
Ambani family mourns the loss of their pet Happy, Anant and Radhika pay tribute to the youngest member of the house
The Ambani family is currently mourning the loss of one of their most loved and youngest members, Happy, their golden retriever, who passed away on April 30. Known for his warm personality and presence at several key family celebrations, Happy held a special place in the hearts of the Ambanis.
Pet Happy was spotted during important events of the family
Happy became a familiar and endearing figure to the public after videos of him during the Ambani family festivities went viral online. His friendly demeanour and affectionate nature made him a favourite among guests and family members alike. Happy had also made appearances at important events such as the engagement and wedding rituals of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant, where he was spotted at the mandap and in the official family portraits.
The news of his demise was first shared by the paparazzi accounts Viral Bhayani, and Instant Bollywood.
Anant Ambani, the youngest son of Mukesh and Nita Ambani, is known for his deep love for animals. He has previously established a large animal conservation and rehabilitation centre in Jamnagar, Gujarat. It is evident that animals are a core part of his life, and Happy was no exception.
Ambani family paid tribute to their pet
Following Happy's passing, the Ambani family paid an emotional tribute to their beloved companion. A poster was created in Happy's memory, expressing their grief and love. The message read, 'Dear Happy, you will forever be a part of us and live on in our hearts. Heaven's gain is our loss.' The tribute was accompanied by a floral arrangement placed around Happy's photograph as the family paid their final respects.
Happy was the ring bearer of Anant and Radhika's engagement
Happy was not just part of the family emotionally but also featured in their celebratory moments in a special way. For Anant and Radhika's engagement, he was the ring bearer, dressed in a custom-designed pink Banarasi silk brocade jacket created by Pannkh Designer Pet Wear, an Ahmedabad-based label. His presence added warmth and joy to the grand celebrations.
While Happy is no longer physically present, his memory remains deeply embedded in the family's life and public memories. The loss of a pet is often as profound as losing a family member, and for the Ambanis, Happy was truly both.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Marriage for persons with disabilities: A choice, not a financial incentive
If somebody writes an epitaph to Sangita, it should be headlined 'Happy Soul'. Nothing fazes her. No challenge is too big. A fan of James Bond's 'never say die' spirit, just like him she thrives on adrenalin rush as she fields every curveball life throws her way. Sangita is a person with multiple disabilities. A patient of Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), Sangita is a wheelchair user and hearing aids user. For the past 10 years, she has been whizzing past life in a wheelchair, notching professional milestones. She believes nothing is insurmountable, certainly not limitations imposed by disabilities. Sangita has three decades of experience in the media, content and communications industry across verticals and industries. She has been associated with the development and disability sector and featured in the first Directory of Development Journalists in India published by the PII. She has also functioned as a media representative of the Rehabilitation Council of India and has conducted various S&A programmes for bureaucrats. Sangita is the founder of Ashtavakra Accessibility Solutions Private Limited, a social enterprise dedicated to the inclusion of the disabled. LESS ... MORE Before saying 'Yes,' I had one clear condition: the decision had to be free from pity or mere romantic idealism. Love alone wasn't enough—it had to be grounded in the profound understanding of my progressive condition and everything it could mean. Twenty-two years later, I'm grateful I held firm. Today, my marriage is rock-solid because it's built on true companionship, unwavering support, and deep mutual understanding—not monetary incentives or societal pressures. However, that is not the story for the majority of people with disabilities. In India, where marriage is often seen as a societal milestone, persons with disabilities (PwDs) face unique challenges in finding partners due to pervasive ableism and societal stigma. To address this, several state governments have introduced marriage incentive schemes aimed at encouraging the union of PwDs. I find this deeply concerning. Currently, 19 Indian states offer such incentives, and charitable organisations regularly conduct mass marriages providing one-time financial support. Although well-intentioned, these practices risk commodifying marriage, mirroring dowry systems, and fostering relationships that may falter once incentives run out. While these schemes may seem beneficial on the surface, a deeper examination reveals complexities that question their efficacy and ethical implications. The landscape of marriage incentive schemes Firstly, there is no conformity in the various marriage incentive schemes. For instance, Kerala provides a one-time assistance of Rs 30,000 to disabled women or daughters of disabled parents, while Haryana offers