Anant Ambani’s Star-Studded Wedding: A Celebration of Love and Luxury
After seven months of extravagant pre-wedding festivities, Anant Ambani, the heir to India’s richest family, tied the knot with pharmaceutical heiress Radhika Merchant. The grand ceremony took place on a rainy Friday in Mumbai, drawing thousands of high-profile guests from around the world.
A Guest List Like No Other
The wedding was a who’s who of international and Indian celebrities. Kim and Khloé Kardashian, Nick Jonas and Priyanka Chopra, and former British Prime Ministers Tony Blair and Boris Johnson were just a few of the famous faces that flew in for the event. Bollywood legends like Rajinikanth and Sanjay Dutt, former president Ram Nath Kovind, chief ministers from various states, and numerous cricket stars were also in attendance, making it a truly star-studded affair.
The Ambani Legacy
No expense was spared by the Ambanis, the family behind Reliance Industries, India’s largest private corporation. Founded by Anant’s grandfather, the conglomerate is now run by his father, Mukesh Ambani, who is worth over $122 billion, according to Forbes. The family’s influence and wealth were on full display at the wedding, held at the 16,000-capacity Jio World Convention Center, owned by the Ambanis.
Fashion Takes Center Stage
The fashion at the event was nothing short of spectacular. Attendees dazzled in custom sarees, lehengas, and kurtas, with international guests also honoring traditional Indian dress. John Cena walked the red carpet in an embroidered sky blue sherwani and white pants, while Nick Jonas sparkled in a baby pink sherwani with matching satin trousers. Priyanka Chopra opted for an intricately embellished sunshine yellow sari, complementing her husband’s outfit perfectly.
Kim and Khloé Kardashian, though skipping the red carpet, made waves on social media with their gold and red saris. Kim’s ensemble featured an off-the-shoulder tasseled bodice, and Khloé’s outfit was adorned with ornate sleeves and a maang tikka. Their appearance hinted at an episode of their show, “The Kardashians,” being filmed at the wedding.
A Miniature Varanasi in Mumbai
The venue was transformed into a miniature version of Varanasi, one of India’s holiest cities. Celebrities, including Priyanka Chopra and John Cena, were seen dancing and enjoying the night. The Ambani family, known for their love of grand celebrations, took to the stage with Indian singer Daler Mehndi, while Afrobeats star Rema performed his hit song “Calm Down.”
The Bride and Groom
Anant Ambani arrived on the red carpet in a golden sherwani paired with sneakers, changing later for the ceremony. Radhika Merchant dazzled in a hand-embroidered bridal couture by the Indian label Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla. Following Gujarati tradition, she wore a red-trimmed ivory ensemble with a 16-foot-long veil adorned with stones and sequins. For her “vidai,” she changed into a red and gold outfit featuring a woven blouse, lehenga, veil, and embroidered head covering.
Nita Ambani, Anant’s mother, shared in an Instagram video that she sought blessings for the couple in Varanasi. She aimed to bring the purity, positivity, and beauty of Varanasi to the wedding, which was brought to life by thousands of artisans, weavers, and craftspeople.
A Well-Kept Secret
Despite the high-profile nature of the event, the Ambani family kept the details under wraps until the big day. Rumors swirled about the guest list and star performers, while local media speculated about the dinner menu and jewelry on display from the family’s collection. Manish Malhotra, one of India’s best-known fashion designers, served as the creative director for the event, producing bespoke outfits for the Ambani family throughout the celebrations.
Traditional Rituals and Modern Glamour
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 night of music and dance. The couple also attended a private “haldi” ceremony, where friends and family blessed them with turmeric paste.
The wedding dates were chosen based on auspicious days from the couple’s birth charts, adhering to Hindu tradition. Anant, a Brown University graduate, is the youngest child of Mukesh Ambani and serves as a director at a Reliance energy business. Radhika Merchant, also 29, is the daughter of Viren and Shaila Merchant, founders of pharmaceutical company Encore Healthcare.
The Cost of Extravagance
While the exact cost of the wedding remains undisclosed, industry estimates suggest it ran into hundreds of millions of dollars. Performers alone were rumored to command seven- or even eight-figure sums. The Ambanis spared no expense, ensuring every detail from decor to cuisine was perfect.
Manish Malhotra, in an email to CNN, emphasized the importance of each detail in creating an atmosphere of joy, love, and celebration. The wedding, from the lavish decor to the opulent attire, was designed to immerse guests in a unique experience.
Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant’s wedding was a celebration of love, tradition, and modern luxury. The event not only showcased the couple’s union but also highlighted the Ambani family’s influence and wealth, setting a new standard for Indian weddings.
