It could be the most extravagant event in this small West Indian city’s history. Mukesh Ambani, the billionaire industrialist, is gearing up for his son’s wedding this summer.
He anticipates a three-day celebration in the family’s hometown, starting Friday, with an impressive guest list including billionaires from across the globe, heads of state, and elite figures from Hollywood and Bollywood.
The exclusive gathering boasts attendees like Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, Sunder Pichai, and Ivanka Trump, alongside Indian tycoons Gautam Adani and Kumar Mangalam Birla.
Notable personalities such as cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar and Bollywood stars Deepika Padukone, Shah Rukh Khan, and Rani Mukherjee are also expected to grace the event.
Guests will enjoy performances by pop sensation Rihanna, illusionist David Blaine, and renowned Bollywood singers.
Jamnagar, a city with a population of around 600,000 situated in the near-desert region of Gujarat state, serves as the backdrop for this grand affair. It holds significance as the hometown of the Ambani family and the location of the primary oil refinery of their business empire, Reliance Industries.
Additionally, traditional ceremonies will take place in a temple complex. Prior to the main event, the Ambani family organized a commendable community food service on Wednesday, catering to 51,000 individuals residing in nearby villages.
The impending wedding of 28-year-old Anant Ambani to his longtime partner Radhika Merchant in July has stirred anticipation. Radhika is the daughter of Viren Merchant, CEO of Encore Healthcare Pvt. Ltd., and entrepreneur Shaila Merchant.
The forthcoming three-day pre-wedding celebration offers a glimpse into the lavishness expected at the wedding itself.
Attendees will don jungle-themed attire for a visit to “Vantara,” a sprawling 3,000-acre animal rescue center overseen by Anant Ambani. Dubbed “Star of the Forest,” the center focuses on rehabilitating abused, injured, and endangered animals, particularly elephants.
Each day, guests will embrace a new dress code, with mood boards and a team of stylists, makeup artists, and Indian wear designers available at their hotel to assist with preparations.
Mukesh Ambani, Asia’s wealthiest individual according to Forbes, heads the colossal conglomerate Reliance Industries, boasting an annual revenue of $100 billion. The conglomerate’s interests span from oil and gas to telecommunications and retail.
At 66 years old, Mukesh Ambani has initiated the transition of leadership to his children. His elder son, Akash, assumes the role of chairperson at Reliance Jio, while daughter Isha oversees the retail sector. Younger son Anant has been integrated into the emerging energy business.
The prestigious guest list further boasts notable figures such as Mohammed Bin Jassim al Thani, the prime minister of Qatar; Stephen Harper, former Canadian prime minister; and the esteemed king and queen of Bhutan.