Seven months of planning, five month-long celebrations across Mumbai, Gujarat and on a cruise in Europe, strict protocols, host of international performers and the biggest of celebrities all under one roof. A lot has happened at the Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant’s wedding bash, which has been dubbed as the biggest celebration the country has ever witnessed– and it was covered by a team of 15 people, led by wedding photographer Himanshu Patel.
Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant’s wedding was a grand affair that garnered significant media attention, not only for its opulence but also for the rare performances by Bollywood’s leading actors—Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, and Aamir Khan. Himanshu Patel, the founder of Epic Stories and the official photographer for the event, recently shared insights into his experience capturing these memorable moments.
Photographer’s Brief: “Be Invisible Yet Present”
Patel revealed that the Ambani family emphasized a discreet approach to photography. They instructed him and his team to “be very discreet all the time. Be invisible yet present.” This directive aimed to ensure that guests could fully immerse themselves in the celebrations without feeling the intrusion of cameras. Patel highlighted the importance of capturing intimate moments without disrupting the natural flow of events, stating that professionalism required them to maintain distance while documenting tender moments of love and emotion.
Capturing the Iconic Khan Trio Performance
One of the standout moments of the wedding was the joint performance by Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, and Aamir Khan. Patel described witnessing this rare collaboration as “overwhelming,” likening it to a scene straight out of a film. He expressed that it felt like a movie unfolding in real-time, with no script and no subsequent screenings, making the experience uniquely exclusive.
Challenges and Innovative Approaches
The scale of the wedding presented unique challenges. To adhere to the family’s guidelines of discretion, Patel’s team employed wildlife lenses for the first time in a wedding setting. This technique allowed them to capture pivotal moments, such as the couple’s pheras, from a distance of 200-300 meters. Despite the physical demands of handling heavy equipment throughout the day, Patel felt that the positive reception of the images made the effort worthwhile.
High-Profile Guests and Performances
The wedding was a convergence of global celebrities and dignitaries. Patel recounted a surreal moment when he observed Anant Ambani conversing with Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg. He managed to capture this interaction discreetly, underscoring the importance of subtlety in his role. Additionally, international artists like Rihanna and Akon performed at the event, further elevating its grandeur.
Conclusion
Himanshu Patel’s reflections offer a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the meticulous planning and execution required to document an event of such magnitude. The Ambani family’s emphasis on unobtrusive photography, combined with the presence of illustrious guests and performers, presented both challenges and unparalleled opportunities for the photography team. The resulting images not only captured the essence of the celebrations but also preserved the spontaneity and authenticity of each moment.
