The Ambani Wedding Extravaganza: The Big Fat Indian Wedding Got Better

Can it get any bigger? Unlikely. The Ambani wedding was one that was never seen before, and unlikely to be seen again. All their three children are happily married; for the next wedding, we will have to wait for the next generation. Unlikely to happen in the life span of many of us.

Unfortunately, or otherwise, weddings in India are an occasion to make a statement to your friends and family, business associates and even people at large. It is not for no reason we have that unique Indian phenomenon called ‘the Big Fat Indian Wedding’. The bigger you are, the fatter it becomes. And what you spend is seen as a revelation of your wealth and standing in society. A common sight at venues is the ultra hooh haah that goes with an average well-to-do businessman’s family wedding; a few crores here and there, is always a statement, like it or not.

It is ultimately ‘yours’ to choose. How classic or how subtle you want to be, or how brazen and ‘right in your face’ extravagant celebrations, you want for the event. Should we judge one or the other, let them choose their card? It is not just weddings anymore, it is anniversary commemorations, on cruises, offsite jamborees. This one had all the elements. A warm up event in Europe, then a pre-wedding function, the marriage ceremony, and we hear of an after-hours, later in London.

The Ambani wedding was decidedly over the top, even over and above the mighty Himalayas. They made their statement, as one of the wealthiest families in the world. Who wasn’t there, did not need to be invited, as not being a part of that charmed circle. So, everybody who mattered to their business, as politicians, public figures, PR for the group in terms of sheer entertainment and making an Indian plus global statement, was there. As one young voice put it, here was a wedding of incredibly spoilt children, having simply the most expensive and extravagant wedding their parents could afford.

It was a statement on the Ambani wealth, as possibly their associates, stakeholders and shareholders would want it. Which other Indian company had been hosting their annual general meetings in public spaces for years now, with a few thousands in attendance, a tradition started by none other than the founder Dhirubhai, himself! That is how and what the Ambani brand stands for! Extravagance!

Do not overlook that most of the activities were at the recently opened JIO World Centre, an extravagant events facility that India has never seen before. Don’t forget the pre-wedding celebrations at Jamnagar which the bridegroom has been nurturing as one of the finest and rarest eco-reserves created in recent history; a project still in early stages but evident of its success ahead.

Was it a vulgar display? Did and can India afford this display? It is often said, ‘when you have it, flaunt it’. It is also said that the rich businessmen of today are the maharajas of yesterday. As custodians of art and heritage, in creating pockets of excellence and brilliance. In this mode, we have witnessed age old traditions of celebration among the royal class, a class act redemption of earlier generations!

Yes, there has been criticism, and surely that too is warranted. In a poor country like ours, where was the need? In this much money, they could have started a new business vertical that would have created a few thousand jobs. Or, built a hospital for the poor and the needy. As distasteful, as lacking elegance, and the needless list of VIPs from across the world, people whom you have never met before, and unlikely to meet again. But that is only one side of the story, and to each his own.

At every wedding, we have the entertainers, as separate from the ‘real’ invitees, and so they were here, too. The Kardashians, and others, brought forward the entertainment quotient, as never before in the country. The event featured a mesmerising musical concert by A.R Rahman, among other performances. There were some who belonged to both categories – entertainers as well as friends – like SRK, for instance. Like it or not, as a wedding in the family of one of the richest families in the world, it was an event like never before, and unlikely ever again. That the family was an Indian, is a matter of chance, mostly for good as in its own boundless ways, it did make a statement for India, just as much. India was in the news, in global media stare, emboldening the paradox of an ‘Incredible India’ in all its contradictions, its complexities.

Jai Ho to the Ambani family, Jai Ho to ‘the Big Fat Indian Wedding’. In all of India’s hospitality business, in the emerging tourism space, weddings have blossomed as the best bet in the business. So much so, it recently warranted our Prime Minister to extoll Indians to celebrate their weddings within India, and not to go overseas and spend their money elsewhere. No cost is spared, expenses on individual items depends upon communities, upbringing, tastes and what matters to the family or to the young couple on stage.

At any of these weddings, there are elements that go into creating the overall impact. Décor is always the single biggest item – how different, how enchanting, how never imagined? Then, catering has emerged as one big item of expense – how large and elaborate would the spread be? How exotic and untried? And then the whispers start – how much per head? There are entertainers – that is another whisper – how much was he paid? Gifting is another – return gifts, pleasing stuff that comes along with the invitation cards – in itself, yet another statement on cost. So, in keeping with this overall trend, this too was just another of the Indian weddings, except it was notches above anything imagined.

In the ultimate analysis, it was the ultimate statement, and proof, on the ‘Big Fat Indian Wedding’!