Anant Ambani, the youngest son of Asia's wealthiest man, Mukesh Ambani, is all set to tie the knot with Radhika Merchant, and the elder Ambani is leaving no stone unturned to make the occasion a grand affair. To ensure a warm welcome for esteemed guests from around the world, including luminaries like Bill Gates and Rihanna, the Jamnagar airport has undergone a transformation, being declared an international hub for a span of 10 days, from February 25 to March 5. This special arrangement was made possible with the collaboration of various government ministries, including Health, Finance, and Home Affairs, which worked together to set up a Custom, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) facility at the airport.
During a poignant pre-wedding event held in Jamnagar, Anant Ambani opened up about his personal struggles, particularly with health issues, which moved his father Mukesh Ambani to tears. Expressing his gratitude, Anant stated, "My family has gone all out to make me feel special. My life has not entirely been a bed of roses. I have experienced the pain of thorns." Mukesh Ambani, visibly touched by his son's words, reflected on the similarities he sees between Anant and his own father, saying, "Whenever I see Anant, I see my father Dhirubhai in him."
The extravagant celebrations commenced with a remarkable gesture of generosity as Anant and Radhika hosted a communal dinner for a staggering 51,000 local residents in Gujarat, a tradition deeply rooted in the Ambani family's ethos. The event was graced by the presence of global music sensation Rihanna and dignitaries like Qatar PM Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani.
As the wedding festivities entered their second day, guests were treated to a unique and immersive experience centered around the themes of "A Walk to the Wild Side" and "A Potpourri of Desi Activities." Attendees were invited to visit the Ambanis’ animal rescue and rehabilitation center, where they could immerse themselves in the wildlife theme by donning "jungle fever" attire. Later, the celebration continued with a vibrant showcase of traditional South Asian activities at 'Mela Rouge,' highlighting the cultural diversity and richness that defines the Ambani family's heritage.
In a heartfelt video message, Nita Ambani, the matriarch of the Ambani family, shared her vision for Anant and Radhika’s wedding ceremony, emphasizing the importance of honoring their roots and celebrating the richness of arts and culture. She remarked, "When it came to my youngest son Anant’s wedding with Radhika, I had two important wishes – first, I wanted to celebrate our roots… second, I wanted the celebration to be a tribute to our arts and culture."
