Anant Ambani – The sky was the limit as the who’s who of India’s business and entertainment elite descended upon the lavish weekend pre-wedding festivities of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant in Rajasthan. However, amid the galaxy of renowned guests, one star shone the brightest – the sensational Rihanna!
The multi-hyphenate superstar flew down to India to celebrate the nuptials of her close friend Anant, the youngest son of billionaires Mukesh and Nita Ambani. Rihanna’s appearance added unparalleled glamour to the already grand affair held at the majestic Mansingh Palace in Jaipur.
As soon as visuals of Rihanna at the opulent pre-wedding festivities emerged, they sent shockwaves across social media. Every fashion statement and intimate moment shared by the global icon kept her Indian fans and media outlets buzzing with excitement and awe.
Join us as we delve into the star-studded extravaganza, dissecting Rihanna’s stunning looks, her bond with the Ambani clan and the grandeur that surrounded this union of two of India’s most affluent business families.
Rihanna’s Head-Turning Appearance at Anant Ambani-Radhika Pre-Wedding Events
Rihanna’s presence alone was enough to set the pre-wedding festivities in Jaipur aglow. However, the fashion and beauty mogul did not disappoint, delivering a series of scene-stealing looks over the wedding weekend.
Mehendi Ceremony Look
For the vibrant and colorful Mehendi ceremony, Rihanna opted for a breathtaking intricately embroidered lehenga from the shelves of Indian couturier Anju Modi’s eponymous label. The beautiful multi-colored choli featured a sweetheart neckline embellished with crystals perfectly complementing the vivacious lehenga skirt.
Rihanna’s impeccable fashion choice paid tribute to the bride-to-be Radhika’s rich Gujarati heritage. Her traditional look was accentuated by striking makeup with a red bindi adding a desi touch. Statement jewels including a statement nath, choudgram necklace and coordinated kadas completed this glamorous ethnic avatar.
Welcome Dinner Ensemble
For the welcome dinner, the singer-turned-designer embraced contemporary Indo-fusion fashion in a sexy black silk top featuring a plunging neckline paired with an exquisite embroidered sheer black saree. Her glam look was accessorized with a statement choker necklace boasting a chunky emerald pendant.
Rihanna channeled timeless allure with this chic draping style while tastefully incorporating sultry and modern aesthetics tailored for the opulent wedding occasion.
Haldi Ceremony Attire
Dressed in a dazzling yellow anarkali set, Rihanna was a vision at the sacred Haldi ceremony. She donned a stunning high-neck kurti adorned with intricate embroidery patterns teamed with a voluminous, flared sharara completing her resplendent ethnic attire.
The global megastar beautifully embraced Indian traditional dressing displaying style versatility. Her hair was left open in soft beachy waves, while understated accessories like choodas and kadas infused just the right festive Punjabi touches into the look.
Rihanna’s Heartwarming Bond with the Ambani Family
While Rihanna’s showstopping style dominated headlines, her long-standing friendship with the Ambani family added a heartwarming layer to her grand appearance.
In 2019, the singer launched the Indian branch of her lingerie and beauty brand Fenty at an exclusive pop-up in New Delhi. This marquee activation was hosted by the country’s premier business magnates themselves – the Ambanis.
Since then, Rihanna has remained closely acquainted with the family, who proudly support and champion her entrepreneurial endeavors in India. More so, the singer shares a special connection with Nita Ambani over their respective philanthropic initiatives focused on education access for underprivileged children worldwide.
At the wedding festivities in Jaipur, the “Diamonds” hitmaker is understood to have not just graced the events with Ambani family members, but also partied the night away, dancing to Punjabi beats with the bride and groom’s closest friends and family.
With her presence at both pre and post-wedding celebrations, Rihanna honored her friendship with the groom Anant Ambani, who worked closely with her charitable foundation on developing an educational scholarship program in Mumbai.
