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.

Outlines

00:00

💍 Lavish Indian Wedding of Billionaires' Offspring

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. Mukesh Ambani, the 11th richest man in the world and head of India's largest holding company, and his wife Nita Ambani, known for their opulence, hosted a multi-stage celebration. Anant, who overcame obesity and gained popularity in India, married Radhika, a NYU graduate and a determined businesswoman. Their romance, sparked at a party seven years ago, culminated in a grand engagement in January 2023. The first wedding stage in March was a three-day affair in Gujarat, with 1500 dignitaries, including international celebrities and business magnates, and entertainment by David Blaine and Rihanna. The feast was a testament to their grandeur, with 2500 unique dishes and a generous spread for 50,000 locals.

05:01

🛳️ Controversy and Luxury of the Wedding Extravaganza

Despite the unparalleled luxury of the Ambani-Merchant wedding, it was not without controversy. The event's opulence stood in stark contrast to the plight of India's impoverished majority, with 75% living below the poverty line. Critics argued that the funds could have alleviated suffering and improved living conditions. Yet, the wedding proceeded with unparalleled splendor, including a $30 million emerald necklace worn by the groom's mother and a temple complex specially constructed for the ceremony. The couple also enjoyed a Mediterranean cruise with parties featuring a performance by the Backstreet Boys. However, the wedding was also shadowed by the circulation of photos of Radhika with her ex-boyfriend Rohan Malhotra, who attended a pre-wedding event, sparking discussions online. The video promises to reveal more surprising developments in the following installment, urging viewers to subscribe for updates.

Keywords

💡Anant Ambani

Anant Ambani is the son of Mukesh Ambani, who is described as Asia's richest man and the 11th richest man in the world. Anant's weight loss journey and his marriage to Radhika Merchant are central to the video's narrative. His transformation from obesity to a fit lifestyle is highlighted as an example of personal determination and effort.

💡Radhika Merchant

Radhika Merchant is the bride in the wedding and the daughter of a billionaire, Shri Viren Merchant. She is portrayed as a determined individual who, despite her family's wealth, pursued education and a career in management. Her relationship with Anant Ambani and her educational and professional achievements are key to understanding her role in the video.

💡Lavish Wedding

The term 'lavish wedding' is used to describe the opulence and grandeur of the marriage ceremony between Anant and Radhika. It is a central theme of the video, emphasizing the extravagance and the scale of the celebration, which included high-profile guests, luxurious attire, and expensive entertainment.

💡Wealth and Status

Wealth and status are recurring concepts in the script, illustrating the social and economic positions of the families involved. The video discusses how the wedding was a display of the families' immense wealth and high social standing, as well as the public's reaction to such conspicuous consumption.

💡Billionaire

The term 'billionaire' is used to denote the extreme wealth of the families of both the groom and the bride. It is a keyword that sets the context for understanding the lavishness of the wedding and the controversy surrounding the expenditure during a time of widespread poverty.

💡Obesity

Obesity is mentioned in relation to Anant Ambani's health struggles and his subsequent weight loss. It is a significant aspect of his personal story, showing his journey from severe health issues due to obesity to becoming fit and healthy, which is admired by the public.

💡Fitness Trainer

A fitness trainer is highlighted as a key figure in Anant Ambani's transformation from obesity. The script mentions that Anant's father hired the best fitness trainer in Bollywood, emphasizing the dedication and resources invested in his health and fitness journey.

💡New York University

New York University is mentioned as the institution where Radhika Merchant graduated with a degree in political science. It underscores her academic achievements and contributes to the narrative of her as a well-rounded individual with a strong educational background.

💡Indian Dance

The script mentions Radhika Merchant's eight years of study in traditional Indian dance, showcasing her cultural engagement and dedication to art alongside her academic and professional pursuits.

💡Poverty Line

The 'poverty line' is discussed in the context of the public's reaction to the wedding's extravagance. It is used to contrast the wealth on display at the wedding with the economic struggles of a significant portion of India's population, highlighting the social issues and the controversy surrounding such lavish spending.

💡Charitable Foundation

The script refers to the groom's family running the country's largest charitable foundation, suggesting that despite their philanthropic efforts, the public is still critical of the lavish wedding expenses. It adds a layer of complexity to the narrative, showing the tension between wealth display and social responsibility.

