Asia’s wealthiest billionaire Ambani pays $6.3M for Rihanna’s performance at heir’s pre-wedding

Businessman MukeshAmbani's sonAnantAmbaniand his wife Radhika Merchant at the launch of 'Nita MukeshAmbaniCultural Centre' (NMACC), at Jio World Centre, in Mumbai on Mar. 31, 2023. Photo by Reuters

The figure was given by insiders close to the Ambanis, according to the Daily Mail.

Rihanna, along with her American rapper partner A$AP Rocky, arrived in Jamnagar, India on Friday, also the day that marks the commencement of the lavish three-day festivities for Ambani’s youngest child Anant and his fiancée Radhika Merchant.

Broadcasting outlet India Today noted that Rihanna entertained with popular tracks such as "Diamonds," "We Found Love," and "All of the Lights" among her setlist for the evening.

The event also featured performances by American illusionist David Blaine and Indian artist Diljit Dosanjh.

The pre-wedding celebrations of Ambani and Merchant have attracted attention for their distinguished guest list, which includes international tech leaders, Bollywood stars, global music figures, and notable politicians, since the beginning of the week.

AFP reported the attendance of Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg and Ivanka Trump, the eldest daughter of the former U.S. president, who arrived in India on Friday for the festivities.

Other invitees include Microsoft founder Bill Gates and Disney chief Bob Iger.

Further details on the agenda for the guests were also disclosed by the Daily Mail, including a unique experience at the groom’s Reliance animal rescue center, spanning 650 acres and housing over 2,000 animals, scheduled for Saturday.

This will be followed by the "Mela Rogue" event, encouraging guests to don "dazzling desi romance" themed attire.

For the concluding day, Sunday, attendees are suggested to opt for "casual chic" wear for the Tusker Trails, an event hinting at local excursions, with the finale being a Hashtakshar ceremony, urging traditional Indian dress like sherwanis and sarees.

The Economic Times reported that 21 chefs from Indian city Indore’s Jardin Hotel were flown to Jamnagar to prepare a gastronomic journey of 2,500 dishes, featuring a variety of cuisines including Thai, Japanese, Mexican, Parsi, and Pan Asian, for the event’s attendees.

The Ambani family also hosted a feast for over 51,000 villagers at their family business’ Reliance Township

Anant Ambani, 28, is the youngest child of Mukesh Ambani, who heads the Reliance Industries conglomerate with an annual revenue of US$110 billion. Forbes lists Mukesh Ambani’s net worth at US$117.4 billion as of Mar. 2, 2024, making him the richest man in Asia and ninth-richest in the world.

Radhika Merchant, 29, is the daughter of Shri Viren Merchant, CEO of India’s prominent healthcare firm Encore Healthcare.

The couple, who have been friends since childhood, both pursued their education in the U.S.