Anant Ambani-Radhika Merchant's Wedding Cruise Bash Shuts Down Italy's Portofino: Locals Angry

Anant Ambani's pre-wedding cruise celebrations in Italy spark outrage. Locals fume over disruptions to daily life, while lavish parties block access to tourist spots. Some defend the Ambanis for boosting the economy, but many criticise the over-the-top display of wealth and lack of respect for residents.

  • Amit Diwan
  • Editorial
  • Updated - 2024-06-06, 20:26 IST
anant radhika ambani cruise italy

The picturesque coastal towns of Portofino and Genoa in Italy were apparently recently held hostage by the extravagant pre-wedding celebrations of Anant Ambani, the youngest son of Asia's richest man, Mukesh Ambani. The Ambani family's extravagant celebrations in these scenic towns apparently upset locals, who say their daily lives were disrupted.

Anant Ambani-Radhika Merchant's Cruise Party Shuts Down Italy

According to Times UK, Mukesh Ambani was celebrating son Anant's engagement to Radhika Merchant, daughter of a wealthy industrialist, on a four-day luxury cruise from Palermo to the south of France and back. The cruise made stops in Rome, Portofino, Genoa, and Cannes for a series of lavish parties leading up to their wedding on July 12.

The celebrations kicked off in March with a pre-wedding gala in Ambani's hometown of Jamnagar, Gujarat, where he reportedly spent a staggering $150 million on a three-day extravaganza for over 1,200 guests, complete with bejewelled elephants and a performance by Rihanna, Diljit Dosanjh and many more.

The cruise's second pre-wedding bash, dubbed "La Dolce Vita" to capture the spirit of an Italian summer, docked in Portofino on June 1. However, according to reports from Times UK, the entire Portofino bay was rented out, blocking access to all tourist attractions in the area for common folks.

"Many billionaires have come to party here, but no one has ever taken away access to the main part of the city. Who do they think they are? They can't just come in, throw their party, and make it difficult for people to do their daily chores," a resident complained on social media.

Despite a strict no-phones policy, videos of the bash revealed that at least 800 guests were treated to performances by American band Backstreet Boys and singer Katy Perry.

Don't Miss: Shakira To Rihanna: Fees Of All Artists Who Performed At Ambani's Events

Anant Ambani-Radhika Merchant's Cruise Party

The celebrations didn't sit well with local businesses either. While nearly a dozen restaurants were offered substantial sums between 7,000 Euro and 10,000 Euro to cater the event with dishes like focaccia, paneer tikka, and beetroot goat cheese kebab, but some famous food chains like Il Puny declined the offer, citing short notice and the need to "protect their illustrious history."

"We were offered 10,000 Euro just 20 days before the event," Andrea Miroli, manager of Il Puny, told Times UK. "I find this offensive, bad-mannered, and incorrect. I have my customers and an illustrious history to protect."

Italians Slam Ambanis For ‘Loud' Cruise Party

As the cruise ship carrying the revellers pulled into Genoa on June 2, residents were rudely awakened by blaring music in the early hours of the morning. Despite multiple complaints to local police, the authorities allegedly did nothing to address the disturbance.

"The behaviour of the organisers was absurd. They kept half of Genoa awake with the high, unjustified volume for most of the night before it stopped at dawn," a local firefighter told TimesUK. "What's worse is the coast guard did nothing, despite being called at 4.30 am."

While events of such magnitude are usually considered a boon for local entrepreneurs, the Ambani pre-wedding bash left a bitter taste in the mouths of many. Tour guides, businesses, and residents alike expressed their disappointment at having their livelihoods and daily routines disrupted by the ostentatious display of wealth.

"As a local tour guide in Portofino, it is disheartening to see our city closed for a private event. Our livelihood depends on tourism, and this weekend was a huge setback," lamented a local guide.

However, not all Italians shared the anger. In the comments section of the post, some even defended the Ambanis, questioning the authorities' decision.

One user wrote, "The Ambani Family didn't occupy those spaces in Portofino for free. They made a request and paid what the municipality requested. That money will then have to be used for the benefit of the Portofino community. Why the malicious insults about the physique of Ambani's son? And why despise Indians in general? It hurts yourselves! You take the money and then despise it. Ask your mayor for information before insulting an Indian entrepreneur who chose and appreciated your town."

Another user chimed in: "They should blame the local authorities, not the billionaire. They just can't digest the fact that they are dealing with Indian or Asian billionaires."

Don't Miss: Anant Ambani & Radhika Merchant's Pre-Wedding Cruise Party: Katy Perry And More Artists Reportedly Performed

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