The recent pre-wedding celebrations for Anant Ambani, son of India’s richest man Mukesh Ambani, have stirred significant controversy in the Italian cities of Portofino and Genoa. The four-day luxury cruise, which commenced on May 29, included stops in Rome, Portofino, Genoa, and Cannes, and featured a series of extravagant parties.
The event of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant, daughter of a wealthy industrialist, was marked by a lavish cruise from Palermo to the south of France.
The wedding is set for July 12, but the festivities began with a pre-wedding celebration in March in Ambani’s hometown of Jamnagar, located in the western Indian state of Gujarat. This three-day gala, which reportedly cost $150 million, hosted over 1,200 guests and featured bejewelled elephants and a performance by American singer Rihanna.
The cruise, the second pre-wedding bash, embarked on May 29 and docked in Portofino on June 1 for a party-themed “La Dolce Vita,” capturing the essence of an Italian summer. Despite a strict no-phones policy, videos from the event surfaced, revealing performances by the American band Backstreet Boys and singer Katy Perry, with at least 800 guests in attendance.
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Portofino Access got Blocked and made Residents Frustrated
The pre-wedding celebration reached Portofino on June 1 with a party-themed “La Dolce Vita,” which encapsulated the essence of an Italian summer. However, the event’s grandeur came at a significant cost to the local community. Residents and tourists were barred from accessing the bay, leading to widespread frustration.
Local businesses were approached to cater the event, with offers ranging from €7,000 to €10,000. However, many establishments found the terms unacceptable. Andrea Miroli, manager of the renowned Il Puny restaurant, expressed dissatisfaction with the late notice and specific catering demands.
“We were offered €10,000 just 20 days before the event,” Miroli told The Times. “I find this offensive, bad-mannered, and incorrect. I have my customers and an illustrious history to protect.”
Complaints poured in on social media, with users criticizing the event for restricting access to key areas of Portofino. One user on X lamented, “Many other celebrities and billionaires have celebrated in Portofino, none of them have ever removed access to the main point for others.”
Tour guides and local entrepreneurs, who rely heavily on tourism, also expressed their disappointment. A local guide remarked, “Our livelihood depends on tourism, and this weekend was a huge setback.”
Genoa Residents Disturbed by Early Morning Pre-Wedding Celebrations
The cruise ship’s arrival in Genoa on June 2 further exacerbated tensions. Residents were disturbed by loud music blaring from the ship’s speakers early in the morning. Complaints to local police were reportedly ignored, adding to the residents’ frustration.
While events of this magnitude typically boost local business, the Ambani pre-wedding bash has left a sour taste in the mouths of many residents and business owners in Portofino and Genoa. The disruption caused by the celebrations has sparked a debate about the balance between private events and public access in these picturesque Italian cities.
To this, Indians are responding in favour of the Ambani family. Their take is that the Ambani family did not occupy spaces in Portofino for free for the pre-wedding. They beforehand made a formal request and paid the municipality’s fees. This money is intended to benefit the community of Portofino. It is unfair to insult Anant Ambani’s physique and to disparage Indians in general. Criticizing while accepting the payment reflects poorly on those who do so. Before insulting an Indian entrepreneur who chose to celebrate and appreciate your locale, it would be prudent to seek information from your mayor.
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