In a spectacular display of opulence, Asia’s richest man, Mukesh Ambani, is set to host a three-day pre-wedding gala for his son, Anant Ambani, and his soon-to-be bride, Radhika Merchant. The star-studded guest list reads like a who’s who of global influencers, featuring the likes of Mark Zuckerberg, Bill Gates, and Rihanna.
These luminaries, along with Bollywood royalty including Shah Rukh Khan and Amitabh Bachchan, have descended upon Gujarat’s Jamnagar city to partake in the extravagant festivities.
Mukesh Ambani, the 66-year-old chairman of Reliance Industries, boasts a staggering net worth of $115 billion, making him the 10th richest person globally. Reliance Industries, a sprawling conglomerate founded by his father in 1966, operates across diverse sectors, including refining, retail, financial services, and telecom. Anant Ambani, the youngest of Mukesh’s three children, is actively involved in Reliance’s energy businesses and holds a position on the board of Reliance Foundation.
The pre-wedding celebration mirrors the Ambani family’s penchant for grandeur, reminiscent of Isha Ambani’s 2018 nuptials where pop sensation Beyoncé graced the festivities in Udaipur. The reported cost of Isha’s wedding stirred controversy, with estimates ranging from $15 million to a staggering $100 million.
Anna Seva by Ambani
This year’s festivities commenced with a noble gesture as the Ambani family served food to the local residents in Jamnagar. A township near Reliance’s main oil refinery is the venue for the pre-wedding party, attended by approximately 1,200 guests, including Indian billionaires Gautam Adani and Kumar Mangalam Birla. Disney CEO Bob Iger’s presence adds a touch of global business significance to the event, coinciding with his company’s recent announcement of merging India assets with Reliance.
Zuck, Rihanna arrives in Jamnagar
Notable arrivals include Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg, who reached Jamnagar during his busy Asia trip, and Bill Gates, who made headlines sharing a video of himself enjoying tea from a local vendor. Cricketers Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Dwayne Bravo, along with BP CEO Murray Auchincloss, are among the prominent guests spotted. The guest list further boasts BlackRock co-founder Larry Fink, Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai, former Canadian PM Stephen Harper, former Australian PM Kevin Rudd, and Ivanka Trump.
The Ambani extravaganza is not merely a social gathering; it signifies Reliance’s growing influence as a conduit for global tech, media, and energy giants to engage with the Indian economy. Bloomberg notes a more substantial corporate presence compared to previous weddings, emphasizing Reliance’s evolving role on the world stage.
Rihanna’s performace
Entertainment at the gala includes performances by Rihanna (for which she has charged INR 50 crores) and illusionist David Blaine. A visit to a rescue center in Jamnagar housing over 2,000 animals adds a philanthropic touch to the celebrations. Anant Ambani and his long-time girlfriend, Radhika Merchant, are set to tie the knot in July, and the three-day pre-wedding bash offers a preview of the impending ceremony.
The dress code for guests during their visit to the animal rescue center aligns with the theme “jungle fever.” This visit to the “Vantara” center, spanning 3,000 acres and focused on rehabilitating abused, injured, and endangered animals, promises a unique and socially conscious experience.
As Mukesh Ambani prepares for the grand union of his son, this extraordinary celebration is poised to become the most significant event in Jamnagar’s history. The convergence of global billionaires, heads of state, and entertainment luminaries underscores the Ambani family’s unparalleled ability to blend extravagance with social responsibility, making this wedding an unforgettable affair on the world stage.
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