The younger son of Mukesh Ambani, India’s wealthiest man, is all set to tie the knot with his fiancée in a grand ceremony in Mumbai. The extravagant wedding marks a significant moment in the global presence of the unapologetic Indian billionaire.
The Extravagant Festivities
For months, the celebrations surrounding the union of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant have been a spectacle of opulence and luxury. The events have been adorned with diamonds, emeralds, high-end fashion, and extravagant wedding invitations made of precious metals.
Billionaire businessmen, Bollywood celebrities, models, and politicians were among the 1,200 guests who attended a lavish pre-wedding bash in March. The guest list even included notable figures like Bill Gates and Rihanna, who graced the occasion with a special performance.
In May, the couple hosted a four-day celebration on a luxury cruise ship in the Mediterranean, as they couldn’t find a land venue large enough to accommodate all their guests.
India’s Gilded Age
The grandeur of the wedding has provided a peek into the exclusive world of India’s elite, where a select few individuals and families have amassed immense wealth in recent years. Fueled by a booming economy and a supportive government, the number of Indian billionaires has skyrocketed, with these individuals dominating various sectors of the economy.
In 2000, India had only nine billionaires, but today there are over 200 billionaires in the country, collectively holding around $1 trillion in wealth. This staggering wealth represents nearly a quarter of India’s projected GDP for 2023.
References:
- Reliance Industries, via Reuters
