After months of elaborate pre-wedding festivities, Anant Ambani, son of India’s wealthiest individual, concluded his highly anticipated marriage to pharmaceutical heiress Radhika Merchant in a grand ceremony in Mumbai. The event drew a star-studded guest list that included global celebrities like Kim and Khloé Kardashian, Nick Jonas, Priyanka Chopra, and former UK prime ministers Tony Blair and Boris Johnson, alongside prominent figures from Indian entertainment, sports, business, and politics.
The Ambani family, known for their leadership of Reliance Industries, spared no expense for the occasion. The wedding took place at the Ambani-owned Jio World Convention Center, where roads were closed for a red-carpet arrival amidst Mumbai’s rain. Guests arrived dressed in elaborate traditional attire, setting potential trends in Indian wedding fashion. International attendees also adhered to the dress code, showcasing designs by renowned Indian fashion houses.
Inside the venue, transformed to resemble Varanasi, celebrities such as Priyanka Chopra and John Cena were seen enjoying themselves, with videos circulating widely on social media showing the Ambani family joining Indian singer Daler Mehndi on stage. Anant arrived in a golden sherwani, later changing for the ceremony, while Radhika stunned in a meticulously crafted ensemble by Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla, adhering to Gujarati traditions with her attire changes throughout the event.
Nita Ambani, Anant’s mother, spoke of her inspiration drawn from Varanasi for the wedding’s theme, emphasizing its cultural and artisanal richness. Her own attire, a peach silk ghagra designed by Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla, symbolized the extensive craftsmanship involved in the wedding’s preparations.
The event, managed by renowned fashion designer Manish Malhotra, remained secretive about details leading up to the wedding, generating widespread speculation and interest across social and traditional media platforms. Pre-wedding rituals included a star-studded sangeet featuring performances by Justin Bieber and a private haldi ceremony, both imbued with traditional significance.
Anant Ambani, a Brown University graduate and director at a Reliance-operated energy business, married Radhika Merchant, daughter of pharmaceutical entrepreneurs Viren and Shaila Merchant. The wedding dates were chosen auspiciously according to Hindu tradition, reflecting meticulous planning and cultural adherence.
Criticism amidst awe surrounded the event’s opulence, with estimates placing costs in the hundreds of millions of dollars. Local residents expressed mixed feelings, highlighting economic benefits alongside concerns about ostentatious display of wealth in Mumbai, where local businesses reportedly thrived during the celebrations.
The festivities extended to the Ambani family’s residence, Antilia, culminating in a divine blessings ceremony and a reception themed “Indian chic,” marking the culmination of seven months of festivities. The wedding journey began with an engagement party followed by a communal dinner for villagers, a pre-wedding bash attended by global figures, and a Mediterranean cruise featuring performances by international artists.
Anant’s sister Isha’s wedding in 2018 similarly captivated global attention with its extravagant celebrations, reinforcing the Ambani family’s penchant for lavish events that blend tradition with international allure.
