A constellation of global celebrities, politicians, and business leaders is descending upon Mumbai, the financial epicenter of India, for the wedding of Anant Ambani, Mukesh Ambani’s youngest son—a testament to the influence and affluence of the country’s elite. The marriage between Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant, daughter of a healthcare magnate, is set to unfold this weekend at the Ambani-owned Jio World Convention Centre in the upscale Bandra Kurla Complex, a district shaped by India’s foremost corporate dynasty and renowned for its luxurious shopping malls and cultural venues.
Months of elaborate wedding festivities have culminated in this grand occasion, showcasing India’s increasing prominence on the global stage, propelled by the economic might and influence of tycoons like Mukesh Ambani, chairman of Reliance Industries—a conglomerate spanning oil refining, telecommunications, and retail.
“The Ambanis are engaging in a competitive display among India’s super-rich, striving to outshine the extravagant celebrations of other elite figures,” remarked Michael Kugelman, director of the South Asia Institute at the Wilson Center. He emphasized that while the spectacle underscores India’s economic disparities, it also highlights the opulence and grandeur associated with such gatherings.
The festivities kicked off with a three-day pre-wedding extravaganza near Reliance’s Jamnagar petrochemical complex in Gujarat, drawing luminaries such as Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, Ivanka Trump, and Larry Fink, with a live performance by Rihanna. Justin Bieber later arrived to perform at the sangeet, where guests mingled with stars from Indian cinema and cricket.
Antilia, the towering Mumbai residence of the Ambani family, has buzzed with activity, featuring performances by Indian musicians amidst streets adorned with golden lights. Media speculation has abounded regarding a star-studded guest list, possibly including former UK prime ministers Boris Johnson and Sir Tony Blair, HSBC chair Sir Mark Tucker, Fifa president Gianni Infantino, boxer Mike Tyson, and members of the Kardashian family, although confirmations remain undisclosed by the Ambani family.
Despite charitable initiatives like serving meals to villagers, the extravagant final gala in Mumbai has caused frustration among city residents. Police have enforced traffic diversions around the Jio centre to manage the influx of VIPs attending an unspecified “public event,” sparking concerns about logistical challenges.
In May, the Ambanis hosted a Mediterranean-themed “La Dolce Vita” cruise, which faced criticism in Italy for noise levels and coastal closures in Portofino. Featuring performances by Andrea Bocelli, Katy Perry, and the Backstreet Boys, the cruise coincided with Canadian DJ deadmau5 canceling a Mumbai concert ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s expected presence at the wedding, complicating logistics.
Modi’s anticipated attendance underscores Reliance’s enduring political ties since its inception by Mukesh’s father, Dhirubhai Ambani, both originating from Gujarat. The lavish affair coincides with preparations for third-generation leadership at Reliance, following a tumultuous succession struggle between Mukesh Ambani and his younger brother Anil.
Kugelman highlighted that the wedding serves as a platform to elevate Anant Ambani’s public profile, demonstrating his preparedness for broader responsibilities within the conglomerate.
