India’s wealthiest family, the Ambanis, are set to spend over $100 million on their son Anant Ambani’s wedding to Radhika Merchant, potentially making it one of the most lavish weddings in modern history. The four-day event is expected to feature extravagant decorations, celebrity performances, and high-profile guests from various sectors, including politics, business, sports, and the arts.
Anant is the youngest child of Mukesh Ambani, the director of Reliance Industries and the 11th richest man globally according to Forbes. Radhika Merchant comes from a prominent family, with her parents being multimillionaire pharmaceutical executives.
While the exact expenditure remains undisclosed, estimates suggest the cost could range from $150 million to over half a billion dollars. Expenses reportedly include hiring musicians, chartering private jets, and hosting a feast for underprivileged communities.
Given the significant number of international and Indian dignitaries attending—from former British Prime Minister Tony Blair to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee—Mumbai police have declared the wedding a public event. Roads near the venues were sealed for non-wedding guests as the groom led a convoy of luxurious vehicles to begin the celebrations.
This weekend marks the peak of the couple’s festivities, which have been ongoing for months. In March, the Ambanis hosted over a thousand guests at their Jamnagar estate, with attendees including Mark Zuckerberg, Hillary Clinton, and Ivanka Trump. The event featured a glass palace inspired by the Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s Palm House and a performance by Rihanna.
Radhika Merchant told Vogue she aimed to create a fun and youthful atmosphere with extensive dancing, which is a staple of Indian weddings.
In late May, the couple celebrated with a Mediterranean Sea cruise. They hosted 1,200 people over four days, starting in Palermo, Italy, with stops throughout the region. The cruise included a surprise concert by Katy Perry in Cannes, followed by another performance by Pitbull. In Portofino, guests enjoyed a performance by renowned opera singer Andrea Bocelli, which Merchant described as a magical evening that gave her goosebumps.