US pop superstar and beauty icon Rihanna, born Robyn Rihanna Fenty, is currently in India to perform at the lavish pre-wedding ceremony of Mukesh Ambani’s son, Anant.
Ambani, known as Asia’s richest man, is hosting the star-studded event for his younger son and his fiancee, Radhika Merchant, daughter of wealthy pharmaceutical moguls.
Rihanna, who welcomed her second child in August, headlined the entertainment for the elaborate ceremony, marking her first public performance since last year’s Superbowl.
Indian media reported that she was paid $9 million (Ksh.1.3 billion) to appear at the event.
The guest list for the three-day gala celebration includes global tech leaders, industry giants, Bollywood and Hollywood stars, as well as politicians. Anant Ambani, 28, who serves as a director on multiple Reliance-owned firms, is set to marry Radhika Merchant, 29, in July.
Mukesh Ambani previously hosted a lavish wedding for his daughter in 2018, featuring a performance by US pop sensation Beyonce, which reportedly cost $100 million (Ksh.14.6 billion).
The main celebrations, continuing until Sunday, will feature various themes, events, and dress codes, including a “jungle fever” day with a visit to an animal rescue center run by Ambani. Guests are expected to adhere to daily dress codes, with assistance from stylists, makeup artists, and Indian wear designers provided at their hotel.
Mukesh Ambani, aged 66, chairs the oil-to-telecoms conglomerate Reliance Industries and ranks as the world’s 10th-richest individual according to Forbes, with a net worth exceeding $116 billion. Forbes has recognized him as the wealthiest person in Asia.