During a time of year that is usually reserved for high-stakes political machinations, a hushed and deeply personal ritual has captured the imaginations of the national capital. Raihan Vadra, 25, the son of Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and businessman Robert Vadra is reportedly engaged to his lady love Aviva Baig.
The development, which broke on Tuesday, December 30, 2025) is a major transformation for a household that has often had its private lives picked through in the context of politics. Only, this time it’s different — it’s a tale of two ‘young’ professionals who found each other and decided to create a life together after almost seven years in the relationship.
Childhood Mates Become Life Partners
Unlike the whirlwind romance between upper-crust circles that is that of Raihan and Aviva, Adaab’s forthcoming novel will feature a slow-burning romantic connection with a shared history. The two were classmates at the celebrated Modern School in Delhi, where a friendship developed into a partnership that has survived the pressures of public life.
Raihan popped the question to Aviva in a private, intimate affair earlier this month, family source said. The couple, whose relationship stems from a long-standing friendship between their two families, are both excited to be tying the knot.
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The Baig-Gandhi Connection
The families are more than merely acquaintances. Aviva’s mother, Nandita Baig, is a prominent interior designer and close friend of Priyanka Gandhi. Nandita even gets the credit of working on the interiors for Congress’ headquarters Indira Bhawan — an indication of the professional and personal trust between the two families. Aviva’s father, Imran Baig, is a renowned Delhi-based businessman. This pre-existing ease between the parents made it easy for us to slide, comfortably into our new roles as in-laws.
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The Gandhi-Vadra lineage gets a lot of attention, but Aviva Baig has some pretty good credentials herself. Not your regular political bahu, Aviva is a strong ambitious woman with an arsenal of talents.
Academic Achievements: She is a graduate from the OP Jindal Global University in Media Communication and Journalism which eventually gave her an edge for narrative and storytelling.
The Creative Eye: In mama’s creative pas, Aviva is -founder of Atelier 11, a photography studio and production house. Her creations, which are usually concerned with the understated beauty of mundane life, have been exhibited at the India Art Fair and top galleries including Method Gallery and The Quorum Club.
Athletic Prowess: Interestingly, Aviva was a footballer at the national level when she was much younger – something that her friends will tell you has made her a practicing professional in all sense of it.
An Interest in (Visual) Art in Common
Perhaps most endearing of this interaction is the couple’s shared professional life. Raihan Vadra has a passion for photography, similar to his grandfather Rajiv Gandhi. Raihan did not enter politics, opting instead to create a career the last few years as an established visual artist and wildlife photographer.
His first solo show, Dark Perception, at Bikaner House in 2021 earned critical acclaim for its play with light and space—a perspective he developed after suffering a serious eye injury playing school cricket in 2017.
A Quiet Wedding in the Wild of Rajasthan
In line with the family’s penchant for intimate milestones, the engagement celebrations are reportedly moving to Ranthambore, Rajasthan. The sentimental reason for choosing the location is that Gandhi family has been visiting the Sawai Madhopur to celebrate New Year in secluded surroundings.
Itinerary for the New Year
The family, including Raihan’s uncle and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, has apparently driven down to Ranthambore. They are lodged at boutique resort Sher Bagh, where the intimate engagement ceremony is set to merge with New Year celebrations.
And while a big wedding is expected in early-to-mid 2026, the bride and groom-to-be are just celebrating the exciting news. Aviva has been teasing the news lately over on her Instagram page, posting a picture alongside Raihan with three heart emojis—which is about as good of a confirmation to her followers you could really expect before she was reported in mainstream media.
The Path Ahead
Some new facts are made as India’s most famous political family, the Vadra-Gandhis, welcomes Aviva to the world. In selecting creative partners and pursuing careers in art and media, Raihan and his sister Miraya are crafting identities separate to those of the political machine.
For now, the narrative is straightforward: young photographer and artist fall in love, then hold hands around Tisch together. Amid all the political hustle and bustle in India, it’s a poignant reminder of just how human public personas really are.
A versatile writer mainly works on trending news, daily updates from politics, business, crime, current affairs and entertainment.
