Indian billionaire Mukesh Ambani’s son Anant Ambani got married on Friday in a grand ceremony that has generated significant buzz both domestically and internationally. His father’s $260 billion conglomerate, Reliance, heavily promoted the event on social media.
Reliance’s marketing efforts, along with posts from various Bollywood celebrities and extensive media coverage, have amplified public interest in the wedding, overshadowing critical social media comments about the extravagant display amid rising inequality in India.
Anant Ambani, 29, married his long-time girlfriend Radhika Merchant, also 29, in a star-studded ceremony in Mumbai attended by celebrities and political figures, including Kim Kardashian, Mike Tyson, Tony Blair, and Boris Johnson. The celebration will continue with three days of receptions.
An unnamed Reliance executive described the event as a “powerful symbol of India’s growing stature on the global stage,” highlighting the presence of notable individuals as evidence of India’s economic and intellectual prowess.
Ambani, Asia’s richest person, is known for hosting opulent parties, especially for his three children—Akash, Isha, and Anant. These events often feature performances by international artists and are attended by numerous Bollywood stars, often costing millions.
While this wedding is expected to be the most extravagant yet, the exact expenditure remains undisclosed. Some critics, including opposition politician Thomas Isaac, have labeled the spending “obscene,” stating that, although it may be legally theirs, such ostentatious displays are disrespectful to the poor and the planet.
The wedding festivities have been treated as a public event, leading to traffic restrictions in a busy Mumbai business district for four days, which has drawn public criticism.
Access to the event was limited, with details closely guarded. Reliance’s official Facebook page, which has 2.3 million followers, provided glimpses into the celebrations by sharing videos and photos. One popular post featured the Ambani family dancing at a private music event, receiving over 54,000 likes and promoted with the hashtag #ARWeddingCelebrations.
Media access to the venue was restricted, allowing only a select number of photographers and TV crews to capture arriving guests. Onlookers braved the rain outside, some taking photos while Bollywood music played in the background.
A foreign company executive in India, attending the wedding this weekend, mentioned that organizers would likely cover guests’ phone cameras to prevent any unauthorized photos.
Ambani’s celebrations are typically closely monitored. The wedding events kicked off in March with a three-day pre-wedding party for 1,200 guests featuring a performance by Rihanna, followed by a luxurious European cruise with 800 guests in May.
Soon after, several Bollywood actresses shared photos on Instagram, showcasing luxury designer outfits without revealing details about the Ambani cruise celebrations.
The intense interest in the event has led Indian TV news channels to provide minute-by-minute coverage. One channel’s ticker stated, “The world descends… Guest list to what’s there to eat. Every minute detail on Times Now.”
