Meet the Ambanis, a rich Indian family who invited Rihanna to perform at their pre-wedding party, with Mark Zuckerberg and Bill Gates as guests.
The Ambanis, the ultra-wealthy Indian family, hosted a pre-wedding celebration that included guests like Rihanna, Mark Zuckerberg, and Bill Gates.
They were among the high-profile celebrities who attended Anant Ambani’s pre-wedding festivities. To think that it was just the pre-wedding event is astonishing.
According to CNBC, the three-day celebration began with a performance by U.S. megastar Rihanna. The guest list of nearly 1,200 people included pop superstar Sunder Pichai, Ivanka Trump, and Bollywood celebrity Shah Rukh Khan.
Getting to Know the Ambani Family
Anant Ambani’s father, Mukesh Ambani, is the world’s ninth-richest person with a net worth of $117.8 billion, as reported by Forbes.
He is the chairman of Reliance Industries, a conglomerate involved in various sectors, from oil and gas to telecommunications.
Mukesh, 66, has begun passing the torch to his two sons and daughter. As per Fortune, the oldest son, Akash Ambani, is now the chairperson of Reliance Jio.
His daughter, Isha, oversees retail, and the youngest, Anant, has been inducted into the new energy business.
The Ambani family owns a 27-story private apartment in Mumbai, nicknamed Antilia. It features three helipads, a 160-car garage, a movie theater, a ballroom, a swimming pool, and a fitness center.
Critics argue that Ambani’s company has flourished mainly due to political connections, according to AP. This was during the Congress governments in the 1970s and 80s, as well as under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s rule after 2014. They accuse Ambani’s corporation of benefiting from “crony capitalism” in India.
Before “I Do”: Inside the Ambani Pre-Wedding Festivities
Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant’s wedding is scheduled for July.
However, the pre-wedding celebrations took place from March 1 to 3 in Jamnagar. This is the family’s hometown and the base of Reliance Industries’ main oil refinery, per AP.
Before the festivities began, the Ambani family organized a community food service on Feb. 28 for over 50,000 people in surrounding villages, according to The Hindu.
Guests were instructed to wear “jungle fever” attire to visit the animal rescue center operated by the groom. A mood board was provided for each day’s expected dress code.
Exploring Indian Wedding Traditions
Indian wedding ceremonies prominently display India’s rich cultural heritage and vibrant traditions.
Based on Julian Ribinik Photography, Indian weddings are characterized by their opulent displays of color. They also feature music, dance, and elaborate ceremonies that span several days.
One such tradition is the Sangeet, a pre-wedding celebration where the bride and groom’s families come together for music, dance, and food.
This event offers both families an opportunity to get to know each other better and often involves playful teasing of the bride and groom.
Radhika Merchant: The Bride in the Spotlight
According to Times Now, Radhika Merchant, the bride-to-be, is the daughter of Viren and Shaila Merchant. They are the founders and owners of Encore Healthcare.
She attended Cathedral and John Connon School and Ecole Mondiale World School in Mumbai.
During her time at NYU, she interned at various businesses, including Cedar Consultants in Mumbai, before joining luxury real estate company Isprava.
Merchant now serves on Encore Healthcare’s board of directors, alongside her sister, Anjali.
She is also a trained classical dancer, having studied Bharatanatyam for eight years at Shree Nibha Arts dance academy in Mumbai, completing formal training in 2022.
Merchant and Ambani got engaged in a traditional ceremony in January 2023 and are childhood sweethearts, according to Times of India.
A Celebration to Remember
The Ambani pre-wedding celebration offered a glimpse into the opulent world of India’s elite, showcasing a blend of tradition, extravagance, and celebrity allure.
The event highlighted the cultural richness of Indian weddings and the grandeur associated with one of India’s most prominent families.
Banner photo via Reliance Industries’ official website.
