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Anant Ambani, the youngest son of India’s richest man Mukesh Ambani, is set to marry Radhika Merchant in what is being hailed as the wedding of the year. The four-day wedding extravaganza, taking place in Mumbai, has already drawn significant attention due to its opulence and high-profile guest list, which includes international celebrities and political figures.
The wedding festivities began months ago with a series of pre-wedding events. These included a three-day gala in Gujarat, a luxurious cruise from Italy to France featuring performances by global music icons such as Katy Perry and the Backstreet Boys, and several traditional Indian ceremonies. The latest celebration, a vibrant sangeet night held on July 5, saw performances by Justin Bieber, adding to the grandeur of the occasion.
The main wedding ceremony will occur on July 12 at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai. The event will follow traditional Hindu customs and is expected to attract numerous VIPs, including former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair and reality TV star Kim Kardashian. The Ambanis have also planned two post-wedding events: ‘Shubh Aashirwad’ on July 13 and ‘Mangal Utsav’ on July 14, each with distinct dress codes reflecting Indian cultural themes.
Mumbai’s city roads have been sealed off to accommodate the high-profile guests and ensure the smooth running of the events. This has sparked some public backlash due to the resulting traffic snarls and inconvenience to residents. Additionally, the extravagant display of wealth has raised eyebrows amid ongoing monsoon floods and socio-economic challenges faced by many in the city .
Mukesh Ambani, the chairman of Reliance Industries, is currently the world’s 10th richest person, with a net worth of $115 billion. His conglomerate operates in various sectors, including petroleum, retail, and telecommunications. Anant Ambani, 29, plays a significant role in the family business, particularly in the energy sector and the Reliance Foundation.
Despite the criticism, the Ambanis have also shown a philanthropic side by hosting a mass wedding for 50 underprivileged couples and organizing a community feast for the less fortunate, showcasing their commitment to social causes amid the lavish celebrations.
The wedding is not only a union of two influential families but also a spectacle of cultural richness, celebrity glamour, and extraordinary wealth, capturing global attention and making headlines worldwide.
