This Wedding Lasted 7 Months! But Why Don't People Like The Most Expensive Billionaires Wedding?

Summary

The extravagant wedding of Anant Ambani, son of Asia's richest man Mukesh Ambani, and Radhika Merchant, daughter of billionaire Shri Viren Merchant, united two of India's wealthiest families. The lavish event, featuring celebrity guests and opulent celebrations, sparked controversy amid India's widespread poverty. Anant, known for overcoming obesity, and Radhika, a graduate and dancer, have a love story that began in childhood and culminated in a royal affair that raised eyebrows for its extravagance and the couple's resilience in the face of public scrutiny.

Takeaways

• 💍 One of the world's most expensive weddings occurred in India, uniting two of India's richest families.
• 👨‍👧 The groom, Anant Ambani, is the son of Mukesh Ambani, the 11th richest man in the world and head of India's largest holding company.
• 👰 The bride, Radhika Merchant, is the daughter of billionaire Shri Viren Merchant, CEO of a healthcare company.
• 🏋️‍♂️ Anant Ambani is known for his remarkable weight loss journey, shedding 108 kilos in just one and a half years.
• 🎓 Radhika Merchant is an accomplished individual, having graduated from New York University and actively managing her father's pharmaceutical business.
• 💑 Anant and Radhika have known each other since childhood and their romance began seven years ago at a party.
• 💰 The wedding was a lavish affair, with Mukesh Ambani reportedly spending $20 million on the event, aiming to outdo the $100 million spent on his daughter's wedding.
• 🎉 The first stage of the wedding was a three-day celebration in Gujarat, India, with 1500 dignitaries and celebrities in attendance.
• 🎤 Celebrity entertainers included illusionist David Blaine and singer Rihanna, rumored to have been paid $8 million for her performance.
• 👗 The wedding attire was extravagant, with Nita Ambani, the groom's mother, wearing a silk sari and jewelry worth millions, and Radhika Merchant in a traditional Indian gown adorned with pearls and gold.
• 🌐 The wedding's luxury was criticized by some, who argued that the money could have been better spent on addressing poverty and improving living conditions in India.

Q & A

Who were the main figures involved in this extravagant wedding?

The main figures were Anant Ambani, son of Asia's richest man Mukesh Ambani, and Radhika Merchant, daughter of billionaire Shri Viren Merchant.

What is the significance of the groom's father, Mukesh Ambani, in the business world?

Mukesh Ambani is the 11th richest man in the world and heads India's largest holding company, controlling energy, petrochemical, textile companies, and a nationwide media empire.

How did Anant Ambani's health issues influence his life and popularity in India?

Anant Ambani suffered from obesity due to medication for asthma, which led to a significant weight gain. His determination and success in losing 108 kilos through a rigorous fitness regimen made him popular in India.

What educational and career achievements did Radhika Merchant accomplish before her marriage?

Radhika Merchant graduated from New York University with a degree in political science, studied traditional Indian dance for eight years, and actively helps her father run a pharmaceutical business in management.

How did Anant and Radhika's relationship develop over time?

Anant and Radhika have known each other since childhood, but their romantic interest began seven years prior to their marriage after a spark ignited at a party.

What was the financial context of the wedding in relation to Mukesh Ambani's wealth?

Mukesh Ambani's fortune tripled in the past four years, from $37 billion to $116 billion, and he allocated $20 million for his son's wedding, aiming to surpass the $100 million spent on his daughter's wedding.

What was the scale of the first stage of the wedding celebration?

The first stage of the wedding was a three-day event in Gujarat with 1500 dignitaries invited, including celebrities and international figures, and featured performances by David Blaine and Rihanna.

How did the wedding celebrations engage with the local community?

A sumptuous feast was prepared for 50,000 residents of the city of Jogwad as part of the wedding celebrations, showing consideration for the common people.

What controversy arose regarding Radhika Merchant's past relationships?

Photos of Radhika with her ex-boyfriend Rohan Malhotra circulated online, sparking discussions, especially since Rohan attended a pre-wedding event and they remain good friends.

What was the public's reaction to the wedding's opulence given India's socioeconomic conditions?

Some netizens expressed displeasure, arguing that the money spent on the wedding could have been used to help alleviate poverty and improve living conditions in India, where 75% of people live below the poverty line.

What were some of the unique aspects of the bride and groom's attire during the wedding?

The groom's mother, Nita Ambani, wore a silk sari by India's most famous couturier and extensive jewelry, while Radhika Merchant appeared modestly in a pink Versace dress on the first day, later outshining guests with her traditional Indian-style gown adorned with pearls and gold.