Indian tycoon Mukesh Ambani, Asia's richest man, is celebrating his son Anant Ambani's wedding to Radhika Merchant, daughter of pharmaceutical magnates, in an extravagant three-day event. With a fortune exceeding $123 billion, Ambani is known for hosting opulent weddings, including his daughter's in 2018, which cost an estimated $100 million and featured a performance by Beyoncé.
The wedding festivities, taking place in Mumbai amidst the monsoon, promise even more grandeur. High-profile guests, including Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, Rihanna, and Justin Bieber, have been part of the celebrations, adding to the glamour. The Kardashian sisters, former British Prime Ministers Boris Johnson and Tony Blair, and other global elites are also in attendance.
Pre-wedding events included a Mediterranean cruise featuring performances by the Backstreet Boys and Katy Perry, and a gala in Jamnagar, Gujarat, with a parade of diamond-adorned elephants. The nuptial marathon continued with a traditional festival and a private concert by Justin Bieber.
The cost of the wedding is estimated to be between 121 and 143 million euros. This includes substantial fees for performances by Rihanna and Justin Bieber, and the construction of 14 temples in Jamnagar to showcase India's cultural heritage and serve as a backdrop for the wedding.
Despite the lavishness, the wedding has drawn criticism. Traffic restrictions in Mumbai have angered residents, and the display of wealth has shocked many in a country with significant inequality. To mitigate criticism, the Ambani family has included a budget for a wedding for around fifty disadvantaged couples.
The celebrations, set to continue until July 14, mark the last of the Ambani children's weddings. Regardless of the expense and criticism, Mukesh Ambani is determined to make this a memorable event, showcasing his immense fortune and influence.
- The Ambani family's residence in Mumbai has been lavishly decorated for the wedding, which is expected to draw significant media attention.
- Preparations for the wedding have been underway for at least two years, involving multiple reconnaissance trips, approvals, and permissions from several countries, as well as extensive logistics to ensure the security and transport of some of the world's most prominent personalities.
- The wedding has also highlighted the stark contrast between the opulence of the celebrations and the socioeconomic conditions in India, sparking debates about wealth inequality and social responsibility.