Inside the Ultra-Lavish Anant Ambani – Radhika Merchant Wedding Extravaganza
On the grand Ambani wedding front, no expense was spared to ensure the celebrations were nothing short of spectacular and larger-than-life.
The heirs of Mukesh Ambani tied the knot in a lavish 3-day extravaganza that fused opulence with tradition in the most Ambani-esque way possible.
An entire luxury hotel, the Mansingh Palace in Jaipur, was booked by the family, completely sealed off from external access and guests shuttled in bio-bubbles across various cities. Over 80 private chartered flights ferried the wedding party with security and hospitality crews numbering in the thousands.
The festivities commenced with Anant Ambani and Radhika making a royal entry on decked-up elephants, pagri-clad camels and vintage cars during the vibrantly colorful aam Rajasthani Swagatam ceremony. They were welcomed with folk performances by hundreds of Rajasthani artistes.
From thereafter, the itinerary at the historic Mansingh Palace premises involved vibrant ceremonies like the Mehendi, Sangeet, Haldi and Anand Karaj solemnized with full Punjabi rituals and Gujarati Hindu motifs. An incredible 300 types of delectable local cuisine dishes were curated by top chefs flown in from across the world.
Celebrities and VIPs graced each star-studded event, including Bollywood A-listers like Shah Rukh Khan, Alia Bhatt, Ranveer Singh, Salman Khan with business tycoons like Anil Ambani, Virendra Bansal and prominent politicians like Hardik Patel, Sachin Pilot in attendance.
The grand finale was the ‘Sangeet-Nigho’ ceremony that morphed into a dazzling concert featuring live performances by Bollywood music mainstays like Falguni Pathak and Rashid Khan who had guests including Rihanna enthralled.
Touted as India’s most expensive wedding celebrations estimated at a mind-boggling Rs.700+ crore budget, the larger-than-life Ambani wedding perfectly fused India’s rich heritage with modern luxury and grandeur.
Rihanna’s Special Ties to Indian Fashion and Culture
Anant Ambani Rihanna’s appearance at the star-studded Jaipur wedding ceremonies is hardly her first tryst with India’s vibrant cultural tapestry. Over the years, the global icon has showcased a deep fashion kinship and abiding love for the country’s heritage.
As early as 2007, the singer stunned on the world stage draping an elegant sari for her first music video “Haunted.” In 2015, she turned showstopper for celebrated couturier Falguni & Shane Peacock, sashaying down the stage in an exquisite hand-embroidered creation.
The singer-mogul loves celebrating her Indian roots through fashion, often embracing sartorial norms like the bindi alongside western styles. At the Met Gala 2017, Rihanna commanded attention in a sculptural avant-garde creation inspired by Commes des Garçons but fused it with lilac makeup, vermillion sindoor and elegant ornaments.
For fashion shoots and runways too, Rihanna has consistently commissioned heavily ornate Indian craftsmanship in her wardrobe. Her third Savage X Fenty Show featured a stunning dress handcrafted by Indian artisans taking 300+ hours of skilled embroidery work.
Through her cultural appropriation and appreciation, Rihanna embodies a global icon status bridging the East and West. Her appearance at an Indian wedding therefore seamlessly tied together her impeccable personal style and zest for Indian artisanal heritage on the global stage.
With the bride herself sharing Gujarati roots, it was only fitting that Rihanna celebrated this decadent, multi-cultural union by dazzling in custom-crafted Indian ethnic ensembles. Her presence underscored the sheer star-power in attendance at the legendary ceremony uniting India’s most high-profile family.
Beyond the opulence and glamour though, Rihanna’s heartwarming bond with the Ambanis personified the true spirit of the festivities – celebrating togetherness, cultural diversity and lifelong bonds through this momentous occasion.
What did you think of Rihanna’s incredible fashion looks at the Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant wedding? Share your favorite attire and let us know if you would love to attend such a lavish Indian wedding!
