MUMBAI—On July 12, socialite sisters Khloe and Kim Kardashian were among the famous people from around the world who were spotted in India to attend a sumptuous three-day wedding that Mukesh Ambani, the wealthiest man in Asia, organized.
Anant, the youngest son of Ambani
Anant, the youngest son of Ambani, and his fiancée Radhika Merchant, both 29, are scheduled to tie the wedding this weekend in Mumbai, the financial hub, after months of extravagant pre-marriage celebrations that have raised the bar on matrimonial extravagance.
Among the earlier events were a 1,200-person European cruise, a reception at the Ambanis’ ancestral property, where a purpose-built Hindu temple was inaugurated, and private performances by Canadian Justin Bieber and R&B singer Rihanna.
The Kardashians
The Kardashians are just the most recent in a long series of well-known international VIPs to show up.
Kim, the older sister, posted a video on Instagram of her car being surrounded by Indian paparazzi as soon as she arrived, and the staff at their opulent hotel gave the siblings garlands of flowers.
Bollywood superstars attendance
The Ambani family’s business owns the large conference center where Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, Fifa boss Gianni Infantino, and actor John Cena posed for photographers upon arriving.
Reporters also observed former British prime ministers Tony Blair and Boris Johnson arriving at the Mumbai airport ahead of the July 12 celebration.
Mark Zuckerberg
Other pre-wedding galas were hosted by Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and Ivanka, the daughter of former US president Donald Trump.
In June, singer Katy Perry performed at a masquerade party at a French chateau in Cannes as part of the couple’s four-day Mediterranean cruise.
Entertainment was also given by US rapper Pitbull, Italian singer Andrea Bocelli, and the Backstreet Boys.
Celebrations and luxury.
As more celebrities, politicians, and international business elites arrive in monsoon-ravaged Mumbai this week, the lavish celebrations are expected to surpass previous years’ levels of luxury.
For most of the following weekend, authorities blocked off several main routes surrounding the site for the general public.
Mobile cranes have been installing holiday lights and decorations along the Ambani household’s boulevard, also known as Billionaires’ Row, further downtown, causing traffic to come to a complete stop throughout the week.
The central ceremonial ceremony is scheduled for July 12 at the 16,000-person venue. On July 13, there will be a separate “blessing ceremony,” and on July 14, there will be a magnificent reception.
$165 billion wealth.
Mukesh, Anant’s father
Mukesh, Anant’s father, is the chairman of Reliance Industries, a family-run business that has expanded to become the largest firm in India in terms of market capitalization.
According to Forbes, the patriarch is the eleventh richest person in the world, with a net worth of about US$123 billion (S$165 billion). He has a history of voicing his opinions on family weddings.
In 2018, he threw his daughter the most lavish wedding in India, reportedly spending US$100 million, including American artist Beyonce.
Ambani is also a significant ally of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a right-wing Hindu nationalist in India.
He took over a flourishing oil, gas, and petrochemicals industrial business and built it into a massive commercial enterprise.
Its profitable holdings include an Indian Premier League cricket club, over 40% of the Indian mobile phone industry, and retail ties with Armani and other luxury brands.
One of the most recognizable buildings in Mumbai is his 27-story family house, Antilia, which was reputedly built for more than US$1 billion and permanently employs 600 people.
