Anant Ambani is the youngest son of Mukesh Ambani, Asia’s richest man and the chairman of Reliance Industries. Anant is a prominent figure in his family’s business empire, particularly focusing on the new energy sector. He has a bachelor’s degree from Brown University and has been involved in expanding Reliance’s renewable energy initiatives. Additionally, Anant is known for managing Vantara, a 3,000-acre animal rescue center in Jamnagar, Gujarat.
In addition to his business ventures, Anant’s personal life has also garnered attention, especially due to his upcoming marriage to Radhika Merchant, a businesswoman and the daughter of pharmaceutical tycoon Viren Merchant. Their wedding, which took place in 2024, was a major event, drawing global media attention due to its extravagant celebrations.
The wedding of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant, held between July 12 and July 30, 2024, in Mumbai, India, has garnered widespread attention due to its scale and luxury. Taking place at the Ambani family’s iconic Antilia building and the Jio Convention Center, it was considered India’s “wedding of the year” and even likened to a royal event. This extravagant celebration attracted global media coverage, with The New York Times describing it as an introduction to India’s “Gilded Age.” The groom, Anant Ambani, is the youngest son of Mukesh Ambani, Asia’s richest individual, and Nita Ambani. The bride, Radhika Merchant, is the daughter of Viren Kumar Merchant, a prominent healthcare CEO.
The wedding’s cost has been the subject of speculation, with estimates ranging from $300 million to as much as $1 billion, making it one of the most expensive weddings in modern history. This lavish affair has sparked debates around wealth inequality in India, drawing both admiration and criticism. It was seen not only as a grand social event but also as a symbol of the immense wealth concentrated in the hands of a few in the country.
Background of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant
Anant Ambani, born on April 10, 1995, is the youngest son of Mukesh Ambani, the chairman and largest shareholder of Reliance Industries, one of India’s largest conglomerates. Mukesh Ambani is the richest person in Asia and the ninth richest in the world, with a net worth of $123.3 billion. Anant Ambani plays a pivotal role in the operations of Reliance Industries, particularly in managing its energy sector. He is also involved in the leadership of several Reliance subsidiaries and oversees Vantara, an animal rescue center in Jamnagar. Anant Ambani graduated in 2017 with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Brown University.
Radhika Merchant, born on December 18, 1994, hails from a prominent business family. Her father, Viren Merchant, is the CEO of Encore Healthcare, a major player in the pharmaceutical industry. Radhika has a strong academic background, graduating from New York University before taking on the role of marketing director at her father’s company. The couple reportedly met in 2017, during a drive after being introduced by mutual friends. In December 2023, Anant Ambani proposed to Radhika at the Shrinathji Temple in Rajasthan.
Pre-wedding Festivities
The pre-wedding festivities for Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant were spread over several days, beginning with a grand celebration in Jamnagar in March 2024. This event was attended by around 1,200 guests, where performances by international stars like Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, and Rihanna wowed the audience. Rihanna’s performance was particularly significant, as it marked her first full-length concert in eight years. The attendees were encouraged to dress in “jungle fever” outfits for the event, as it took place at Vantara, Anant’s animal rescue center.
The second phase of celebrations involved a luxurious four-day cruise through the Mediterranean in late May 2024, featuring surprise performances from pop icons such as the Backstreet Boys, Katy Perry, and Pitbull. As the wedding ceremony approached in July 2024, the Ambanis also arranged a mass wedding for over 50 underprivileged couples, demonstrating their commitment to social causes.
The pre-wedding events continued with a star-studded sangeet ceremony on July 5, where the families of both the bride and groom participated in choreographed dances. This was followed by traditional poojas and a mehendi ceremony, where Radhika and Anant celebrated with a joyous display of family and cultural traditions. On July 11, the couple participated in the haldi ceremony, a pre-wedding ritual where turmeric paste is applied to the couple as a blessing.
Bride’s Attire
Radhika Merchant’s bridal lehenga was designed by Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla, a celebrated fashion house known for its intricate craftsmanship. The lehenga featured zardozi cut-work, a traditional Indian embroidery technique, with a distinct Gujarati cultural influence. The lehenga’s ghagra, or skirt, had a second detachable trail, and the ensemble was complemented by a 5-meter head veil and a tissue shoulder dupatta. The piece was intricately designed with floral booties, sequins, stones, and resham (silk thread), reflecting an opulent blend of tradition and modernity. The head veil had delicate jaali (lace) and cut-work, while the detachable trail was a remarkable 80 inches long, showcasing detailed zardozi work.
The lehenga also included a personal touch, with a brooch engraved with the initials “AR,” representing Anant and Radhika. This was a symbolic and intimate addition to the otherwise grand wedding ensemble.
Jewelry
Radhika’s wedding jewelry was as spectacular as her bridal attire. She wore a statement central necklace designed by Nisha Mehta, featuring Zambian emeralds and diamonds. This necklace, which had five strands of diamonds and a large emerald pendant, was the centerpiece of her bridal jewelry collection. Additionally, Radhika wore heirloom family jewels gifted to her by her mother, further adding to the significance and emotional value of her wedding ensemble. These pieces, passed down through generations, symbolized her connection to her roots and family heritage.
Critical Appraisal
Radhika’s bridal attire received widespread praise from fashion critics and media outlets. India Today described the lehenga as a “fairytale to life,” highlighting the delicate craftsmanship and cultural depth. Other publications echoed similar sentiments, calling her ensemble a vision of elegance and tradition. Fashion platform Pinkvilla hailed her as a “royal queen” in her bridal look, emphasizing the regal nature of her appearance.
The media’s focus on the detailing of Radhika’s outfit, along with its cultural significance, solidified her status as a modern Indian bride who embraced tradition while making a global fashion statement.