Highlights

One of the world's most expensive weddings took place in India between Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant.

Anant Ambani is the son of Asia's richest man, Mukesh Ambani, and Radhika Merchant is the daughter of billionaire Shri Viren Merchant.

Anant Ambani is known for his incredible weight loss journey, losing 108 kilos in one and a half years.

Radhika Merchant graduated from New York University with a degree in political science and studied traditional Indian dance for eight years.

The wedding was a grand celebration, uniting two of India's richest families.

Mukesh Ambani, the groom's father, is the 11th richest man in the world, heading India's largest holding company.

The wedding celebrations took place in two stages, with the first stage happening in March over three days in Gujarat.

1500 dignitaries, including Mark Zuckerberg, Bill Gates, Hillary Clinton, and Ivanka Trump, were invited to the wedding.

Rihanna performed at the wedding for a rumored $8 million fee, wearing a traditional Indian sari.

Chefs prepared 2500 unique dishes over the three-day celebration, and a feast was prepared for 50,000 residents of Jogwad.

Photos of Radhika with her ex-boyfriend Rohan Malhotra surfaced online, sparking discussions.

The groom's mother, Nita Ambani, wore a silk sari with an emerald necklace worth $30 million.

The couple went on a Mediterranean cruise after the wedding, hosting several parties on an ocean liner.

A temple complex was built specifically for the wedding ceremony, performed in the Hindu tradition.

The lavish spending on the wedding has sparked outrage among netizens, highlighting India's poverty and inequality issues.

Transcripts

One of the world's most expensive weddings took  place in India. The son of Asia's richest man,  

Anant Ambani, and the dazzling beauty Radhika  Merchant, daughter of another billionaire,  

were married. It was a lavish  celebration of breathtaking scale.  

But not everyone is happy about their  wedding. Why are many outraged by this  

celebration What did the newlyweds become  famous for besides their parents' wealth  

And who was the bride in a romance with  before she met India's richest groom  

Watch the video to the end to  find out! Let's get started!  

This wedding took place in several stages. In the  end, two of India's richest families were united.  

The groom's father, Mukesh Ambani, is the  11th richest man in the world. He heads  

India's largest holding company, which controls  energy, petrochemical and textile companies,  

as well as a nationwide media empire. The bride is not inferior in status to the groom,  

being the daughter of billionaire Shri Viren  Merchant, CEO of a healthcare company.  

The groom Anant Ambani is 28 years old and one  year younger than his beloved. He is very popular  

in India thanks to his victory over obesity. As a  child, the billionaire's son suffered from asthma  

and had to take special medication. The medication  caused hormonal failure. By his 19th birthday,  

Anant had gained up to 196 kilos, and  the weight continued to rise. Obesity  

was a serious threat to his health, and  he had to fight it with radical methods.  

To this end, Anant's father hired the best fitness  trainer in Bollywood to develop a personalized  

training system. Anant went to great lengths  to lose weight. He worked out six hours a day  

on exercise machines, practiced ancient Indian  yoga, followed a diet and took long walks.  

In just one and a half years, the man lost 108  kilos and became a slender man weighing only  

88 kilos. All of India watched the incredible  transformation. Anant was sincerely respected,  

because not everyone is capable of such a serious  effort of will. During the coronavirus pandemic,  

Ambani Junior had to adopt a sedentary  lifestyle and regained some weight.  

But that did not stop him from charming  one of India's most beautiful and wealthy  

girls. Radhika Merchant's determination  is as strong as her fiancé's willpower.  

Despite her father's billions, Radhika did not  sink into an idle lifestyle, but studied hard. She  

graduated from New York University with a degree  in political science. She also spent eight years  

studying traditional Indian dance. Radhika chose  management as her main career and now actively  

helps her father run a pharmaceutical business. Anant and Radhika have known each other since  

childhood. But it was not until seven years ago  that they became really interested in each other.  

Friends invited them both to a party, where a  spark between the boy and the girl was ignited.  

A stormy romance followed, but for a long time  the young people did not dare to tie the knot.  

