On a splendid Friday afternoon, the Jio World Centre in Mumbai was abuzz with excitement and glamour as celebrities from around the world gathered to celebrate the wedding ceremony of Anant Ambani, the youngest son of India’s richest man, Mukesh Ambani, and Radhika Merchant, daughter of a prominent business tycoon. The red carpet, adorned with lanterns, red and orange garlands, and intricate floral arrangements, was set for an event that would blend opulence with tradition in an unforgettable spectacle.

A Dazzling Red Carpet Event

Photographer Sneh Zala, 24, along with about 100 other media members, eagerly awaited the arrival of the star-studded guest list. This gathering was unlike any other, featuring global icons such as Kim and Khloé Kardashian, John Cena, and Boris Johnson, all dressed in traditional Indian attire. The anticipation was palpable as Mr. Zala, representing Bollywood’s top paparazzi Manav Manglani, had already covered several pre-wedding events that began in March.

The red carpet was a visual feast, teeming with Bollywood superstars, members of the Indian cricket team, former prime ministers, and billionaire businessmen. A runway seemed fitting for an occasion showcasing such extravagant Indian clothing and high-profile attendees. Celebrities like Shah Rukh Khan and his wife Gauri Khan, Tony Blair and Cherie Blair, Sanjay Dutt, and Madhuri Dixit Nene were among the notable figures captured in this grand event.

Celebrity Appearances and Glamorous Attire

When John Cena appeared in a baby-blue sherwani, a photographer exclaimed, “Welcome to India,” capturing the cross-cultural fusion of the event. The Thai businesswoman Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul, along with her husband Somsak, posed for photographers while a stylist adjusted Ms. Leeswadtrakul’s scarf, ensuring every guest looked perfect for the cameras.

The Ambani family’s entrance was a highlight, featuring the groom Anant Ambani, his mother Nita Ambani, his father Mukesh Ambani, his siblings, and their spouses and children. The bride, Radhika Merchant, chose not to pose on the red carpet, but her ivory Zardozi cutwork lehenga by Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla for the ceremony was a masterpiece of traditional Indian craftsmanship.

Unforgettable Performances and Traditional Rituals

Inside the wedding venue, the entertainment was as lavish as the decor. Performers included reggaeton singer Luis Fonsi, Afrobeats star Rema, and Bhangra singer Sukhbir. Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh energized the crowd with his dance to “Tattad Tattad,” and Bollywood superstars Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan danced together, captivating the guests.

The ceremony honored Indian wedding traditions such as the jaimala, where the couple exchanged flower garlands, and the phera, during which they circled a ritual fire. Reliance Industries, owned by the Ambani family, reported that about 2,000 guests attended this magnificent event.

Weekend Celebrations and High-Profile Guests

The wedding festivities continued into the weekend with a Saturday reception attended by India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and FIFA President Gianni Infantino were seen mingling with guests. Radhika Merchant wore a stunning pink lehenga by Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla, featuring hand-painted designs by Indian artist Jayasri Burman.

Sunday’s mangal utsav was the grandest event of the weekend. Radhika wore a gold corset by Dolce & Gabbana paired with a satin sari by Anamika Khanna. Renowned Indian singers A. R. Rahman and Shreya Ghoshal performed timeless classics, adding a melodious touch to the celebrations.

A Grand Finale and Diverse Opinions

The wedding concluded with a Monday night reception for Reliance Industries employees. The extravagant festivities sparked varied opinions. While some found it exhilarating and a testament to Indian culture’s global appeal, others viewed it as a display of excessive wealth amidst significant socio-economic disparities.

Journalist Anjan Sachar noted that Indian weddings, irrespective of caste or state, are always grand affairs. The Ambanis, one of the world’s wealthiest families, showcased the height of opulence for their youngest son’s wedding, drawing international attention.

Global Attention and Cultural Showcasing

The Ambani wedding ceremony was more than just a union of two individuals; it was a cultural event of monumental proportions. Decorations covered the streets surrounding the Jio World Centre, and a vast team of photographers, musicians, cooks, event staff, carpenters, dancers, and makeup artists ensured the event ran smoothly. Despite some complaints about traffic and crowding, the spectacle drew admiration for its celebration of Indian culture and tradition.

Internationally, the Ambani family gained recognition with performances by global stars like Rihanna, Katy Perry, the Backstreet Boys, and Justin Bieber at various pre-wedding events. This grand celebration highlighted the family’s role in promoting Indian culture and fashion on a global stage, aligning with a broader cultural shift where Indian designers are gaining international acclaim.

A Modern-Day Royal Wedding

Fashion designer Anamika Khanna described the wedding as an “epic” showcase of visibility and attention. The blend of traditional Indian culture with modernity, as seen in Radhika Merchant’s outfits, epitomized the event’s grandeur. Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla’s 18-month effort in designing the wedding couture paid homage to craft, textiles, family, nature, love, and tradition.

The wedding was a topic of fascination and discussion, much like a modern-day royal wedding. People were captivated by the opulence and scale, eager to consume every detail of this historic celebration.

The Anant Ambani wedding ceremony was not just a union of two individuals but a grand celebration that brought together tradition, culture, and global recognition.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who are Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant?

Anant Ambani is the youngest son of Mukesh Ambani, India’s richest man, and Radhika Merchant is the daughter of a prominent business tycoon. Their wedding was a grand affair celebrated with much fanfare.

2. Where was the Anant Ambani wedding ceremony held?

The wedding ceremony took place at the Jio World Centre in Mumbai, an 18.5-acre business and cultural center owned by the Ambani family.

3. Which celebrities attended the Anant Ambani wedding?

The wedding was attended by numerous celebrities, including Kim and Khloé Kardashian, John Cena, Boris Johnson, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, and many others.

4. What traditional rituals were part of the Anant Ambani wedding?

The wedding included traditional Indian rituals such as the jaimala (exchange of flower garlands) and the phera (circling a ritual fire).

5. How did the Ambani wedding showcase Indian culture?

The Ambani wedding highlighted Indian culture through traditional attire, rituals, and performances by renowned Indian artists. The event also featured designs by top Indian designers, promoting Indian craftsmanship on an international stage.