Fashion
Radhika’s style has been a significant influence on the fashion industry, particularly since the public announcement of her relationship with Anant Ambani in 2017. She has consistently made high-fashion statements, including her rose gold and pink Versace ensemble, which evoked comparisons to Blake Lively’s 2022 Met Gala look. Radhika’s wedding festivities saw her in a stunning yellow lehenga designed by Anamika Khanna, paired with a floral dupatta made from 90 marigold flowers and fresh jasmine buds. The intricate floral jewelry she wore took around six hours to create, showcasing her dedication to both elegance and detail.
During the luxury cruise pre-wedding function, Radhika wore a golden sculpted dress designed by Grace Ling. This dress, created with aerospace aluminum technology, was a fusion of art and fashion, making waves in the fashion world. She also wore a gown by Robert Wun, which was imprinted with a love letter from Anant, adding a deeply personal touch to her bridal wardrobe.
For the wedding itself, Radhika’s lehenga continued to impress with its detailed embroidery and hand-painted panels. The post-wedding lehenga featured 12 panels of hand-painted Italian canvas, celebrating their union through mythical art, with symbols of purity, divinity, and Anant’s love for elephants. The use of gold zardozi and intricate embroidery further emphasized the couple’s deep connection to tradition and craftsmanship.
Wedding
The wedding ceremony, held from July 12 to 14, 2024, was a spectacle of opulence and tradition. It took place across two primary venues: the Ambani family’s lavish residence, Antilia, and the Jio World Convention Centre. Floral designs by renowned florist Preston Bailey, including animal sculptures made of flowers, created a magical atmosphere. These sculptures, such as tigers and elephants, symbolized the couple’s love for nature and animals. The wedding guest list was a who’s who of global and Indian celebrities, including Bollywood stars, cricketers, and international dignitaries like former UK Prime Ministers Tony Blair and Boris Johnson, and US politician John Kerry.
The extravagance of the wedding prompted criticism from some political figures, who questioned the ostentatious display of wealth in a country where poverty and inequality remain prevalent. Critics, including former members of the Indian Parliament, labeled the wedding as “vulgar,” while others pointed out the stark contrast between the couple’s lavish celebration and the struggles faced by the working class. Despite the criticisms, the wedding highlighted the power and influence of the Ambani family, and their ability to combine traditional rituals with a modern, global perspective.
Response
The wedding sparked divided reactions across India. On one hand, it was hailed as an awe-inspiring showcase of wealth, culture, and glamour. On the other, it ignited debate about the country’s growing inequality, with many lamenting how the money spent on the wedding could have been used to address more pressing issues, like improving infrastructure or education. While some celebrated the Ambanis’ success and their right to lavishly celebrate, others criticized the focus on ostentatious displays of wealth in a society where poverty remains a major issue. The wedding, while spectacular in its execution, served as a stark reminder of the disparity in resource distribution within India.
Here are some lesser-known facts about Anant Ambani:
- Family Background: Anant is the youngest son of Mukesh Ambani, one of India’s wealthiest and most influential business tycoons.
- Impressive Weight Loss Journey: Anant weighed around 175 kg until 2014. Through a disciplined routine, including walking 21 km a day, weight training, high-intensity cardio, yoga, and a low-carb, no-sugar diet, he shed 108 kg in just 18 months (2016).
- Sports Involvement: Anant actively participates in managing sports events, including the Indian Premier League (IPL), where his family’s company, Reliance Industries, owns the Mumbai Indians team.
- Devotion to Lord Ganesha: Anant is a devout follower of Lord Ganesha and has a strong spiritual inclination.
- Animal Welfare Advocate: He has a deep passion for wildlife, especially elephants, and runs a project called Vantara in Gujarat to rescue and protect elephants. He is also well-versed in Mahouti language and animal care.
- Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee Member: In 2019, Anant was nominated by the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand to be a member of the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee.
- Speech on Family Legacy: On 23 December 2017, he delivered a heartfelt speech about carrying on the legacy of his grandfather, Dirubhai Ambani, and reaffirmed his commitment to the Reliance family, saying “Reliance meri jaan hai” (Reliance is my life).
- Business Leadership: In 2022, during the Reliance AGM, Mukesh Ambani announced Anant as the head of the energy unit of Reliance Industries, while his siblings were given leadership roles in retail and telecom.
- Spirituality: Anant is deeply spiritual and has great faith in Lord Balaji, visiting the Venkateswara Temple in Tirumala regularly. He also donated a sacred white elephant to the temple.
- New Role at Reliance: In 2023, Anant, along with his siblings, joined the board of Reliance Industries as a non-executive director.
- Pre-Wedding Celebrations: Anant’s pre-wedding celebrations with Radhika Merchant in March 2024 were extravagant, attracting around 1,200 guests, including international celebrities like Rihanna and Mark Zuckerberg. It also earned Jamnagar Airport international status.
- Exclusive Watches: Anant owns a rare Richard Mille RM 56-02 watch worth $2.2 million, which caught the attention of Mark Zuckerberg during the Vantara visit.
- Lavish Wedding Preparations: For his wedding to Radhika Merchant in July 2024, Anant’s wedding card went viral for its luxurious design, featuring a red box with gold idols, mantras, and embroidered gifts.
- Return Gifts: As part of the wedding celebrations, Anant gifted luxury watches from Audemars Piguet to his groomsmen, including Bollywood stars like Shah Rukh Khan and Ranveer Singh.
- Lavish Gift from Parents: Mukesh and Nita Ambani gifted Anant and Radhika a luxurious villa in Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, worth Rs. 640 crore, which includes 10 bedrooms and a private beach.
