TOP global celebrities will don “jungle fever” outfits in India for a trip to the zoo on Saturday as part of a party thrown by Asia’s richest man.
Pop icon Rihanna, Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, and Donald Trump’s daughter Ivanka are among the rich and famous guests who jetted in for a three-day gala celebration hosted by billionaire tycoon Mukesh Ambani.
This weekend’s party is an elaborate pre-wedding ceremony for younger son Anant and fiancee Radhika Merchant, the daughter of wealthy pharmaceutical moguls.
The three-day gala — which saw “Umbrella” singer Rihanna perform on Friday for the first time since last year’s Superbowl — will continue Saturday with a trip to an “animal rescue center” housing exotic animals.
The facility is a pet project of Anant’s built in his family’s hometown Jamnagar in western Gujarat state, where the weekend party is taking place.
Indian media reports said the family will on Saturday host a “Walk on the Wildside,” an event held outdoors in the Ambani’s animal rescue center.
“Jungle fever” is the suggested dress code, and guests have been advised to wear comfortable shoes and clothing, reports said.
In the evening, reports added, guests will ditch their safari-themed outfits for more elegant wear for an evening party celebrating Indian culture.
Mukesh Ambani, 66, is the chairman of Reliance Industries, India’s biggest company by market capitalization, and the world’s 10th-richest person, according to the Forbes billionaires list, worth more than $116 billion.
He inherited a thriving industrial enterprise spanning oil, gas, and petrochemicals from his father and grew it into a commercial behemoth with lucrative interests in retail, telecommunications, and an Indian Premier League cricket team.
Reliance’s partnerships with storied fashion brands such as Burberry, Armani, and Jimmy Choo have helped the conglomerate cater to the growing appetite for luxury goods among India’s middle class.
Ambani’s family home — a 27-floor skyscraper dubbed Antilia that reportedly cost more than $1 billion to build and has a permanent staff of 600 servants — is one of Mumbai’s most prominent landmarks.
It was criticized after its 2010 completion by author Arundhati Roy and others for starkly illustrating the wide gulf between India’s business elite and its poor multitudes.
Ambani held the most expensive wedding in India to date for his daughter in 2018, which reportedly cost $100 million and saw US pop megastar Beyonce perform.
Younger son Anant, 28 — who also serves as a director on the boards of several Reliance-owned firms — is expected to marry Merchant, 29, later this year.
This time around, the guest list includes Disney chief Bob Iger, following a deal agreed Wednesday between Reliance Industries and Walt Disney to merge their Indian media businesses.
The merger will create an $8.5 billion entertainment giant in the world’s most populous nation and fifth-largest economy.
Bollywood stars Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan, cricket icons Sachin Tendulkar and M.S. Dhoni, and industry titan Gautam Adani are also invited, creating a star-studded gathering of India’s superrich.
The extravagant pre-wedding party hosted by Mukesh Ambani has attracted global attention, with renowned personalities from various fields coming together to celebrate the union of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant. The event kicked off with a mesmerizing performance by Rihanna, marking her return to the stage since her Superbowl appearance last year.
The highlight of the celebration is a visit to an animal rescue center, a cause close to the heart of the Ambani family. Located in Jamnagar, the center showcases their commitment to wildlife conservation. The guests have been encouraged to embrace the “jungle fever” dress code, adding an element of adventure to the occasion. Comfortable shoes and clothing have been recommended to ensure an enjoyable experience.
Later in the evening, the guests will transition from their safari-themed attire to elegant outfits as they revel in an Indian cultural extravaganza. This fusion of global celebrities and Indian traditions showcases the diversity and richness of the country’s heritage.
Mukesh Ambani’s rise as one of the world’s wealthiest individuals is a testament to his business acumen and entrepreneurial spirit. He transformed Reliance Industries into a multifaceted conglomerate, encompassing sectors such as oil, gas, petrochemicals, retail, and telecommunications. Collaborations with renowned fashion brands have enabled Reliance to cater to the growing demand for luxury goods among India’s middle class.
The Ambani family’s opulent residence, Antilia, has become an iconic symbol of Mumbai’s skyline. However, it has also sparked debates about wealth inequality in India. Despite the criticism, the Ambanis continue to contribute to society through philanthropic initiatives and their support for various causes.
This extravagant pre-wedding celebration is not the first time the Ambani family has made headlines for their lavish events. The wedding of Mukesh Ambani’s daughter in 2018, featuring a performance by Beyonce, set new standards for opulence and grandeur.
The guest list for this celebration includes influential figures such as Disney chief Bob Iger, reflecting the growing partnership between Reliance Industries and Walt Disney in the Indian media industry. The merger between the two companies is set to create a formidable entertainment powerhouse in India, further cementing the country’s position as a global entertainment hub.
The presence of Bollywood stars, cricket icons, and industry magnates adds to the allure of the event, making it a star-studded affair. The convergence of talent and wealth showcases the magnitude of the Ambani family’s influence and their ability to bring together individuals from diverse backgrounds.
As the festivities unfold, the world watches in awe, witnessing a spectacle that combines glamour, culture, and philanthropy. The Ambani family’s celebration serves as a reminder of the power of unity and the ability to create moments that transcend boundaries and captivate global attention.
Source: The Manila Times
