Billionaire's son promises to trudge at his wedding
Indian billionaire Mukesh Ambani sets the stage for his son Anant Ambani's wedding with a grand spectacle. The festivities last several days and cost a fortune. Among the attendees are, among others, Kim Kardashian and John Cena.
From the Kardashian sisters to Boris Johnson and Mike Tyson: Prominent figures from around the world have arrived in Mumbai for the wedding of Mukesh Ambani's 29-year-old son Anant Ambani and his equally aged fiancée Radhika Merchant. The richest man in Asia is hosting a three-day Mega-Event for his son and his bride-to-be. TV star Kim Kardashian posted photos on Instagram of her arrival at a luxury hotel in Mumbai with her sister Khloe, who were welcomed by hotel staff with garlands of flowers.
Actor John Cena posed for the cameras upon his arrival at the wedding venue - a massive event center that belongs to the Ambani family business. Former British prime ministers Boris Johnson and Tony Blair were also spotted at the airport in India's metropolis. The guest list included numerous other celebrities, politicians, and business leaders. According to rumors, former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and former boxing champion Mike Tyson were expected to attend.
Invitation in a golden casket with a mini-temple made of pure silver
Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant have known each other since childhood, and the bride also comes from a wealthy entrepreneurial family. The wedding takes place over a three-day Hindu ceremony. Before the wedding, the 67-year-old Ambani organized several luxury events for the couple, including a four-day European cruise for 1200 guests, extravagant parties, and private concerts by Rihanna and Justin Bieber.
According to the bride's later account in the magazine "Vogue," during a stop on the cruise, Popstar Katy Perry performed at a masked ball in a French castle, and the Backstreet Boys and US rapper Pitbull provided entertainment. DJ David Guetta played at a costume party on the ship with guests. The cruise reportedly ended in Portofino, Italy, where opera singer Andrea Bocelli serenaded the happy couple.
The fortunate guests of the cruise received their invitation in a golden casket, including a mini-temple made of pure silver - and could admire the bride in various custom-made outfits from luxury brands like Versace or Dolce & Gabbana. The 29-year-old also presented a dress with the words of a love letter from her fiancé printed on it.
A fortune of approximately 113 billion Euros
"I want to show this to my children and grandchildren and tell them, 'Look, this was the extent of our love,'" said Radhika Merchant, whose family made their fortune in pharmaceuticals. The groom's father, meanwhile, is the CEO of the Reliance Industries Group and, according to "Forbes" magazine, is worth approximately 113 billion Euros, the richest man in Asia and the 11th richest person in the world. He inherited a flourishing industrial business in the areas of oil, gas, and petrochemicals from his parents and expanded it into a still expanding conglomerate that covers oil to telecommunications and even a cricket team.
Additionally, he is a significant supporter of Indian, Hindu-nationalist Prime Minister Narendra Modi. For Mukesh Ambani, his younger son's wedding seems to be an opportunity to showcase his wealth - in a country where there is still significant inequality and poverty. Six years ago, Ambani had already given the most expensive wedding in India for his daughter, at which US Popdiva Beyoncé performed. It is estimated to have cost around 92 million Euros. The three-day celebration for his son could become even more costly.
The extravagant celebrations for Anant Ambani's wedding extend beyond Mumbai, with the couple also enjoying a four-day European cruise filled with luxurious events and concerts by renowned artists such as Rihanna and Justin Bieber. (Weddings, European cruise)
The upcoming wedding in Mumbai is expected to attract several influential figures, including former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and former boxing champion Mike Tyson, adding star power to the already high-profile event. (Mumbai, Weddings)
