Asia’s Richest Heir Anant Ambani’s Grand Wedding to Radhika Merchant
04.07.2024: Billionaire heir Anant Ambani is set to marry his longtime girlfriend Radhika Merchant later this month in one of India’s most anticipated weddings of the year. The ceremony promises to be lavish and grand, captivating the attention of the nation.
Extravagant Pre-Wedding Celebrations
The pre-wedding festivities have already created a buzz. In March, the couple hosted a three-day party in Jamnagar, attended by high-profile guests including Mark Zuckerberg and Bill Gates. Highlights included a light show with 5,500 drones and a performance by Rihanna.
In late May, the celebrations continued with a four-day Mediterranean cruise featuring stops across Europe and performances by Katy Perry, the Backstreet Boys, and Andrea Bocelli.
The Wedding Details
The wedding will take place from July 12 to 14 at the Ambani family home, Antilia, and the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai. This sprawling venue can accommodate over 16,000 guests. While details are closely guarded, the event is expected to be spectacular, mirroring the grandeur of the pre-wedding events.
Meet the Couple
Anant Ambani, 29, is the youngest son of Mukesh Ambani, Asia’s richest man. Anant is responsible for expanding the energy sector of Reliance Industries and has a passion for animal welfare, having launched a 3,000-acre animal shelter, Vantara.
Radhika Merchant, also 29, is the daughter of pharma tycoon Viren Merchant and works for Encore Healthcare. A graduate of New York University, she met Anant through mutual friends in 2017 and is trained in Bharatnatyam, an Indian classical dance form.
Wedding Traditions and Fashion
Following Hindu traditions, the wedding dates were chosen for their auspiciousness. The festivities will include a haldi ceremony, mehndi, and sangeet, culminating in a series of ceremonies over three days.
Fashion at the wedding is expected to be a highlight, with the couple showcasing Indian craftsmanship. Manish Malhotra, a renowned designer, has been appointed as the wedding’s creative director. Guests will don traditional Indian attire, with specific dress codes for each day.
Behind the Scenes
Planning an event of this scale involves months of preparation and the collaboration of numerous agencies. India’s wedding industry has grown significantly, inspired by Bollywood and celebrity culture. Despite the opulence, the Ambanis have shown awareness of their privilege, organizing charitable acts such as a mass wedding for underprivileged couples.
This grand wedding is not just a personal celebration but a reflection of India’s evolving wedding industry, showcasing a blend of tradition and modernity.