Amitabh Bhaduri, John Basu, Ranbir Padukone...Changing trends!

Melbourne, Jun 22 (UNI) What if John Abraham marries Bipasha Basu to be known as ''John Basu''? While purists may raise eyebrows questioning ''Who wears the pants in the relationship'', the day is not far when Indian couples would also take a reverse from the centuries' long convention just like their Oz counterparts have started doing.

As with a growing number of couples who shun tradition, Australian Chris Smythe will adopt his wife Emma Rudin's name after marriage.

''I do feel attached to my surname in a way - I've been carrying it since I was born - but it doesn't really define who I am, The Herald sun quoted Mr Smythe as saying.

He said the switch was mainly for practical reasons - he is starting out in financial risk management, but his fiancee is an established music teacher.

Mr Smythe explanied his father, John, changed his name from Smith as a young man. ''So there's not a great lineage there.'' The couple, both 29, said most family and friends had been supportive - but some male mates were not happy with the decision.

Ms Rudin, who will not have a white gown or bridesmaids, said she was happy their surname was not traditional.

Marriage celebrant Tony Gelme said most men taking their wives' names do it ''just to break with tradition''.

Family law specialist Paul L Moing-Ross said some undecided couples picked completely new names.

''One couple reverted to an ancestral name that had died out due to lack of sons,'' Mr Moing-Ross said.

City wedding gown designer Linda Gorringe said hyphenated names were out of vogue.

UNI XC SYU BST1823