Reliance Foundation chairperson Nita Ambani recently attended the Harvard India Conference, where she spoke about her youngest son, Anant Ambani, and his journey through life.
She opened up about his deep-rooted spirituality and his ongoing battle with obesity. However, what touched many was her heartfelt mention of Radhika Merchant, whom Anant married last year. Expressing her admiration for her choti bahu, Nita said, “Anant is my youngest child. He is very very religious and deeply rooted in spirituality. He has fought obesity throughout his life. And yet being so positive and there he meets his life partner, Radhika. You just have to see them together. They are magic.”
Anant and Radhika’s relationship
Her words highlight the role of unwavering support in relationships, especially when one partner is navigating personal struggles. Anant and Radhika’s relationship traces back to their childhood, as they moved within the same social circles. Despite this early connection, their romantic involvement began much later. In 2018, speculation about their relationship intensified when a photograph of the two in matching attire surfaced online. Radhika’s consistent presence at significant Ambani family events, such as Isha Ambani’s wedding in 2018 and Akash Ambani’s wedding in 2019, further fuelled these rumours.
The couple’s commitment became official with a traditional ‘roka’ ceremony on December 30, 2022, at the Shrinathji Temple in Nathdwara, Rajasthan. Anant and Radhika’s wedding took place over three days, from July 12 to 14, 2024, in Mumbai. The ceremonies were held at the family’s residence, Antilia, and the Jio World Convention Centre.
Radhika has been part of Anant’s life for years, standing by him as he faced health challenges, and their bond has only grown stronger.
How having a supportive partner can influence someone dealing with long-term health challenges
According to Gurleen Baruah, existential psychotherapist at That Culture Thing, “Having a supportive partner while dealing with long-term health challenges is something to be deeply cherished—it can make an immense difference, both emotionally and physically. Knowing that someone is there to offer comfort, patience, and care reduces stress and fosters emotional resilience. It provides a sense of stability in an uncertain situation, reinforcing that one is not alone in their struggles. Existentially, it helps counter the isolation that illness can bring, reminding individuals that even in suffering, connection and meaning can still be found.”
Therapeutically, she states that a partner’s support can act as an anchor, offering validation and emotional safety, making it easier to cope with the frustrations and fears that come with long-term health issues. From a broader perspective, love and support in difficult times reaffirm the importance of relationships — not just for happiness, but for survival and well-being. A truly supportive partner doesn’t just lighten the burden; they make the journey feel less lonely, creating moments of strength, warmth, and shared humanity even in the face of adversity.
Ways for couples to navigate relationship when one partner is dealing with a health condition
Baruah notes, “Navigating a relationship where one partner has a chronic health condition requires patience, open communication, and mutual understanding. It’s about balancing the realities of illness with the need for both partners to feel valued, connected, and emotionally supported.”