The internet has been abuzz with reactions, both amused and astounded, following a Reddit post revealing the estimated cost of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant’s wedding: a staggering Rs 5000 crore. The post, which suggested expectations were initially pegged at Rs 1000-2000 crore, drew attention to the ‘mind-blowing’ scale of the celebration. The user further highlighted that such an amount could potentially secure the happiness of five generations within a family.
The lavish wedding, taking place today, July 12, has attracted global attention with celebrities like former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Kim Kardashian, and Samsung CEO Han Jon gracing the event in Mumbai. The pre-wedding festivities, held earlier in March, served as a prelude to the grand spectacle.
The topic of generational wealth has taken center stage amidst the online discussions. One user quipped, “I just read an article which said that if the Ambanis spend 3 crores..yes 3 crores..every day, their wealth will last them 962 years.” Another commented on starting a base of generational wealth with a mere Rs 3 crores. The humour extended to suggestions of a petition for a “Garibo ko 1 crore daan yojana” (a scheme to donate 1 crore to the poor).
However, some users presented a more analytical perspective. One detailed explanation suggested that the Anant Ambani Radhika Merchant wedding was a strategic investment under the guise of a celebration. The user noted that Rs 5000 crore translates to $600 million, enough to host 10 Oscars ceremonies in the United States. Elaborating on the cost-effectiveness of such events, the user pointed out that a cruise party in Italy would not cost anywhere near Rs 1000 crore and that the Jamnagar pre-wedding festivities were an investment by Reliance stakeholders. “Businessmen aren’t fool to spend that kind of money, without getting anything in return. Everything is an investment and a promotion to expand their empire. Even their kid’s relationships (according to lots of rumours). It’s no way 5000 crores,” the user wrote.
An Outlook report suggests that while a Rs 4000-5000 crore expenditure may appear excessive, it represents a significantly smaller percentage of the Ambani family’s net worth compared to what an average Indian spends on their children’s weddings. The average Indian family typically allocates 5-15% of their total wealth, whereas the Anant Ambani Radhika Merchant wedding is estimated to be around 0.5% of Ambani’s worth. This perspective adds a layer of complexity to the discussions about the wedding, highlighting the stark contrast between the spending habits of different socioeconomic groups.
