Anant Ambani, 29—Mukesh and Nita Ambani’s youngest child and second son—may turn out to be the most googled man in India when he ties the knot with Radhika Merchant. The pre-wedding celebrations have been in the news for months, what with global world and business leaders flying in to Jamnagar to bless the couple. It has been an extravaganza like no other! At the centre of it all has been the ever-smiling bridegroom—affable Anant, who along with Radhika, has definitely stolen the show from all the high-profile Bollywood star couples, and even international mega entertainers like Justin Bieber and Rihanna. But then, Anant is not just another deliriously happy Ambani dulha. He is unique!
What makes me say this? Well… I have seen Anant as a kid, when he and his family lived at Sea Wind, the 18-storey family mansion, acquired by Anant’s legendary grandfather, Dhirubhai Ambani. I remember a few of the early meetings there, when Anant would be fussing over the motley collection of injured animals housed in a mini-zoo on the premises. With attentive staff and vets in tow, he would spend most of his time caring for his beloved pets, while his doting parents watched over their busy son. Polite, soft spoken and reticent, Anant subsequently went off to Brown University, to earn a bachelor’s degree, and his family moved out to live in what is now the 27-floor iconic Mumbai landmark—Antilia.
Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant | AP
Sometimes, we would receive an invitation from Mukesh to watch the latest films at the magnificent home theatre in Antilia. Nightly screenings of Bollywood and Hollywood films are an intrinsic part of the Ambani routine. I recall watching Inception, the very complex, very intriguing, award-winning film with a small group of movie buffs at Antilia. Described as a “savagely complex ride’’, Inception explores the depths of the sci-fi thriller genre. Despite its great reviews, it confounded and frustrated fans and critics alike with its oblique ending. This was Christopher Nolan at his mind-twisting best! At the end of the long screening, which was attended by, amongst others, two of Bollywood’s most cerebral filmmakers, Mukesh turned to me and asked, “What did you think of the film?” I shrugged and confessed, “I loved it…. but didn’t understand a thing… especially the ending… did you figure it out?” Mukesh smiled, looked around and wondered, “Where’s Anant? Let’s ask him to explain… he will figure it out for us.’’ And that’s exactly what happened. Anant joined the group and provided a concise, convincing, logical explanation, which was such a relief!
On another occasion, I remember a short conversation with Nita about Anant, when she referred to his passion for animal welfare, and how he had a vision for establishing a world-class facility to care for our four-legged friends. This was years before Vantara in Jamnagar was opened. Nita mentioned Anant’s deep and abiding love for nature and how he combines his concerns with on ground mobilisation, given his sharp sense for sustainable business models.
Anant is a director on the board of Jio Platforms since March 2020. His responsibilities extend to Reliance New Energy Limited and Reliance New Solar Energy Limited.
But for now, it is time to disco!
The mega celebrations will end soon. But the mood, which was built up for the climax (the wedding ceremony itself), will linger, as millions of Instagram followers, hooked to every tiny detail of the multiple ceremonies, replay clips of the grand functions, with jaws dropping at the sheer opulence of it all! Never before has India witnessed a beloved son’s wedding being solemnised on such a mammoth scale. This can only happen with the abundant blessings of the almighty showered on the entire family.
Shaadi Mubarak, Anant and Radhika.
@DeShobhaa @shobhaade