Asia's Richest Man Spent Jaw-Dropping Amount Of Money On Son's Pre-Wedding Event Which Rihanna Sang At

As of 2024, with an estimated net worth of $117 billion, he is considered India's wealthiest individual, and the pre-wedding festivities for his son showcased this in every aspect.

Ranked as the ninth richest person globally by Forbes, Ambani's fortune stems from Reliance Industries. 

This powerhouse business, founded by his late father in 1966 as a modest textile manufacturer, has blossomed into a multinational conglomerate.

Its ventures span across various sectors, including telecommunications, energy, and retail, marking its significant footprint in the global market.

Anant Ambani pictured with his wife-to-be, Radhika Merchant. Credits: Prodip Guha/Getty Images

Ambani, along with his wife Nita, is a parent to three children: Anant, aged 28; Akash, aged 32; and Isha, also 32.

The recent pre-wedding celebration for Anant was nothing short of a spectacle, demonstrating that Ambani certainly does not hesitate to go above and beyond when it comes to family events.

The event, held in Jamnagar, India, last weekend, attracted a host of celebrities and notable figures from around the world.

Tech moguls like Mark Zuckerberg and Bill Gates were in attendance, alongside Ivanka Trump and a constellation of Bollywood stars, including Salman Khan, Ram Charan, Shah Rukh Khan, and Aamir Khan.

But perhaps the most astonishing aspect of the festivities was Ambani's decision to hire Rihanna for an exclusive concert.

The global music icon, a mother of two, was reportedly paid a jaw-dropping $6.3 million to perform a 16-song set that included hits like 'Diamonds', 'Work', and 'Rude Boy'.

Credit: Hindustan Times

Despite some criticism over her performance being labeled as doing the 'bare minimum' for the fee, Rihanna was later seen enjoying the party, dancing the night away with other guests.

The scale of spending by Ambani, especially on Rihanna's performance alone, has sparked widespread curiosity about the total cost of the event.

The Daily Mail reports that the three-day celebration racked up a bill of $152 million, and that's without factoring in the expenses for the actual wedding, scheduled for July 12 with Anant's bride-to-be, Radhika Merchant.

If the pre-wedding bash is anything to go by, the wedding promises to be an unforgettable affair.

However, the lavish spending has not gone without its critics, particularly from those living in poverty in the vicinity of the extravagant celebrations.

Mukesh Ambani is the richest man in India. Credits: SUJIT JAISWAL/AFP via Getty Images

Usman Ali, a 44-year-old tea seller earning just $5 a day, expressed his bafflement to the Daily Mail, saying:

"I've heard about this wedding party and how much is being spent."

"But I don't understand the sums they are talking about because it's another world for me."

" I can't even say £120 million, let alone think about it."

Despite the criticism, others have defended Ambani's right to spend his wealth as he sees fit, arguing that what the billionaire chooses to do with his money 'is his business'.