Anant Ambani, Radhika Merchant wedding: Musician Thomson Andrews shares tycoon family's passion for music

Thomson Andrews on performing at Ambani wedding

 Everyone in India and the globe is discussing the Ambani wedding. India’s billionaire tycoon has reportedly spent Rs 5,000 crore on the wedding of his youngest son, Anant Ambani with Radhika Merchant. Indian music lovers are going gaga seeing clips where AR Rahman, Shreya Ghoshal, Mohit Chauhan, Javed Ali, Pritam, Udit Narayan are all singing under the same roof. Singer and songwriter Thomson Andrews was a part of Pritam’s team. He did an Exclusive chat with India Forums and said, “Honestly, I have to catch a breath because the past few days have been too packed. But it is a surreal experience. This will stay with me for a lifetime. I still cannot imagine I was there at the Ambani wedding with the whole of Bollywood, global industrialists and such distinguished people.” 

Thomson Andrews says the Ambani family is very passionate about music. “Purnima Dalal Aunty, the mother of Nita Ambani Ji sat in the front row as we performed. She sang all the retro hits with us line by line. It is evident from where Nita Ambani gets her love for music and dance. The family would take out time to enjoy the performances. There were so many dedications for the newly-weds, and others. Nita Ambani played a very big role in deciding the musical programme. The entire family loves Bollywood music including Mukesh Ambani Sir.” 

Talking about the arrangements he said, “You guys must have seen that it was an elaborate affair. All the performers had well-equipped spaces to rehearse, dress up and relax. The security too was top-notch. Every artiste and their staff felt very welcomed.” Thomson also said that despite the marriage being managed like an event, the vibes were very homely. “It is so warm to see Nita and Mukesh Ambani Ji just come up and greet everyone like they are a family member. They did not miss anyone in the room. We saw all the Bollywood stars up close, and they behaved like they were attending the marriage of a family member,” he gushes. 

Thomson says this marriage has made him realise how powerful Indians can be when they stay rooted. “It felt like India has arrived. All the guests, some of the richest men in the world were dressed in Indian wear. Mukesh and Nita Ambani Ji have great respect for Indian values, arts and spirituality. Even in Jamnagar, the day would start with prayers. While people might talk about showsha, the family is real substance.”