Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant’s Star-Studded Wedding: A Lavish Affair
After seven months of extravagant pre-wedding celebrations, Anant Ambani, the son of India’s richest man, married pharmaceutical heiress Radhika Merchant in a grand ceremony attended by thousands of guests on Friday.
A Star-Studded Guest List
The wedding drew a host of international celebrities including Kim and Khloé Kardashian, Nick Jonas and Priyanka Chopra, and former British Prime Ministers Tony Blair and Boris Johnson. The event also saw the presence of Bollywood icons like Rajinikanth and Sanjay Dutt, former President Ram Nath Kovind, various state Chief Ministers, and members of India’s revered cricket team.
Unmatched Luxury and Extravagance
The Ambani family, behind India’s largest private corporation Reliance Industries, spared no expense. Founded by Anant’s grandfather and now led by his father Mukesh Ambani, who boasts a net worth of over $122 billion, the family pulled out all the stops. The rain-soaked streets of Mumbai saw police close roads near the Ambani-owned, 16,000-capacity Jio World Convention Center to facilitate a red-carpet-style arrival.
Fashion Extravaganza
Guests adhered to a traditional dress code, donning custom sarees, lehengas, and kurtas, setting trends in Indian wedding fashion. John Cena graced the red carpet in an embroidered sky blue sherwani and white pants, while Nick Jonas sparkled in a baby pink sherwani and matching satin trousers. Priyanka Chopra dazzled in a sunshine yellow lehenga. Kim and Khloé Kardashian were seen on social media in gold and red saris respectively.
A Celebration of Indian Culture
Inside the venue, transformed into a miniature Varanasi, celebrities including Chopra and Cena danced the night away. The Ambani family joined Indian singer Daler Mehndi on stage, with Afrobeats star Rema also performing his hit song “Calm Down.” The groom wore a golden sherwani paired with sneakers, while the bride shone in hand-embroidered couture by Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla, following Gujarati traditions.
Pre-Wedding Festivities
In the lead-up to the wedding, the couple partook in several traditional rituals. Justin Bieber performed at their “sangeet,” and they attended a private “haldi” ceremony, where turmeric paste is applied to bless the couple. The wedding dates were chosen according to auspicious days on the couple’s birth charts.
Economic Impact and Local Reactions
While some locals felt the display of wealth was excessive, others appreciated the economic boost. Hotel rates soared, benefiting local businesses. The celebrations culminated in a series of events at the Ambani family’s 27-story Mumbai residence, Antilia, with a “Shubh Ashirwad” ceremony and a final Sunday reception.
Conclusion
Anant Ambani, a Brown University graduate and director at a Reliance energy business, and Radhika Merchant, daughter of pharmaceutical company founders, hosted what is dubbed India’s wedding of the year. The Ambani family’s opulent celebration not only highlighted their immense wealth but also showcased India’s rich cultural heritage, with festivities continuing throughout the weekend.
