The extravagant wedding of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant has captured global attention, with the opulence of the celebrations sparking both admiration and criticism. Addressing the backlash, Nita Ambani, chairperson of the Reliance Foundation, defended the grandeur of the event in an interview with Bloomberg Television’s Haslinda Amin.
When questioned about the criticism surrounding the lavishness of the wedding, Ambani responded, “Every parent wants to do their best for their children’s wedding. And that’s what we did in all this. I think it was a made-in-India brand that came out.” She further emphasised that her focus was on showcasing India’s rich traditions and heritage, stating, “I am happy that I was able to bring to the centre stage our Indian traditions, Indian heritage, and Indian culture.”
A Heartfelt Moment for Nita Ambani
During the interview, Nita Ambani also shared a deeply personal moment from her youngest son’s wedding. She spoke about Anant Ambani’s long-standing battle with obesity due to asthma and the emotional significance of seeing him step onto the stage as a confident groom.
“My son Anant has been fighting obesity from a very young age because of his asthma. And he went up on the stage as a confident bridegroom. He told me, ‘Mom, it’s not what I am physically. It’s what my heart is.’ And I saw him holding his life partner’s hand. I think that was the most touching feeling,” she recounted.
Star-Studded Celebrations
Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant tied the knot on July 12 in Mumbai in a wedding attended by dignitaries from across the globe. The following day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the Shubh Ashirwad ceremony, where he met the newlyweds and extended his blessings.
The couple’s wedding followed two extravagant pre-wedding celebrations—one in Jamnagar and another aboard a European luxury cruise. The festivities showcased the Ambani family’s signature grandeur, with Bollywood celebrities, global business tycoons, and political leaders in attendance.
The Ambani Legacy Continues
Nita Ambani also touched upon her children’s roles in the Reliance empire. She and Mukesh Ambani are parents to twins Akash and Isha Ambani, along with their youngest, Anant Ambani. While Anant has taken charge of the group’s energy ventures, Akash and Isha continue to lead key segments within Reliance Industries.
Despite the criticism, the Ambanis remain steadfast in their belief that the wedding was not just a family celebration but also a display of India’s cultural and artistic heritage on the world stage.