The pre-wedding festivities of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant have begun and Day 1 was indeed a star-studded affair as it drew prominent figures from all over the world. Mukesh Ambani graciously hosted his guests at the pre-wedding event, emphasizing their esteemed treatment akin to the principle of "Atithi Devo Bhava" (the guest is God). The celebration, hosted at Reliance Greens Complex, boasts a guest list of approximately 2,000, featuring renowned personalities such as Mark Zuckerberg, Bill Gates, and Bollywood luminaries Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, and Ranbir Kapoor and many more.
Before the lavish festivities started, Mukesh Ambani welcomed his guests and addressed them with a small note.
He said, "Our esteemed friends and family. Namaste and good evening to each and every one of you. In the Indian tradition, we respectfully describe guests as Atithis. ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’, which means ‘Guests are like Gods’. When I did Namaste to you, it meant that the Divine in me is pleased to acknowledge the Divine in you. Aap sab ne iss shaadi ke mahaul ko mangalmay bana diya hai. Dhanyavaad! Bahut bahut dil se dhanyavaad!"
"Friends, Family. As Anant and Radhika embark on a journey of lifelong partnership, your blessings will yield a perennial harvest of good fortune whose abundance will never diminish. Today, my father Dhirubhai is also showering his profuse blessings from high up in the heavens," he added.
Addressing the young couple (Anant and Radhika), he said that their match is made in heaven, ushering the words "Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi"
He said, "Friends, now let me say a few words about Anant & Radhika. Anant in Sanskrit means 'That which has no end’. It means Infinite. I see infinite potential in Anant! Main Anant mein Anant Shakti dekhata hoon. Whenever I see Anant, I see my father Dhirubhai in him. His same 'can do, will do, nothing is impossible' attitude. And in Radhika, he has found an ideal life partner. She is a reservoir of immense creative energy. She is a quiet fountain of love and care. Quite aptly, Radhika has the name of Lord Krishna’s favourite consort. Radhika and Anant. Anant and Radhika. Yeh to 'Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi' hai!"
Meanwhile, as per the pogramme schedule, the second day will host 'A Walk on the Wildside' with a suggested "jungle fever" dress code, taking place outdoors at the Ambanis' animal rescue center in Jamnagar. Guests are advised to wear comfortable clothing and shoes as it will resemble a safari experience. Following this, guests will transition to 'Mela Rouge,' a blend of traditional South Asian activities where attendees can wear their favourite ethnic attires.