Rs 51,000 if both spouses are disabled. These schemes differ not only in monetary value but also in eligibility criteria, reflecting a lack of uniformity and clear objectives. Further, these incentives inadvertently mirror the dowry system by attaching monetary value to the marriage of PwDs. Critics argue that this commodification can perpetuate harmful stereotypes, suggesting that financial compensation is necessary to make a PwD 'marriageable.' Another strong criticism centres on the disability model these schemes are based on. Clearly, marriage incentive schemes fall within the charity model of disability, which views PwDs as dependents requiring aid, rather than as individuals with rights and autonomy. This perspective undermines the principles of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, which emphasises equality and non-discrimination. Marriage in the absence of enabling infrastructure that promotes quality education, employment, independence of PwDs, is at best compounding the very challenges that they struggle with—especially when both partners are persons with disabilities. They will continue to face the same systemic barriers that hinder their social inclusion. Hence, without tackling these root causes, financial incentives do little to address the issues and offer only a superficial and temporary solution. Diverse perspectives within the community Even within the disability community, the opinions are diametrically opposite. Some individuals, particularly in rural areas, view the incentives as supportive measures that acknowledge their desire for companionship and family life, as highlighted in a recent article by a disability rights advocate ( However, urban disability activists often critique these schemes for perpetuating dependency and failing to promote genuine empowerment. In my view, while it is important to acknowledge the desire for companionship and family life, a marriage based on financial incentive runs the risk of denying both unless backed by individual understanding of what a union between/with PwDs entails. Marriages involving disability—particularly between disabled and non-disabled partners—require enduring empathy, patience, and commitment. Disabled women, in particular, often face heightened vulnerability in marriage, needing genuine, ongoing emotional and physical support from partners and families. This vulnerability is further amplified by patriarchal expectations that often place unrealistic burdens on disabled women while denying them autonomy and respect. The problem with mass marriages Mass marriages organised by charitable organisations raise additional concerns. These events may appear supportive on the surface, but they often bypass critical aspects such as informed consent, compatibility, and long-term agency. When conducted at scale with financial incentives, they risk reducing the institution of marriage to a symbolic gesture rather than a meaningful, informed choice. The optics of charity further dilute the focus on autonomy and dignity. Towards empowerment and autonomy True empowerment demands systemic change, better infrastructure, accessible education and employment, and comprehensive pre-marital counselling to ensure informed choices. Instead of adopting the charity model towards marriage of PwDs, the governments must focus on bringing about the much-needed 360-degree pivot in their approach towards PwDs. Firstly, invest in accessible infrastructure and services to enable independent living, rather than making charitable doles under various incentives. Secondly, promote education and employment that could create opportunities for PwDs, leading to financial independence and self-sufficiency. Thirdly, implement nationwide awareness campaigns to combat stigma and promote inclusivity. We need to challenge societal attitudes, not endorse them by showing PwDs as needy and a charity case, even in the marriage market. Fourthly, provide comprehensive support to marriageable PwDs through counselling, legal aid, and healthcare services that respect the autonomy and dignity of PwDs. Respect PwDs' autonomy & choice Whether marriages are made in heaven or not, for their survival and success on earth—especially given the rollercoaster of life that people with disabilities perforce have—they must be grounded in something far more tangible: companionship, mutual understanding, and a lifelong commitment that transcends financial transactions. While marriage incentive schemes for PwDs may be well-intentioned, they risk reinforcing problematic narratives and failing to address the deeper issues of inequality and exclusion. Empowerment should not come in the form of financial inducements for marriage but through systemic changes that uphold the rights, choices, and dignity of persons with disabilities. Marriage, like any personal decision, should be a matter of choice, free from coercion or financial persuasion. For PwDs too, marriage must remain a deeply personal, informed decision—never reduced to financial incentives or societal expectations. Based on secondary research Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email Disclaimer Views expressed above are the author's own.


Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
Did you know Nora Fatehi's bank balance was almost getting zero due to THIS obsession and her manager had to intervene!
