Backstreet Boys
For the second pre-wedding celebration of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant, the iconic American boy band Backstreet Boys set the stage ablaze. The band, consisting of Nick Carter, Howie Dorough, Brian Littrell, AJ McLean, and Kevin Richardson, performed for the guests on a cruise ship sailing across Europe. A viral video captured the band dressed in all-white outfits, delivering a nostalgic and energetic performance in Italy. While the exact amount charged by the Backstreet Boys remains undisclosed, sources suggest it ranged between 4 to 7 crores INR. Rumors also hint at a possible performance by Shakira, adding another layer of excitement to the already grand celebration.
Rihanna
Earlier in March, the first pre-wedding celebration for Anant and Radhika in Jamnagar, Gujarat, featured none other than pop sensation Rihanna. Her performance, the first ever in India, was a highlight that captivated the audience and broke the internet. Rihanna charged a staggering 74 crores INR for her appearance, donning a custom green dress by Attico, embellished with Micro Swarovski and sequins, paired with an embroidered catsuit and a satin cap with an organza sari hood. Her ensemble was completed with diamond earrings from Birdhichand Ghanshyamdas and a Polki necklace featuring diamonds, emeralds, and rubies.
Rihanna’s set included hits like ‘We Found Love,’ ‘Stay,’ ‘Rude Boy,’ and ‘All Of The Lights,’ with the Ambani family joining her on stage for the finale. The evening was further enlivened by the presence of Bollywood stars, with Rihanna mingling and posing for pictures with guests including Orry and Janhvi Kapoor.
Beyonce
Isha Ambani’s wedding was a spectacle of grand proportions, reportedly costing $100 million according to Bloomberg. The pre-wedding celebrations were graced by Queen Bey herself. Beyonce’s performance was a visual and musical extravaganza, with the superstar donning a custom red silk organza dress by New Delhi-based label Khosla Jani. The dress featured intricate gold embroidery, a high thigh slit, and a plunging neckline with a transparent panel. Beyonce accessorized her look with nude fishnets, gold tikka headdress, and elaborate jewelry. Her performance reportedly cost $4 million, adding an extraordinary touch to the lavish affair.
John Legend also performed at Isha’s pre-wedding, charging $1 million for his soulful renditions, further elevating the star-studded event.
Coldplay
Akash Ambani and Shloka Mehta’s pre-wedding bash in St. Moritz, Switzerland, had a winter wonderland theme and featured a performance by Coldplay’s Chris Martin. The singer enchanted the audience with hits like ‘Sky Full Of Stars’ and ‘Clocks.’ Martin also teamed up with American DJ duo The Chainsmokers for a rendition of their song ‘Something Just Like This.’ Although the exact fee for his performance remains unknown, it is estimated to be around 8 crores INR.
Maroon 5
In 2019, Maroon 5, led by Adam Levine, performed at Akash Ambani and Shloka Mehta’s Mangal Parv ceremony in Mumbai. Levine’s band reportedly charged between $1 million to $1.5 million for their performance. One of the evening’s highlights was Akash bringing his bride on stage while Levine serenaded them with Maroon 5’s popular tracks, including their then-new hit ‘Girls Like You.’