Nita Ambani and Radhika Merchant Shine Bright at Manish Malhotra’s Star-Studded Diwali Bash in Mumbai

By deepika lama
Updated on: October 13, 2025,

MUMBAI – The festival of lights kicked off with a bang as renowned Indian fashion designer Manish Malhotra threw his legendary pre-Diwali party on October 12 at his luxurious Mumbai home. The event turned into a dazzling showcase of glamour, where Bollywood stars, business tycoons, and fashion icons gathered under twinkling lights to celebrate the spirit of Diwali. Among the sea of sparkling outfits, one duo stole every spotlight: Nita Ambani, the elegant chairperson of Reliance Foundation, and her soon-to-be daughter-in-law, Radhika Merchant. Their mother-in-law and daughter-in-law bond, paired with head-turning ethnic looks, made them the undisputed queens of the night.

Diwali, known as the Hindu festival of lights, symbolizes the victory of good over evil and the arrival of prosperity. In 2025, celebrations across India and the world are bigger than ever, blending ancient traditions with modern flair. Manish Malhotra’s bash, a much-awaited annual affair, brings together the elite of Mumbai’s social scene. This year, the guest list read like a who’s who of entertainment and business: from veteran actress Rekha in her timeless silk saree to Kareena Kapoor Khan in a pearl-embellished anarkali, and even new dad Sidharth Malhotra making a rare appearance. Karan Johar, Urmila Matondkar, Preity Zinta, Suhana Khan, Ananya Panday, and Shalini Passi added to the star power, each arriving in outfits that screamed festive opulence.

But it was the Ambani women who set the bar impossibly high. Nita Ambani, 62, arrived hand-in-hand with 30-year-old Radhika Merchant, the pharmaceutical heiress engaged to Nita’s son Anant Ambani. Their entrance was pure magic – a perfect mix of grace, family warmth, and high fashion. Social media exploded with photos and videos, with fans calling them “the royalty of festivities.” One viral clip showed Radhika gently holding Nita’s hand as they posed for the paparazzi, proving that true style comes with heart.

Let’s break down their looks, because these aren’t just outfits – they’re statements. Nita Ambani, dressed by the host himself, wore a luminous silver sequin saree from Manish Malhotra’s signature collection. The saree featured chevron patterns and a structured drape that blended old-world heritage with sleek modernity. She draped it in the classic style, with the pallu cascading elegantly off one shoulder. Paired with it was a matching sleeveless blouse, covered in sequins and boasting a flattering U-neckline. But the real showstopper? Nita’s boulder-sized emerald earrings – rare heart-shaped Colombian emeralds from her personal collection. These massive green gems dangled like chandeliers, catching every light and turning heads from across the room. She completed the look with an emerald and diamond bracelet that added just the right bling without overwhelming her poised vibe. Her hair was swept into a neat bun, and her makeup was subtle yet glowing, highlighting her timeless beauty.

Radhika Merchant, on the other hand, opted for soft elegance in an ivory chiffon saree adorned with intricate sequins. The lightweight fabric flowed like a dream, perfect for Mumbai’s balmy October evenings. She styled it with a simple yet chic pallu tuck, letting the sequins catch the light in subtle waves. Her blouse was a delicate match, with fine embroidery that screamed understated luxury. For accessories, Radhika kept it fresh with diamond studs, a matching necklace, slim bracelets, and a trendy silver bucket bag. Her wavy hair, dewy skin, and peachy lip shade gave her a bridal glow – a nod to her upcoming wedding to Anant, expected in early 2026. Together, the saas-bahu pair looked like they stepped out of a fairy tale, with Nita’s bold emeralds contrasting beautifully against Radhika’s creamy tones.

Fashion experts are already hailing this as peak Diwali inspiration for 2025. “Nita and Radhika embody the perfect fusion of tradition and trend,” said a stylist from Mumbai’s fashion circuit. “Sequins for the shine of diyas, emeralds for prosperity – it’s all here.” The event’s theme, “Heritage Couture Meets Festive Sparkle,” was spot-on, with Malhotra’s designs dominating the red carpet. Other highlights included Urmila Matondkar’s silver lehenga with crystal details, Rekha’s signature Kanjeevaram silk saree, and Kareena’s pearl-heavy ensemble that paid homage to old Bollywood glamour.

The party wasn’t just about clothes; it was a night of joy and connection. Guests danced to live music, savored traditional sweets like laddoos and jalebis, and exchanged diyas – small clay lamps symbolizing light over darkness. Manish Malhotra, ever the gracious host, mingled with everyone, sharing laughs and toasts to a prosperous year ahead. For the Ambanis, this bash holds special meaning. Nita, a philanthropist known for her work in education and women’s empowerment, often uses such events to highlight causes close to her heart. Radhika, with her background in business and grace under the spotlight, is quickly becoming a style icon in her own right.

As Diwali 2025 unfolds – with fireworks lighting up skies from New York to London – this Mumbai party sets the tone for global celebrations. Families everywhere are drawing fashion cues from Nita and Radhika: think sequined sarees for moms and chiffon elegance for the younger crowd. In a world racing toward the future, moments like these remind us of the warmth of family, the glow of tradition, and the endless sparkle of good style.

The Ambani women’s appearance also sparked chatter about the upcoming wedding. Fans are buzzing with excitement over what Nita’s emeralds might symbolize – perhaps a family heirloom passed down? Whatever the story, one thing’s clear: this Diwali bash wasn’t just an event; it was a glimpse into the enduring charm of Indian festivities.