Anant Ambani Wedding- A Grand Celebration
After seven months of extravagant pre-wedding celebrations, Anant Ambani, son of India’s richest man, Mukesh Ambani, married pharmaceutical heiress Radhika Merchant. The lavish event, attended by thousands, including global celebrities and political figures, took place in Mumbai.
Celebrity Attendance
The wedding drew a star-studded crowd, including Kim and Khloé Kardashian, Nick Jonas and Priyanka Chopra, and former British prime ministers Tony Blair and Boris Johnson. Bollywood stars, top Indian politicians, and cricket legends were also present. The Ambanis, behind India’s largest private corporation, Reliance Industries, spared no expense for the event.
Fashion and Festivities
The ceremony was held at the Ambani-owned Jio World Convention Center, transformed into a miniature Varanasi. Attendees, dressed in custom traditional attire, included international guests in Indian designs. John Cena, Nick Jonas, and Priyanka Chopra were among those who embraced the traditional dress code.
Inside the venue, celebrities danced and celebrated with the Ambani family. Performers included Daler Mehndi and Afrobeats star Rema. Anant Ambani wore a golden sherwani paired with sneakers, while Radhika Merchant dazzled in hand-embroidered bridal couture by Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla.
Cultural Homage and Tradition
Nita Ambani, Anant’s mother, shared her inspiration for the event, seeking blessings in Varanasi and aiming to celebrate India’s culture and heritage. The bride and groom participated in several traditional pre-wedding rituals, including a sangeet with a performance by Justin Bieber and a private haldi ceremony.
An Opulent Affair
The event, directed by renowned designer Manish Malhotra, was meticulously planned, with every detail designed to create an atmosphere of joy and celebration. The wedding celebrations included a celebrity-filled engagement party, a communal dinner for over 50,000 villagers, and a pre-wedding bash with performances by Rihanna.
Economic Impact and Reactions
The Ambani wedding has been estimated to cost hundreds of millions of dollars, with musical performers receiving substantial fees. While some locals criticized the extravagance, others appreciated the economic boost. Hotel rates soared as guests flocked to Mumbai for the event.
Continued Celebrations
The festivities continue at the Ambani family’s 27-story Mumbai residence, Antilia, with a divine blessings ceremony and a final reception over the weekend. This grand celebration marks the culmination of months of elaborate preparations for what is being hailed as India’s wedding of the year.
