The prospective spouse of the billionaire heir hails from a family with a notable business background and possesses skills in dance and entrepreneurship.
Vogue describes her as a “fashionista,” owning an array of limited edition high-fashion pieces and costly diamond jewelry.
On March 1, the initial of the trio of days celebrating her and Ambani’s pre-wedding events, Merchant showcased a bespoke pink Versace gown. This attire, inspired by the architectural marvels of New York, was also selected by American actress Blake Lively when she co-chaired the Met Gala 2022.
She exhibited a vibrant fringed dress by Indian designer Ashish Gupta, tailored specifically for her from his Spring/Summer 2024 lineup, during the Mela Rouge themed celebration that evening. This outfit took inspiration from the iconic Broadway venue Studio 54 in the U.S. and India’s disco legend Asha Puthli.
She complemented the dress with green Manolo Blahnik footwear and heart-shaped Cartier sunglasses.
A compilation showcases the evolving fashion tastes of Mukesh Ambani’s son Anant’s fiancée Radhika Merchant through the years. Video from YouTube/Ambani Channel
Merchant opted for a pastel Chikankari ghagra, a traditional Indian bridal wear, crafted by Indian designers Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla in an intimate gathering with family and close relatives beforehand. She paired it with a diamond necklace.
The sequence of events’ second day featured Merchant in a champagne-hued traditional Indian lehenga by designer Manish Malhotra, embellished with intricate patterns and sequins.
The outfit’s upper section introduced a contemporary flair reminiscent of a corset, fused with a cloak lavishly adorned with 20,000 Swarovski crystals by the hands of 70 artisans, and was accentuated with a multi-layered diamond necklace, bracelets, and rings.
On the final day of the festivities, Merchant exudes sophistication in a premium saree lehenga by Indian designer Tarun Tahiliani, adorned with decorative embellishments crafted through the kashidakari technique.
Merchant was seen at another event donning a brocade jumpsuit from Dolce & Gabbana.
Vogue highlights her preference for elegance and femininity, often choosing outfits with printed or embroidered floral designs and favoring vivid, eye-catching colors over monochromatic schemes, typically accessorized with an abundance of jewelry.
She made an appearance at the 2019 nuptials of Indian actor Armaan Jain and Anissa Malhotra in a hand-embroidered silk organza attire by Indian designer Rahul Mishra, priced at US$4,194.
At a different occasion, she captured attention in a sequined and bejeweled sheer dress by Indian designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee, retailing at US$4,400.
Sporting a floral print silk midi dress by Aje, priced at US$709, Merchant enhanced her appearance at The Sound of Music event’s opening day in May 2023 at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Center. She paired her dress with Hermès sandals.
According to Bollywoodshaadis, her wardrobe also includes a US$620 floral dress by Zimmermann, a US$20,000 Hermès Kelly bag, and US$900 silver Chanel sandals.
At the 2018 wedding of Indian celebrities Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh, Merchant (third from R) selected a ball gown valued at US$10,385 and a watermelon-shaped crystal clutch priced at US$4,195 by Judith Leiber.
The Business Standard reports that Merchant and Ambani concluded their three-day pre-wedding celebration, which took place from March 1-3, in anticipation of their July marriage, with the festivities reportedly costing around 120 million pounds (US$150 million) according to Daily Mail.
Anant Ambani, 28, is the youngest child of Mukesh Ambani, who chairs the Reliance Industries conglomerate that generates annual revenues of US$110 billion.
Forbes, as of March 8, 2024, ranks Mukesh Ambani as the richest individual in Asia and the ninth wealthiest globally, with a fortune estimated at US$116.3 billion.
Radhika Merchant, 29, is identified as the daughter of Shri Viren Merchant, CEO of Encore Healthcare, a leading healthcare company in India.
The couple has known each other since childhood and both pursued higher education in the U.S.
