Ambani wedding: Tony Blair appears in Mumbai for Anant Ambani-Radhika Merchant’s grand wedding

The lavish wedding of Anant Ambani, heir to India’s richest family, has sparked considerable debate in a country where economic inequality is pronounced and growing. Anant, the son of Mukesh Ambani, Asia’s richest man, has celebrated his impending union with Radhika Merchant through a series of extravagant pre-wedding events that have drawn international attention.

In March, a three-day celebration included a performance by pop superstar Rihanna and a guest list featuring billionaires Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg, Bollywood stars, and former Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper. This was followed by a three-day cruise in May, headlined by Katy Perry, Pitbull, and David Guetta. Most recently, on July 5, a sangeet — a traditional pre-wedding ceremony with song and dance — featured a performance by Justin Bieber, reportedly paid $10 million for the occasion.

These opulent festivities have highlighted the stark contrast between India’s wealthy elite and its poorer population, intensifying discussions about the country’s socio-economic disparities. While some admire the Ambani family’s grandeur and their ability to host such high-profile events, others criticize the extravagance in light of the widespread poverty and inequality that many Indians face.

This celebration of wealth and luxury amidst a backdrop of economic hardship for many in the country underscores the complex dynamics of modern India, where the gap between the rich and poor continues to widen.