The marriage of Anant Ambani, the youngest son of billionaire Mukesh Ambani, and Radhika Merchant, daughter of pharmaceutical tycoons Viren and Shaila Merchant, has become a global spectacle, marking a historic event in Indian weddings.
The couple, who have known each other for over seven years, celebrated their union amidst extravagant festivities, beginning with pre-wedding celebrations in Jamnagar earlier this year. Reports suggest that Anant and Radhika grew up together as childhood friends, attending the same school before pursuing higher education—Radhika at New York University and Anant at Brown University in Rhode Island.
Speculations about their relationship surfaced in 2018 when a viral photo captured them in a joyous moment, dressed in olive green robes. The rumors gained traction when Radhika was seen accompanying Anant at his sister Isha Ambani’s engagement ceremony. Their relationship was further affirmed when the Ambani family hosted Radhika’s Arangetram ceremony at the Jio World Centre in Mumbai in 2022.
Formalizing their commitment, Anant and Radhika got engaged at the Srinathji temple in Nathdwara on December 29, 2022, followed by an engagement ceremony at Antilia on January 19. The couple’s pre-wedding celebrations culminated in a star-studded event in Jamnagar, featuring performances by pop singer Rihanna.
At the Jamnagar celebrations, Anant expressed his gratitude to Radhika, declaring, “I am 100% the lucky one. Radhika has been with me for the last seven years, and every day, I fall more and more in love with her.” Radhika, in turn, reflected on their journey, stating, “Jamnagar is where we grew up, became friends, fell in love, and built our relationship. Now, as we begin our future together, we are grateful to share this beginning with you all.”
In addition to their romance, Anant Ambani is known for his deep affection for animals. The Ambani family has long been involved in philanthropic efforts, including the operation of a large animal shelter. This shelter is renowned for its care of a wide range of animals, reflecting Anant’s commitment to animal welfare.
The wedding of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant was marked by numerous joyful moments, but one in particular captured everyone’s attention—Anant’s beloved pet, Happy. As the bride and groom exchanged their vows, Happy stood beside them, dressed charmingly in a sherwani. While Happy holds a special place in the Ambani family, Anant’s deep affection for animals extends to many others under his care at his wildlife sanctuary.
Since childhood, Anant Ambani has been enchanted by the animal kingdom. In a widely viral Instagram reel by @vantarareliancefoundation, Nita Ambani, Anant’s mother, recalls a sweet incident that shows Anant’s obsession with animals. She narrates how at just two years old, Anant rescued a group of hens from Crawford Market. This early act of kindness and empathy towards animals has remained a constant theme in Anant’s life, shaping his profound love for them.
Fuelled by his compassion for animals, Anant launched a monumental endeavor to create Vantara, a renowned wildlife preservation project. Today, Vantara serves as a sanctuary for a diverse array of wildlife, including 200 elephants, over 300 large felines such as leopards, tigers, lions, and jaguars, as well as 300 herbivores like deer. The sanctuary also shelters over 1,200 reptiles, including crocodiles, snakes, and turtles. Each resident of Vantara represents Anant’s unwavering vision and deep commitment to wildlife conservation.
