Mukesh Ambani, the billionaire head of Indian conglomerate Reliance and Asia’s richest man, is pulling out all the stops for his son’s upcoming wedding. The extravagant three-day pre-wedding celebration for Anant Ambani and his long-time girlfriend Radhika Merchant is set to be a star-studded affair, with charter jets, performances by Rihanna and magician David Blaine, and a unique dress code.
Known for his lavish parties, Mukesh Ambani is sparing no expense for his youngest son’s wedding celebrations. The event will take place in a township near Reliance’s main oil refinery in the western state of Gujarat and is expected to entertain 1,200 guests. The festivities kicked off with a communal dinner for local villagers, serving a staggering 51,000 people.
The pre-wedding bash is set to attract a high-profile guest list, including the likes of Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, and Bob Iger, CEO of Disney. Indian billionaires Gautam Adani and Kumar Mangalam Birla, as well as cricketers and Bollywood film stars such as Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan, are also expected to attend.
Anant Ambani, who is a director at Reliance’s new energy business, and Radhika Merchant, a director at India’s Encore Healthcare, will tie the knot in July. However, the pre-wedding celebrations are already underway, with traditional ceremonies taking place in a temple complex alongside the star-studded performances.
Guests at the celebrations can expect to indulge in a culinary extravaganza with 500 dishes created by around 100 chefs. They will also have access to hair styling, makeup artists, and Indian wear drapists on a first-come, first-serve basis. However, the dress code for one particular event stands out – guests are advised to don “jungle fever” outfits, including animal print clothing or Hawaiian shirts, when visiting a rescue center that houses over 2,000 animals and one of the world’s largest elephant hospitals.
To ensure a seamless experience for the guests, return charter jet flights from New Delhi and Mumbai are being offered. However, attendees have been asked to limit themselves to two luggage items or three suitcases per couple. The planning document cautions that bringing more luggage may result in it not arriving on the same flight. Guests have also been requested to be reasonable in their expectations for laundry services, with a three-hour turnaround time for steaming or pressing clothes.
Mukesh Ambani’s son’s wedding celebrations are set to be a grand affair, combining opulence, entertainment, and unique experiences. With a guest list that includes some of the world’s most influential figures and performances by international superstars, this big fat Indian wedding is sure to be the talk of the town.