Nora Fatehi who is wooing everyone lately for her acting skills and roles in projects like 'Be Happy' and 'The Royals' apart from her dancing skills has opened up on a major obsession of hers. So much so, that this obsession was about to make her bank balance fall to zero, if her manager didn't stop her. She opened up on the kind of money she was spending on luxury hand bangs and designer pieces and it wouldn't have stopped if her manager didn't intervene. In a recent chat with Instant Bollywood, the actress—who recently appeared in the romantic comedy The Royals—opened up about her early indulgences and the financial wake-up call that followed. She recalled that her first major luxury purchase was a handbag, a moment that marked the beginning of her love affair with high-end fashion. However, what started as an innocent passion slowly turned into an expensive habit. Over time, her shopping sprees began to noticeably impact her savings. It eventually reached a point where her Moroccan manager had to intervene, urging her to reconsider her spending patterns and think more seriously about long-term financial planning. That intervention became a turning point for Nora, prompting her to shift focus from short-term gratification to making smarter, future-oriented choices. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like People Born 1934-1979 - Are Due a Large Surprise Super Penny Pincher Learn More Undo Nora also reflected on the emotional roots of her desire for luxury. Growing up, she often felt the sting of not being able to afford the things she admired on others. That sense of longing stayed with her, fueling a drive to one day attain the lifestyle she once only dreamed of. Owning designer items became a personal milestone—a way to reclaim the things she had been denied in her younger years. On the career front, Nora is keeping busy. After starring alongside Ishaan Khattar and Bhumi Pednekar in The Royals, she is gearing up for two new films. She will be seen in Kanchana 4, a Tamil horror-comedy, and KD: The Devil, an action-packed Kannada film that will also mark her debut in the Kannada cinema space.
&w=3840&q=100)

Business Standard
5 hours ago
- Business Standard
Akhil Akkineni weds Zainab Ravdjee: Yash, Ram Charan, Mahesh attend bash
In a heartwarming celebration of love and legacy, actor Akhil Akkineni – son of legendary stars Nagarjuna and Amala Akkineni – married his longtime sweetheart Zainab Ravdjee in an intimate ceremony held in Hyderabad on Friday. The Akkineni family threw a spectacular reception after the wedding, and a star-studded guest list, including some of the biggest stars in South cinema, came to bless the newlyweds. Images from the extravagant event were posted on Annapurna Studios' official Instagram account. The entire family, including the groom's brother Naga Chaitanya and his wife Sobhita Dhulipala, can be seen posing for a group photo in one of the posts. Inside Akhil Akkineni and Zainab Ravdjee's wedding reception The official social media account of Annapurna Studios posted images from the lavish event. Akhil looked dapper in a white tuxedo, while his wife Zainab looked stunning in a peach ensemble adorned with brilliant diamond jewelry. Among the attendees were Mahesh Babu, who came to the reception with his wife Namrata and daughter Sitara, and Ram Charan, who looked dashing in a blue suit, together with his wife Upasana Konidela. The fans were attracted to Mahesh's expression at the reception. In addition, Yash took pictures with the newlyweds. He was sporting a green headband, a black T-shirt, and a coat and pants. Other well-known attendees of the celebration included Suriya, Nani, Adivi Sesh, producer Allu Aravind, and Kiccha Sudeepa. About Akhil Akkineni and Zainab Ravdjee's wedding Zainab Ravdjee, a Mumbai-born artist, entrepreneur, and perfumer, is the daughter of Hyderabad-based construction magnate Zulfi Akhil and Zainab kept their relationship under wraps, it is believed they were dating well before their engagement last year. Celebrities like Prashanth Neel, Ram Charan, and Chiranjeevi attended their private wedding. A number of the wedding's videos and images, which featured the bride in an ivory saree and the groom in a white dhoti-kurta, went viral online. Nagarjuna on Akhil Akkineni and Zainab Ravdjee's wedding Nagarjuna wrote and shared the wedding photos of his son on X (formerly Twitter), 'With immense joy, Amala and I are delighted to share that our dear son has married his beloved Zainab in a beautiful ceremony (3:35 am) at our home, where our hearts belong. We watched a dream come true surrounded by love, laughter, and those dearest to us. We seek your blessings as they begin this new journey together. With love and gratitude.'