If you’ve scrolled through social media or watched recent Indian entertainment news in the past few years, you’ve almost certainly seen photos of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant at high-profile events, from award shows to family functions. Many fans and casual observers alike often ask how long have anant and radhika been together, especially after their viral 2023 wedding that made headlines across the globe. This post breaks down their full relationship history, from low-key early days to their current status as one of India’s most talked-about young couples, so you can get all the facts without sorting through conflicting tabloid rumors.
How Long Have Anant And Radhika Been Together? Official Timeline Start
Before we dive into milestones, it’s important to distinguish between their early friendship and their official romantic relationship, as many sources mix up the two timelines. The pair were first introduced through mutual family friends at a 2018 charity gala in Mumbai, when both were still in their early 20s. They stayed casual acquaintances for nearly two years, running into each other at shared family events and friend gatherings before any romantic connection developed.
Their official romantic relationship began in early 2020, right as the global lockdown was put in place. This timing actually worked out well for them, as they got to spend time building their bond away from paparazzi and public scrutiny. For nearly two years after they started dating, neither of them commented on relationship rumors, even as paparazzi photos of them out for coffee or attending private family events circulated on social media. Fans often speculated about their status, but the pair stayed tight-lipped until they were ready to share more details publicly.
That means as of 2024, the pair have been in a committed romantic relationship for more than four years, with an additional two years of friendship before that. Many tabloids try to shorten the timeline to claim their relationship was arranged quickly, but official statements from both families confirm this longer, more organic timeline.
Key Early Relationship Milestones You Might Have Missed
Because they kept their early days so private, many fans don’t know about the small, meaningful steps that led to their engagement and wedding. A lot of these milestones only came out after they announced their engagement in 2022, when both families shared more details about their journey.
They kept their relationship completely private for nearly two years to avoid unwanted media attention that could put unnecessary pressure on their new connection. Some of the most notable unreported early milestones include:
- 2018: First introduced through mutual family friends at a Mumbai charity gala focused on rural education support
- Late 2019: Began spending more time together in group settings, with both families approving of the growing connection
- Early 2020: Made their romantic relationship official, choosing to keep details private during the global lockdown period
- 2021: First public appearance as a couple at the Ambani family’s annual Holi celebration at Antilia, where they were photographed laughing and celebrating with other family members
During the lockdown, they also started participating in volunteer work together with the Reliance Foundation, distributing food and medical supplies to low-income communities in Mumbai. These shared experiences around charity and giving back became a core part of their relationship foundation, something they still prioritize today.
Their first official public confirmation of their relationship came with their 2022 engagement announcement, which was posted on Anant’s Instagram page. The photo of them holding hands at their private engagement ceremony got over 12 million likes in the first 24 hours, with fans and celebrities alike leaving congratulatory comments.
What Their Public Appearances Reveal About Their Dynamic
After their engagement, the pair started appearing at more public events together, from cricket matches to international fashion weeks, and it’s easy to see how comfortable they are with each other. Unlike some high-profile celebrity couples who put on a performative show for cameras, their interactions feel casual and genuine, with small gestures like holding hands or quietly talking to each other even in crowded rooms.
Many relationship experts note that their public interactions feel authentic and unscripted, which is part of why fans have grown to love them so much. I’ve noticed myself that even in red carpet events with hundreds of cameras flashing, they often stay close to each other, and Anant is frequently seen checking in with Radhika to make sure she’s comfortable in crowded, high-pressure settings.
One of the most viral moments of their public relationship came at 2023 Paris Fashion Week, when Radhika walked the ramp for a luxury Indian designer brand. Anant sat front row for the show, cheering her on the entire time, and filmed her walk on his personal phone like any proud partner would. The clip went viral on TikTok with over 18 million views, with many fans commenting on how refreshing it was to see such a genuine display of support from a high-profile partner.
They have both spoken in interviews about prioritizing each other’s comfort over media attention, which is rare for people who grow up in the public eye. They often decline red carpet interview questions about their personal life, and rarely post photos of each other on their personal social media accounts, choosing to keep most of their private moments just between their family and close friends.
Common Misconceptions About Their Relationship
As with any high-profile couple, there are dozens of untrue rumors circulating about Anant and Radhika’s relationship, and it can be hard to tell what’s fact and what’s tabloid fiction. We’re breaking down some of the most common false claims to set the record straight.
The biggest rumor is that their relationship was arranged by their families, and they only started dating a few months before their engagement. This is completely untrue, as both families have confirmed the longer timeline of their friendship and relationship. Both families have confirmed that the couple dated for over two years before getting engaged in 2022, and that they supported the pair’s choice to take their time getting to know each other before making any long-term commitments.
Another common misconception is that Radhika gave up her career to get married. In reality, she still runs her own sustainable womenswear brand that she launched in 2021, and also works as a director for the lifestyle division of Reliance Retail. She has spoken in multiple interviews about how Anant is one of her biggest supporters when it comes to her career, and that they make a point to schedule time around each other’s work commitments.
There’s also a false claim that their 2023 wedding was only a lavish event for celebrities and billionaires. While they did have a star-studded guest list that included global celebrities and business leaders, they also hosted a large community feast for over 50,000 local villagers near their wedding venue in Gujarat, and donated millions to local charity organizations as part of the wedding celebrations. They have both said that they wanted their wedding to be as much about giving back to the community as it was about celebrating their relationship with their loved ones.
At the end of the day, there’s a lot of unnecessary speculation around high-profile couples like Anant and Radhika, but the facts are clear when you look at official statements and verified timeline details. If you were wondering how long have anant and radhika been together, the answer is that they have been in a committed romantic relationship for more than four years as of 2024, with an additional two years of friendship before that. They’ve built their relationship on shared values, mutual respect, and a desire to keep their private life as protected as possible, even as they take on more public roles with their family’s businesses and charity work. If you want to keep up with their latest public appearances and updates, stick to reliable entertainment news sources that avoid spreading unconfirmed rumors.