From celebrity fanfare to heartfelt family moments, the Ambani-Merchant wedding redefined modern Indian opulence with global flair.
New Delhi: 12 July 2025
A year later, Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant’s wedding still thrives in the public realm as a spectacle of opulence, sentimentality, and a celebration of intercultural protocol. From ornate pre-wedding events in Jamnagar, a star-studded European cruise, to a dazzling conclusion in Mumbai, the wedding established a new precedent for possible grandeur in a modern Indian wedding.
Perhaps the most discussed of all was the level of involvement of Nita Ambani, who curated every detail of the décor, the hospitality, and every ritual, with the elegant touch that is uniquely hers. The wedding became a multi-sensory experience that blended rich extravagance with some spiritual gravitas.
Among the highlights was a moment from the vidaai ceremony, where Mukesh Ambani, India’s richest person at the time, broke down in tears when he handed a silver lamp over to new daughter-in-law Radhika. The moment, showcased Ambani’s softer side and touched millions of people on social media.
The sudden surge of international interest from when Kim and Khloé Kardashian appeared in Indian outfits doing a dance routine to Bollywood tunes at the wedding is remarkable. Their appearance captivated a global audience and helped showcase the wedding as a cultural moment which connected East and West.
The baraat featured superstars such as Rajinikanth and Ranveer Singh, drawing excitement out of the groom’s entry into the venue. The family dance performance into Deewangi Deewangi – which had Mukesh Ambani joining in – was even a part of the wedding occasion to make it memorable, and in this sense became almost like a symbol of a families togetherness and happiness people drew their attention.
What followed was less of a wedding and more of a cultural moment for Ambani-Merchant, mixing celebrity, sentiment and tradition. A year later, the wedding is a lasting example of how the elite in India are creating cultural celebrations that function as global cultural touchstones.
