The extravagant wedding of Anant Ambani, son of Mukesh Ambani - Asia's richest man, and Radhika Merchant has become the talk of the town as celebrities, politicians, and tech tycoons flock to Mumbai to witness the grand affair. The wedding, which lasted for multiple days, has been both praised as "spectacular" and criticized as "vulgar," sparking conversations about wealth disparity in India.

Mukesh Ambani, aged 67, boasts a net worth of around $124 billion, making him the ninth richest person in the world according to Forbes. As the chairman of Reliance Industries, a conglomerate established by his father, Ambani oversees various industries including textiles, petrochemicals, telecoms, retail, and digital services.

The pre-wedding celebrations commenced back in March, capturing attention worldwide. Rihanna and, more recently, Justin Bieber graced the occasion with their performances, adding to the glamour and excitement surrounding the event.

Anant Ambani, a graduate of Brown University, tied the knot with Radhika Merchant, a New York University graduate and the daughter of an Indian health-care tycoon. The wedding itself was held at the Ambani-owned Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai, with celebrities such as the Kardashian sisters, former British prime ministers Tony Blair and Boris Johnson, and actor John Cena in attendance.

The guest list for this lavish affair has been the subject of speculation, with many celebrities attracting attention for their presence. The massive scale of the wedding has caused inconvenience for the public, leading to traffic restrictions imposed by local officials in Mumbai. Some voices of dissent have criticized the event for inconveniencing residents and have even demanded a state holiday to mitigate the chaos.

While some argue that the wedding has put India on the global map and has bolstered the local economy and soft power, others perceive it as a showcase for the Ambani family's businesses. Controversy has arisen as critics address the ostentatiousness of the event, with former Indian politician Shahid Siddiqui describing it as "the most vulgar and ostentatious marriage ever seen."

The estimated cost of the wedding exceeds a staggering $100 million. However, amidst the extravagant festivities, the Ambani family has organized charity feasts for the underprivileged, hosted events for their household staff, and funded a mass wedding for over 50 economically disadvantaged couples.

The wedding of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant undoubtedly remains a subject of fascination and debate. As the glitzy affair concludes, it leaves an enduring impression on the attendees and the world at large, highlighting issues of wealth inequality and the dilemmas faced by a country with contrasting realities.