digital-driven reach.
The wedding was a glamorous affair attended by close friends and family from the industry. The bride's sister, Kriti Sanon, was present along with her rumoured boyfriend Kabir Bahira. Other notable guests included actors Mouni Roy and Disha Patani, and filmmakers Dinesh Vijan and Amar Kaushik, marking the celebration of a love story that began away from the limelight and culminated in a fairy-tale wedding.
