The super-rich and famous, from Wall Street to Washington, DC, to singing sensations and stars of Silicon Valley, arrived in Gujarat's sleepy Jamnagar, which came alive for Anant Ambani's pre-wedding celebrations. Anant is the youngest child of Asia's richest man, Mukesh Ambani. Conclusion: International headlines cried out that this weekend's celebration surpassed all others. It was not quite as opulent as that.
The Ambanis were only beginning their journey. Prior to the July wedding, there was a three-day celebration at Ambani's 750-acre estate that was reportedly worth Rs 1,000 crore.
"After all that, the Ambani heir isn't even married yet," the German media outlet Business Insider stated. "It's difficult to think that the wedding itself could top such an extravagant pre-wedding."
Between March 1 and 3, Reliance Greens, the venue for the celebration, transformed into a true wonderland that carried the attendees—among them Microsoft founder Bill Gates, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, and former US President Donald Trump's daughter Ivanka—to a magical realm. The programme also featured a visit to Vantara, Anant Ambani's 3,000-acre animal rescue facility, where attendees donned unique attire with a jungle theme.
According to a different account, Zuckerberg, who often keeps his wealth to himself, showed no restraint when he attended the Ambani family's event.
As per the article, Priscilla Chan, who is well-known for promoting the 'quiet luxury' style, and her husband, Mark Zuckerberg, were spotted wearing $7,000 and $15,000 Alexander McQueen clothes.
Extravagant arrangements, lavish feasts
In an article headlined "In a land of lavish weddings, this prenuptial party takes the cake," the New York Times discussed the extravagant preparations and highlighted how lavish feasts are a customary feature of Indian weddings, even though the average yearly wage is only $2,750 (about Rs 2,28,057).
Daily Mail, a UK-based media outlet, described in detail the lavishness of the "five-star celebrity campus," which was decorated with themed décor and fairy lights.
According to the report, pop sensation Rihanna received an approximate payment of Rs 52,57,31,000 for a two-hour show. Videos of Akon dancing to "Chammak Challo" alongside Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan became viral, and he was also included in the lineup. For a private show, the hip-hop artist often charges between Rs 2 and Rs 4 crore.
"Guests enjoyed meals made by over 100 chefs at opulent cocktail and dinner events held over the weekend in exquisitely furnished spaces. According to the study, the catering contract alone must have cost £20 million.
Indicating the Ambanis' wealth, it also claimed how "three leading Bollywood actors" performed on stage.
According to the story, Nita Ambani, Mukesh Ambani's wife, posted on Instagram, saying, "Only Ambani's can do this." entire Bollywood dance performance on stage. Money is so powerful.
The three Khans—Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, and Shah Rukh Khan—were spotted dancing to "Naatu Naatu," and when the video went viral on social media, hundreds of fans lost their minds. This was the subject of the article.
"A spectacle meant to impress the wealthiest people on the planet"
CNN concentrated on the ornate and lavish preparations made for the attendees, including Indian wear drapists, hairstyling and makeup experts, and charter aircraft.
CNN described the complex instructions given to visitors in their piece headlined "Rihanna, Mark Zuckerberg, and Ivanka Trump among the bevy of stars at the Indian billionaire heir's pre-wedding bash."
"We kindly request that guests bring no more than two pieces of luggage or three suitcases per couple. "If you bring more, there's no assurance it will arrive on the same aircraft," the document states," the article stated.
According to the study, visitors were encouraged to have "reasonable expectations" for the quality of the washing services. "Any clothes given to steam (press) will be returned within 3 hours," it read.
Not only was it a wedding, but according to The Guardian, it was also a "spectacle designed to dazzle the world's wealthiest and most powerful people."
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation titled their coverage "India's richest man brings Rihanna and 1,200 guests to a pre-wedding celebration for his son," describing it as the "biggest party this small west Indian city has ever seen."
The report highlighted the guests' treatment as "pampered like royals," with daily dress restrictions and mood boards changing.
According to ABC News, it was a "party like no other." "Such festivities keep up with the Ambani family's tradition of lavish and over-the-top parties while displaying the Indian billionaire’s economic and political clout," added the statement.
During his younger daughter Isha Ambani's 2018 wedding, which included a performance by Beyoncé and a guest list that included Priyanka Chopra, Nick Jonas, and Hillary Clinton, Mukesh Ambani reportedly spent close to $100 million.
