From childhood friends to pandemic partners, here's Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant's adorable love story

After two grand pre-wedding celebrations that saw the presence of the world's most powerful leaders, businessmen and celebrities among others, the youngest son of India's richest man and chairman and managing director of Reliance Industries Mukesh Ambani and chairperson and founder of the Reliance Foundation Nita Ambani, Anant Ambani is all set to get married to the love of his life Radhika Merchant, daughter of pharmaceutical tycoons Viren and Shaila Merchant. Do you know how childhood friends fell in love?

Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant's love story

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As per multiple reports, Anant and Radhika have been childhood friends. Growing up, they shared the same friend circle. After completing their schooling, they went their own ways. While Anant went to Brown University, Rhode Island for his graduation and Radhika on the other hand went to New York University.

The rumours of them dating started in 2018 after a viral picture of them lost in each other's eyes took the internet by storm. They were both wearing olive green robes. The rumours grew strong when they both walked hand in hand at Isha Ambani's engagement ceremony in Lake Como. Radhika was also spotted at Akash Ambani's wedding with Shloka Mehta. She was also seen bonding with the Ambani family during Prithvi Akash Ambani's first birthday celebrations. Ambanis held Radhika Merchant's Arangetram ceremony in 2022 at the Jio World Centre in Mumbai, which is also their wedding location.

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They officially got engaged at the Roka ceremony held in Srinathji temple at Nathdwara on December 29, 2022 followed by an engagement ceremony at Antilia on January 19, 2023. The lavish party was a star-studded affair attended by many Bollywood stars.

'I am 100% lucky one': When Anant Ambani declared his love for Radhika Merchant

In his speech at Jamnagar celebrations, Anant had confessed his love for Radhika. He said, "I am 100% the lucky one. There is no doubt about that. I don¡¯t know how I got Radhika. I am definitely the luckiest here. Radhika has been with me for the last seven years, and I feel that I met Radhika yesterday. But every day, I fall more and more in love with her. Like my brother-in-law says, when he used to see my sister, he had volcanoes and fountains going up in his heart, and I would say I have earthquakes and tsunamis going on in my heart when I see Radhika. So, thank you, Radhika, for everything."

Also Read: Radhika Merchant opens up about Anant's love letter on gown: 'I want my kids & grandkids to see it'

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When they were locked down in Jamnagar during Covid-19

In her speech during the first pre-wedding celebrations, Radhika Merchant had revealed why Jamnagar was special for both of them. "For Anant and me, Jamnagar is where our heart is. This is where we grew up, where we became friends, where we fell in love and where we built our relationship. Now as we begin our future together, we will be doing it here and we are so thankful that you get to see the beginning of it."

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She also revealed that during the Covid-19 pandemic, they were both locked down in the city. "In March of 2020, Anant and I got locked down here and couldn¡¯t go back to see our family for months. Although it was hard to stay away, we learned to appreciate the small joys of life. It offers more than just romantic moments. It¡¯s a crucial phase for building a foundation based on mutual understanding and shared experiences. Studies have shown that couples who invest in quality time pre-marriage report higher levels of relationship satisfaction and are less prone to divorce. This is attributed to the opportunity to delve deeper into each other¡¯s values, communication styles, and conflict resolution approaches."

Also Read: This is what Anant Ambani wrote for Radhika Merchant in a love letter that she wants to show to her grandkids

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