From international celebrities to business tycoons, and from renowned politicians to globe-trotting diplomats, guests have begun arriving in Mumbai as the city gears up for the wedding of Anant Ambani, the youngest son of Mukesh Ambani, Asia’s richest person and chairman of Reliance Industries.
The marriage of 29-year-old Anant and his longtime girlfriend Radhika Merchant marks the culmination of a year-long series of extravagant celebrations. The wedding been deemed a “public event” by police due to the presence of international and Indian celebrities.
The opulent affair will be held at the upscale Jio World Convention Centre, owned by Ambani’s Reliance conglomerate. Traffic in the vicinity has already slowed as the venue is adorned with decorative lights and red flowers. Marigolds and bright yellow lights have also embellished the trees surrounding Ambani’s iconic 27-storey mansion, Antilia.
The four-day extravaganza will be attended by a range of VIPs, from former British prime ministers Tony Blair and Boris Johnson to global celebrities like Kim Kardashian. According to Reuters, other notable attendees include former boxing champion Mike Tyson, wrestling superstar John Cena, and actor Jean-Claude Van Damme. Business leaders like Saudi Aramco CEO Amin H Nasser and Samsung Electronics Chairman Jay Y. Lee are also expected to attend the wedding.
The pre-wedding celebrations have been equally star-studded, featuring performances by Justin Bieber and Rihanna at exclusive events earlier this year. In May, a luxury European cruise hosted 800 guests, including Bollywood stars and cricketers.
Videos and photos from these celebrations have flooded social media, including clips of the Ambani family dancing to Bollywood tunes and Mukesh Ambani driving with his grandchildren.
Friday’s wedding will feature traditional Hindu rituals, followed by a two-day reception. On Monday, a “special reception” will be held for Ambani’s household staff.
(With input from agencies)