The Original Capitano, Arvind Mandalia is not only my father but my best friend.
Born in Zanzibar and raised in the UK and the youngest of 11 he's definitely the most spoilt and laziest one of them all, AKA a true "African't".
Often mistaken for quiet and shy, he regularly pipes up after just one glass of red wine. Now retired he spends the majority of his time telling us what to do and watching cricket.
Without his dedication and hard work there is no doubt that I would not have accomplished a fraction of my goals and we wouldn't be here today.
Thank you DAD.
If you need enlightening, 5 min's with my mum will do!
Bina Mandalia, born in India and a lady that knows everything about anything, responsible for at least half of wikipedia and contributing to the wealth of McAfee she is strong willed and always advocates for what is fair and morally correct.
I get my strength and determination from this amazing woman. She's taught me more than I can verbally describe.
She is the foundation that holds our family together, caring, devoted and most importantly the BEST CHEF.
Thank you MUM
My database of YouTube links send over email(in the subject line) has expanded over the years. Topics of health, travel, DIY, you name it. She will have an answer ready.
Please join me in welcoming her to Phuket in November!
The strongest yet kindest soul I know who I’m honored to call my bridesmaid.
My brother from another mother ! This guy spent so long trying to chat to me I eventually caved.
From the UK, Raj and I both met on perilous commute to-and-fro University. Back then, Raj best known for his shaved head, tiger tattoo and impressive Renault Clio that sadly met its match.. a brick wall.
Turns out he's actually a legend, now known as dependable, intelligent advice, valuable idea's/opinions and a slightly girly Range Rover Evoque.
I couldn't ask for a better friend.
Amit Mandalia my cousin, if he ain't playing a guitar he's snoring the house down, god help whom ever ends up sharing a room with him.
Growing up he was constantly teasing me or getting me high on Coca Cola despite explicit instructions from my mother to not give me anything with sugar. Thankfully it didn't take me long to exceed his short 5ft 2" stature or the additional 3 inch afro that he insists makes him 5ft 5".
His carefree attitude and rebellious approach to life didn't last long as he ended up becoming an analyst...zzzz. A man of many talents he plays guitar, speaks numerous languages (unverified) and for what it's worth rides a 125cc motor bike.
Regardless of these SHORT comings he's always up for an adventure and new experiences.
If you need to find him during the wedding just follow the smell of food or search around the bar, he won't be far.
Rajiv Patel, my slightly older cousin, originally from Birmingham he only learnt to speak English after university when he relocated to civilisation (London).
Every school holiday was spent in Birmingham crashing at his house where I'd break almost every toy he had. From skaletrics, Sega megadrives and array of gadgets I thought he was so cool but looking back he's without a doubt the biggest geek I know.
I use to think playing hide and seek with him was the only way to beat our sisters. However, him putting me in a box and hiding me on top of a wardrobe in a cold and slightly damp storage room for hours was his way of getting payback for the chaos I created.
Now a successful CFO and father of two Rajiv is still the master tactician, calm and collected. His occasional ninja warrior and black belt karate moves are more comical despite him using his SERIOUS "don't mess with me" voice.