Asia’s wealthiest man, Mukesh Ambani, celebrated the marriage of his youngest son, Anant, to pharmaceutical heiress Radhika Merchant in a spectacular event that set new standards for extravagance.
The wedding, held at Mumbai’s Jio World Centre, attracted a global roster of celebrities, business leaders, cricketers, film stars, and politicians. Events included a ceremony on Friday and a ‘Shubh Ashirwad‘ blessing ceremony the following day, with a reception called ‘Mangal Utsav’ for a broader range of guests on Sunday, all at the same venue. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited on Saturday to offer his blessings.
Invitations for the wedding festivities varied in complexity, with top-tier guests receiving elaborate red boxes containing a chest with miniature silver temples housing gold idols of Hindu deities like Lord Ganesh and Goddess Durga. Each event had distinct cards, including one styled like a temple gate crafted from silver, alongside keepsakes such as embroidered cloths, a blue shawl, and more gifts.
Guests confirmed their attendance via email or Google Form and received QR codes shortly before the events, necessary for entry. Upon arrival, they were given color-coded paper wristbands granting access to different zones, ensuring smooth management of the sprawling venue.
The wedding saw a plethora of stars clad in traditional Indian attire, including sherwanis and bandhgalas. International guests like John Cena, Nick Jonas, and the Chairman of Samsung Electronics, Lee Jae-yong, were among those spotted in vibrant attire.
Elaborate security measures were in place, including ushers and a multi-layered security detail, while comprehensive medical preparedness akin to that for heads of state ensured swift response capabilities, complete with onsite medical teams and designated ambulance routes.
Anant Ambani, 29, oversees Reliance Industries Ltd’s expansion into renewable and green energy sectors, while Radhika Merchant, also 29, serves as the marketing director at Encore Healthcare, her family’s pharmaceutical firm.
The wedding capped off months of pre-celebrations, including a star-studded three-day event in Jamnagar and a Mediterranean cruise featuring performances by global music icons like Rihanna and Katy Perry.
The Ambani family’s weddings have consistently set new benchmarks for opulence, with no expense spared to ensure memorable celebrations.