Mumbai, India – The city of Mumbai witnessed a grand spectacle on Friday as Anant Ambani, the youngest son of India’s richest man, Mukesh Ambani, tied the knot with pharmaceutical heiress Radhika Merchant. The lavish affair drew A-list celebrities and high-profile guests from around the globe, making it one of the most talked-about weddings of the year.
A Celebration of Grandeur
After seven months of elaborate pre-wedding festivities, the much-anticipated wedding of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant took place at the Ambani-owned Jio World Convention Center. The event was nothing short of opulent, with no expense spared to ensure it was a memorable occasion. The guest list read like a who’s who of global and Indian celebrities, including Hollywood stars, Bollywood icons, and prominent political figures.
Star-Studded Guest List
The wedding saw the presence of international stars such as Kim and Khloé Kardashian, Nick Jonas and Priyanka Chopra, and former British prime ministers Tony Blair and Boris Johnson. Bollywood royalty, including Rajinikanth, Sanjay Dutt, and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, added to the glitz and glamour. Even former President of India Ram Nath Kovind and several chief ministers were in attendance, underscoring the significance of the event.
Fashion Forward
Guests adhered to a traditional Indian dress code, showcasing an array of stunning ensembles. John Cena arrived in a sky-blue sherwani adorned with intricate embroidery, while Nick Jonas sported a baby pink sherwani embedded with sequins. Priyanka Chopra dazzled in a sunshine yellow sari, reflecting the vibrant spirit of the celebration.
The Ambani Legacy
Reliance Industries, founded by Anant’s grandfather, is India’s largest private corporation, currently helmed by Mukesh Ambani, whose net worth exceeds $122 billion. The Ambanis are known for their opulent lifestyle and grand celebrations, and Anant’s wedding was no exception. The family’s 16,000-capacity convention center was transformed into a miniature version of Varanasi, complete with traditional decorations and intricate details.
The Red Carpet Arrival
In a rain-soaked Mumbai, roads around the venue were closed off as guests arrived for the red carpet event. The fashion on display set new trends in Indian wedding attire, with custom sarees, lehengas, and kurtas stealing the spotlight. Kim Kardashian’s off-the-shoulder tasseled bodice and Khloé Kardashian’s ornate gold sari were among the highlights.
Inside the Venue
Once inside, the venue was a spectacle to behold. Celebrities mingled and danced, with social media abuzz with videos of the festivities. Daler Mehndi’s performance had the crowd on their feet, and Afrobeats star Rema captivated the audience with his hit song “Calm Down.” The Ambani family themselves took to the stage, dancing with infectious joy.
The Bride and Groom
Anant Ambani, known for his philanthropic efforts and role in the family business, made a grand entrance in a golden sherwani paired with sneakers, a modern twist on traditional attire. Radhika Merchant, resplendent in hand-embroidered bridal couture by Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla, followed Gujarati traditions with her red and white ensemble, featuring a 16-foot-long veil adorned with stones and sequins.
Pre-Wedding Rituals
In the days leading up to the wedding, Anant and Radhika participated in several traditional pre-wedding rituals. Justin Bieber performed at their sangeet, a musical celebration, while the couple attended a private haldi ceremony, where turmeric paste was applied to bless them. These rituals, steeped in cultural significance, added depth to the celebrations.
Nita Ambani’s Tribute to Varanasi
Anant’s mother, Nita Ambani, shared a heartfelt video on social media, recounting her trip to Varanasi to seek blessings for the couple. She expressed her desire to recreate the purity and beauty of Varanasi at the wedding, paying tribute to India’s rich cultural heritage. Nita’s custom peach silk ghagra, which took over 40 days to create, was a testament to the event’s grandeur.
A Lavish Affair
While the exact cost of the wedding remains undisclosed, industry estimates place the total in the hundreds of millions of dollars. The Ambani family’s meticulous attention to detail was evident in every aspect of the celebration, from the décor and cuisine to the attire and ambiance.
Economic Impact
The wedding had a significant economic impact, with local businesses benefiting from the influx of guests. Hotel rates soared as thousands flocked to Mumbai, providing a boost to the city’s economy. Opinions on the extravagance of the event were mixed, with some criticizing the display of wealth, while others appreciated the economic benefits.
A Weekend of Festivities
The celebrations didn’t end with the wedding. Festivities continued throughout the weekend at the Ambani family’s 27-story Mumbai residence, Antilia. Saturday featured a Shubh Ashirwad ceremony for divine blessings, while a Sunday reception, themed “Indian chic,” offered guests a final chance to celebrate with the newlyweds.
Conclusion
Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant’s wedding was a testament to love, tradition, and opulence. The grand affair not only showcased the couple’s commitment to each other but also highlighted the Ambani family’s dedication to preserving and celebrating Indian culture. As the celebrations came to a close, the wedding left an indelible mark on Mumbai and set a new standard for grandeur and elegance in Indian weddings.