Billionaire Mukesh Ambani stands with his son Anant and wife Nita at the wedding of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant, held at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai, India, on July 12, 2024. (AP Photo)
A lavish wedding reception on Sunday marked the end of months of extravagant celebrations for Anant Ambani, the youngest son of Asia’s richest man, Mukesh Ambani. Anant tied the knot with his longtime girlfriend, Radhika Merchant, in a ceremony that cost millions and was attended by many high-profile guests.
The festivities took place at Mumbai’s Jio World Drive, a convention center owned by the Ambani family. Friends and family gathered to celebrate the couple during the “Mangal Utsav,” or Festival of Bliss, which many have called the wedding of the year.
Anant, 29, married Radhika, also 29, the daughter of pharmaceutical moguls Viren and Shaila Merchant. The wedding rituals began on Friday, including traditional garland exchanges and the sacred fire ceremony, wrapping up early Saturday morning.
Among the notable attendees were former British Prime Ministers Boris Johnson and Tony Blair, as well as celebrities like Kim and Khloe Kardashian, Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas, and Bollywood stars Amitabh Bachchan, Shahrukh Khan, and Salman Khan. Even American wrestler and actor John Cena made an appearance, making the occasion even more star-studded.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered his blessings to the newlyweds during the reception, underscoring the Ambani family’s growing influence in India. Mukesh Ambani shared with The Times of India, “This is the final and most auspicious ceremony and the last wedding in our family.” While the exact costs of the celebrations were not disclosed, it’s clear that no expense was spared.
Earlier in the year, a three-day pre-wedding celebration featured performances by stars like Rihanna and Akon for an exclusive guest list of 1,200 people. In May, the festivities continued with a four-day European cruise that included concerts by the Backstreet Boys and Pitbull, culminating in a masquerade ball where Katy Perry performed. Just last week, Justin Bieber entertained guests at a traditional music night in Mumbai.
Billionaire Mukesh Ambani, third from the left, poses with his family at the wedding of his son Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant. From left to right are son Akash, Anant, wife Nita, daughter Isha, and daughter-in-law Shloka, at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai, India, on July 12, 2024. (AP Photo)
Mukesh Ambani, with a net worth of $116 billion, is the ninth-richest person in the world and the richest in Asia. His conglomerate, Reliance Industries, generates over $100 billion in annual revenue across sectors like petrochemicals, oil, gas, telecom, and retail. The Ambani family also owns a luxurious 27-story residence in Mumbai valued at $1 billion, featuring three helipads, a 160-car garage, and a private movie theater.
Anant Ambani plays a key role in the family business, overseeing the expansion into renewable and green energy. He also manages a large animal rescue center in Gujarat, showcasing his commitment to social causes.
Radhika Merchant serves as the marketing director for Encore Healthcare, her father’s company. Both families have a long-standing relationship that played a significant role in the wedding celebrations.
Despite the grandeur, the Ambani family has faced criticism for its reliance on political connections throughout the decades, particularly during the Congress Party’s rule in the 1970s and 1980s and under Modi’s government since 2014. Nevertheless, the wedding festivities have brought joy and celebration, highlighting the Ambani family's prominence in Indian society.
