Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant’s glamorous pre-wedding celebrations took place in Jamnagar. The event began on March 1 and lasted until March 3, with guests arriving from all over India and the world. Here’s how the grand event has piqued the interest of the international media.
‘Big Fat Indian Wedding Taken To Next Level By Ambanis’
Mukesh Ambani’s approach to the big fat Indian wedding has been noted by Time, describing the three-day event as a “next level” celebration.
“As big fat Indian weddings go, Asia’s richest man Mukesh Ambani knows how to take it to the next level. While the wedding itself will not take place until July, a three-day pre-wedding celebration begins on Friday, March 1 in the family’s refinery township of Jamnagar in the Indian state of Gujarat. Some of the biggest names in Wall Street, Silicon Valley, and the entertainment industry are on the guest list,” Time wrote.
‘Raises The Bar For Extravagant Festivity’
The New York Times said that the extravagant nature of the three-day event, noting that the guest list is a significant part of the pageantry. Guests, including influential figures, are attractions in their own right, adding to the spectacle of the celebration.
“The guest list is part of the pageantry. Guests are not just (or not even) friends, but attractions in their own right. Apart from enjoying the spectacle, many will appreciate the chance to sidle up to India’s most influential business family at the bar. For instance, Nita Ambani, Mukesh Ambani’s wife, is reportedly poised to become board chairwoman of the company created by a recent merger of Reliance with Walt Disney’s Indian media assets,” NYT reported.
BBC reported the arrival of some of the world’s “most influential people” in Gujarat for the wedding party, underlining Anant Ambani’s role in Reliance Industries and the family’s tradition of hosting lavish wedding parties.
‘Ambanis Like To Go All Out’
USA Today highlighted the Ambanis’ penchant for “going all out”, mentioning the 500 dishes prepared by around 100 chefs, personalised services, and return charter jet flights for the guests.
It reported, “If there is one thing that you should know about India’s Ambanis’, it is that they like to go all out. Guests will also be treated to 500 dishes created by around 100 chefs so that they don’t have to eat the same dish twice, hair stylists and makeup artists and return charter jet flights from the capital, New Delhi and the coastal city of Mumbai. For the flights, guests have been asked to ‘limit themselves to only two luggage items or three suitcases per couple’.”
‘Dreams Came To Reality’
Harper’s Bazaar sharing details of the pre-wedding bash, said, “Within the depths of my wildest thoughts, I also indulge in imagining my favourite artists commemorating the milestone with a performance. Last night, those dreams became a reality for Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant, whose wedding activities included a private show from Rihanna”.
People reported on Rihanna’s active participation at the pre-wedding event, showcasing her dancing alongside Janhvi Kapoor and singing along to Miley Cyrus’ “Party in the USA” in front of a DJ booth.