The long-awaited decision for all of India  came in January 2023, when the couple got  

engaged and began preparing for the wedding. Since both families are fabulously wealthy,  

they decided to make the ceremony a royal affair.  The groom's father, India's richest man, Mukesh  

Ambani, paid the lion's share of the expenses.  Incidentally, his fortune has tripled in the past  

four years - from $37 billion to $116 billion. In 2018, Mukesh spent about 100 million dollars on  

the wedding of his eldest daughter  Isha. Apparently, he wants to break  

his own record and has earmarked another  $20 million for his son's wedding. Since  

it is not easy to spend 120 million dollars, it  was decided to hold the wedding in two stages.  

The first stage took place in March, and  its scale shocked even the Eastern sheiks  

accustomed to luxury. The celebrations took place  over three days in the coastal state of Gujarat.  

1500 dignitaries were invited to the ceremony.  They included Mark Zuckerberg and his wife,  

Bill Gates, Hillary Clinton, Ivanka Trump, the  Queen of Bhutan, the Prime Minister of Qatar,  

Bollywood stars and a host of other celebrities.  They were entertained by illusionist David Blaine  

and singer Rihanna, who rarely performs at  private events. It is rumored that she was  

paid $8 million for her little performance.  To emphasize the color of the holiday,  

Rihanna wore a traditional Indian sari. For three days, chefs prepared 2500 dishes  

that were never repeated. The organizers  should be commended for not forgetting  

the common people. A sumptuous feast was  prepared for 50 thousand residents of the  

city of Jogwad, where the festivities took place. In the midst of the wedding celebrations, photos  

of Radhika with her ex-boyfriend Rohan Malhotra  began circulating online. The two were rumored to  

have dated in 2013, but have since remained good  friends and even follow each other on Instagram.  

The intrigue intensified when it was revealed  that Rohan had attended a pre-wedding event.  

This sparked a flurry of discussion online.  Online users admired Rohan's looks and marveled  

at Radhika's friendship with her ex. The unprecedented luxury of the event was  

reflected in the attire of those in attendance.  The groom's mother, Nita Ambani, wore a silk sari  

by India's most famous couturier. The amount of  jewelry she wore could be counted not in pieces,  

but in pounds. An emerald necklace alone  cost $30 million, according to experts.  

Other relatives of the newlyweds were  dressed in much the same style. In contrast,  

Radhika Merchant looked unusually modest in  a pink Versace dress. But that was just the  

first day of the celebration. For the  next two days, as a bride should do,  

she outdid the invited guests with her outfits.  In particular, her traditional Indian-style gown,  

every inch of which was adorned with pearls  and gold, caught everyone's attention.  

Tired of the incredible luxury, the lovers went  on a Mediterranean cruise. The couple hosted  

several parties on the ocean liner.  Anant and Radhika's childhood idols,  

the Backstreet Boys, performed at one of them. If you think this is what a classy wedding is  

all about, think again. As mentioned above, it  was a kind of rehearsal for the main ceremony,  

which took place in July. And this  celebration turned out to be even more  

grandiose. In the state of Gujarat, a temple  complex was built especially for the wedding,  

where the ceremony of unification of destinies  Shubh Viva was performed in the Hindu tradition.  

But what happened next was unexpected.  This wedding surprised the whole world  

not only with its luxury, but also with  the events that took place there. We will  

tell you about it in the following video.  Be sure to watch it, you will be amazed!  

But not everyone is happy about the  wedding of the century. Some netizens  

are expressing their displeasure that India  is hosting such lavish weddings while many  

are suffering from hunger. 75% of people in  the country live below the poverty line.  

This money could have been used to help people,  

improve living conditions and fight poverty.  For example, several schools and hospitals  

could have been built, and access to clean  water and electricity could have been provided.  

Despite the fact that the groom's family runs the  country's largest charitable foundation, people  

are not happy about such spending on celebrations.  However, billionaires throw lavish weddings to  

show off their wealth and emphasize their status. We can only wish the manly Anant and the beautiful  

Radhika that their married  life will be as extravagant  

and festive as their unusual wedding! In the next video we will show you what  

surprised the world the most and what went  wrong at this seemingly perfect wedding.  

Subscribe to our channel so you don't  miss the most interesting things!  

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