Extravagant Wedding of Indian Billionaire Heir Sparks Controversy

The lavish wedding of Anant Ambani, heir to India’s wealthiest family, is stirring significant debate in a nation grappling with stark income inequality. Anant, the son of Asia’s richest man, Mukesh Ambani, has already hosted an array of opulent pre-wedding events, drawing both awe and criticism.

The wedding festivities for Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant have been nothing short of extravagant. Highlights include:

• A three-day event in March featuring a performance by pop superstar Rihanna and a guest list boasting billionaires like Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg, Bollywood celebrities, and former Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
• A three-day cruise in May with performances by Katy Perry, Pitbull, and David Guetta.
• A traditional sangeet ceremony on July 5, where Justin Bieber performed for a reported fee of $10 million USD.

These events have led many to dub the Ambanis as the “new age royalty of India,” according to Surbhi Gupta, South Asia editor at New Lines Magazine.

The wedding, set to unfold over three days this weekend in Mumbai, promises to surpass all prior events. Rumored performers include Adele and Toronto rapper Drake, both listed as guests.

While the Ambani wedding has captivated social media, it has also sparked considerable backlash. India, home to some of the highest income inequality globally, has seen many criticize the Ambani family for their ostentatious display of wealth.

“People are angry,” said Rekha Krishnan, a business professor at Simon Fraser University. She noted that while weddings typically unite society, such extravagant displays can also divide, stirring feelings of anger and disgust among the public.

Mukesh Ambani, Anant’s father, has a net worth of $122.6 billion USD, according to Forbes. His company, Reliance Industries, spans petrochemicals, oil and gas, telecoms, and retail. Anant’s siblings also hold significant roles within the family business:

• Akash Ambani, 32, chairs Reliance Jio, the family’s telecom business.
• Isha Ambani, 32, oversees the retail sector.
• Anant, 29, is involved in the new energy business.

Anant’s bride, Radhika Merchant, is the daughter of billionaire pharmaceutical tycoon Viren Merchant and serves as the marketing director for his company, Encore Healthcare.

The grandeur of the Ambani wedding has highlighted the vast economic disparities in India. While some view the celebration as a testament to India’s cultural opulence, others see it as an excessive display of wealth amidst widespread poverty.