At her pre-wedding soirée in May, Radhika Merchant turned heads and stole hearts in a custom Robert Wun gown. But this wasn’t merely any gown; this masterpiece bore the imprint of a love letter Anant Ambani had penned to her, aged just 22. This declaration of love set the stage for what has been a series of sensational pre-wedding events that have captivated the world, months before the main ceremony.
Amidst the extravagance of this wedding, however, it’s essential to remember the love story of Anant and Radhika is where it all began; a sentiment beautifully symbolised by Radhika’s Robert Wun dress.
For Anant Ambani, who now leads Reliance Industries’ energy vertical, and Radhika Merchant, the marketing director at Encore Healthcare, love blossomed in the most unassuming of settings—during a leisurely drive with mutual friends.
Childhood friends turned sweethearts, Anant and Radhika shared more than just social circles; they shared similar dreams and aspirations. Their paths led them both to the United States for higher education—Anant to Brown University and Radhika to New York University.
The turning point in their love story came in 2018 when a now-iconic photo of the couple in matching olive green robes set social media abuzz. The whispers of romance turned into a crescendo as they began appearing together at high-profile events. Radhika soon became a beloved presence at Ambani family gatherings, from Isha Ambani and Anand Piramal’s fairy-tale wedding to Akash Ambani and Shloka Mehta’s nuptials, and even at their son Prithvi’s first birthday bash.
What’s more, in 2022, Nita and Mukesh Ambani hosted Radhika’s Arangetram ceremony at the prestigious Jio World Centre in Mumbai, a gesture that underscored their acceptance of her into the family. As a trained Bharatanatyam dancer, Radhika’s performance was mesmerising, with Anant beaming with pride in the front row.
Anant proposed to Radhika a year later at the sacred Shrinathji Temple in Nathdwara, Rajasthan, marking the pinnacle of their romantic journey. The surprise engagement party that followed at their home in Antilla was the perfect celebration of their love, surrounded by close family and friends.
Starting their pre-wedding festivities earlier this year, each one has been more spectacular than the last. A meticulously planned three-day extravaganza in Jamnagar, Gujarat, orchestrated by Anant’s mother, Nita Mukesh Ambani, and designer Manish Malhotra, quickly became a social media sensation. The moment Rihanna’s arrival in India went viral, it was clear this was going to be no ordinary wedding.
But that was just the beginning. The Ambanis went on to hire out the entire Portofino coast for a second pre-wedding ceremony in May, and since then have hosted international sensations like Andrea Bocelli, Katy Perry, and, most recently, Justin Bieber, who performed at the couple’s sangeet celebration.
As we await the main event, one thing is certain: amidst all the glitz and glamour, the love story of Anant and Radhika remains at its heart. Their story, filled with sweet memories and shared dreams, undoubtedly promises a future as bright as the diamonds they wear.
