Anant Ambani, Son of India's Richest Man, Ties the Knot in Extravagant Wedding Ceremony
ICARO Media Group
In a lavish wedding ceremony attended by thousands of guests, Anant Ambani, the son of India's richest man, Mukesh Ambani, and pharmaceutical heiress Radhika Merchant exchanged vows on Friday. The star-studded event attracted famous faces from around the world, including Kim and Khloé Kardashian, Nick Jonas and Priyanka Chopra, and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair.
The Ambani family, known for their opulent celebrations, spared no expense for the wedding. The ceremony took place at the Ambani-owned Jio World Convention Center in Mumbai, where roads were closed off to create a red-carpet-style arrival event. Guests, both Indian and international, were dressed in elaborate traditional attire, which may set future trends in Indian wedding fashion.
Notable attendees showcased their fashion sense, with John Cena sporting an embroidered sky blue sherwani, while Nick Jonas sparkled in a baby pink version embedded with sequins. Priyanka Chopra looked stunning in an intricately embellished sunshine yellow sari. Fashion enthusiasts were also present, with celebrities like Zendaya's stylist, Law Roach, and designer Prabal Gurung, making a stylish entrance.
The mother of the groom, Nita Ambani, expressed her desire to incorporate the purity, positivity, and beauty of Varanasi, a city in Uttar Pradesh, into the wedding festivities. The exquisite gown she wore on the red carpet, a custom peach silk ghagra, took over 40 days to create by couture house Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla and artisans Vijay Kumar and Monika Maurya.
The Ambani family has kept details about the wedding tightly under wraps, but speculation has run wild about everything from the guest list to the dinner menu and jewelry on display. Manish Malhotra, a renowned fashion designer, served as the event's creative director and designed bespoke outfits for various members of the Ambani family.
Before the ceremony, Anant and Radhika participated in several traditional pre-wedding rituals, including a night of music and dance called the "sangeet" where Justin Bieber performed. The couple also attended a private "haldi" ceremony, where turmeric paste is applied as a blessing.
The wedding is reported to have cost hundreds of millions of dollars, with musicians allegedly receiving seven- or eight-figure sums for their performances. While some locals expressed mixed feelings about the extravagant event and the wealth on display, others welcomed the boost to the economy.
The celebrations will continue throughout the weekend at the Ambani family's impressive 27-story Mumbai residence, Antilia. The weekend schedule includes a divine blessings ceremony and a final reception with an "Indian chic" dress code.
This wedding marks the culmination of a seven-month-long build-up, starting with a star-studded engagement party in January and a pre-wedding bash that featured a rare live performance by Rihanna. Anant's older sister, Isha Ambani, had a similarly extravagant wedding in 2018, attracting attention from celebrities, politicians, and business tycoons.
The Ambani-Merchant wedding has certainly left its mark on India's social scene, showcasing the grandeur and glamour of this high-profile union.