- Credit goes to Ambanis for aligning the marriage event with the Prime Minister’s Mission of ‘Wed in India.’
By- Baldev Raj, Founder and Chief, Prius Brand and Business Partners
India is on a rapid growth trajectory, aspiring to become the third-largest economy in the world soon and possibly the second-largest much earlier than anticipated. This impressive growth is fueled by India Inc., with Reliance Industries, led by Mukesh Ambani, playing a significant role. The business conglomerate has been on an expansion spree, venturing into sunrise sectors, and has attracted the keen attention of global investors. Mukesh Ambani’s passion for India growth story is not unknown and his moves are mostly aligned with the government’s policies and mission. Not many moves of his part are required to manifest this.
Last December, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced his mission, ‘Wed in India,’ encouraging people, including celebrities, to host their weddings within the country. He stated, “Why don’t we hold such wedding ceremonies in our own country? It is possible that the kind of system you want may not be there today, but if we organize such events, systems will also develop. This is a topic related to very big families. I hope this pain of mine will definitely reach those big families.” It would be unfair not give credit to Ambanis, obviously a big business family, for aligning the mesmerizing marriage with the Prime Minister’s Mission of ‘Wed in India.’
Before the celebrations for his son Anant Ambani’s pre wedding began, Reliance Industries’ associate company, Jio Financial Services, entered into a joint venture with global financial services giant BlackRock. Not only this, global giant Tesla is in talks with Reliance to set up EV manufacturing arm. I personally believe that Walt Disney CEO Bob Iger discussion for a joint venture with Reliance Industries may take a final shape soon. During the Anant Ambani’s pre-wedding bash in Jamnagar Mukesh Ambani hosted few of the richest people in the world. Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg and several other billionaires were present at the grand event and India’s richest man saw it as an opportunity to strengthen his business ties.
As per media reports Reliance signed a massive deal with Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta after the billionaire held discussions at the pre-wedding event. Reports suggest that Meta will now establish its first data centre in India at Reliance Industries campus in Chennai. We all know that Mukesh Ambani is involved in a wide range of business. He has brought several big international brands to India as a partner brand of Reliance Retail. Brands including Versace, Armani, Balenciaga, Boss and others have been brought in India by Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance. According to me, these moves not only signify strategic business expansion but combining big family affairs such as marriages with networking and branding exercises. This is a trend followed by many business familes in India.
I was tempted to go by popular perception that Anant Ambani’s wedding was nothing short of a grand spectacle, marked by opulence and extravagance. The Ambani family is known for hosting some of the most lavish events, and this wedding was no exception. From luxurious venues to star-studded guest lists, every aspect of the celebration screamed grandeur. However, being two decades in brand and marketing industry, I would have surprised if the scale of expenditure on the wedding had not raised eyebrows and sparked discussions about the ostentatious display of wealth by the Ambanis.
For many, the wedding was seen as a reflection of the immense wealth and power that the Ambani family holds. In a country where economic disparity is stark, such an extravagant celebration can be perceived as insensitive and disconnected from the realities faced by the common populace. Critics may argue that the money spent on such events could be better utilized for social and economic development, especially in a nation grappling with issues like poverty, healthcare, and education.
However, I strongly feel that beyond the glitz and glamour, there lies a strategic dimension to this grand celebration. The Ambani family’s ability to blend personal milestones with business acumen is well-documented. By hosting such an extravagant wedding, the Ambanis not only celebrated a personal event but also strategically bolstered their presence on the international stage.
The wedding served as a powerful networking event, bringing together global business leaders, celebrities, and political figures. Being in the industry for several decades I can easily decipher that it provided a platform for forging new alliances and strengthening existing relationships. The presence of international dignitaries and business magnates underscored the Ambani family’s global influence and reach. In essence, I would emphasize that the wedding was not just a family affair; it was a calculated move to showcase the Ambani empire’s prominence and to attract potential business opportunities.
The grandeur of the wedding highlighted the Ambani family’s ability to host world-class events, reflecting their organizational capabilities and attention to detail – qualities that are equally crucial in the business world.
The celebration served to amplify the news of the business deals, drawing global attention to the Ambani family’s expanding business empire. It reinforced the narrative of Reliance Industries’ continuous growth and diversification, showcasing Mukesh Ambani’s vision and leadership.
Anant Ambani’s wedding was undeniably a grand affair, marked by an extravagant display of wealth. However, as I understand, beneath the surface of opulence lies a strategic intent to bolster the Ambani family’s international presence and influence. The event served as a powerful reminder of the Ambani family’s economic might and their ability to leverage personal milestones for business gains. While opinions may vary on the appropriateness of such lavish celebrations, there is no denying that the Ambanis have mastered the art of blending personal grandeur with strategic business positioning. In the world of business and wealth, every move is calculated, and for the Ambanis, even a wedding becomes an opportunity to reinforce their empire’s global stature.
