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Kolhapur makeup artist perfectly recreates Rihanna’s glam look from Anant Ambani–Radhika Merchant pre-wedding bash

Kolhapur artist went viral after flawlessly recreating Rihanna’s look from Anant Ambani’s Jamnagar bash.

Published on: Apr 4, 2025, 13:34:53 IST
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Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant’s extravagant pre-wedding celebrations in Jamnagar last year made global headlines, with celebrities from around the world in attendance. But one of the jaw-dropping moments came courtesy of pop icon Rihanna. Dressed in a vibrant pink hooded gown paired with a contrasting sky-blue scarf, Rihanna turned heads instantly with her stunning appearance.

Kolhapur makeup artist stunned Instagram by transforming into Rihanna, nailing the pop star’s Ambani bash look with jaw-dropping accuracy. (Instagram/sonali_mehndi)
Kolhapur makeup artist stunned Instagram by transforming into Rihanna, nailing the pop star’s Ambani bash look with jaw-dropping accuracy. (Instagram/sonali_mehndi)

(Also read: Anant Ambani chants Hanuman Chalisa during padyatra to Dwarka: ‘When god is present…’)

Her unique outfit and flawless beauty look quickly became a trending topic across social media, sparking admiration and imitation in equal measure.

Sonali’s viral tribute from Kolhapur

Among those inspired was Sonali, a mehendi and makeup artist based in Kolhapur. She wowed users with her meticulous recreation of Rihanna’s look, down to the last detail. Posting the transformation on Instagram, Sonali left viewers stunned with how accurately she captured the singer’s essence.

From the contoured cheekbones and sculpted brows to the glittery eyeshadow and lip shade, everything was spot-on. She even mimicked the way Rihanna carried the scarf, demonstrating not just makeup skills but a keen eye for fashion aesthetics.

Watch the clip here:

Her video, which showcases a seamless before-and-after transition, racked up nearly 13 million views in just a few days.

Internet can’t stop praising

The internet was quick to shower Sonali with praise. In the comments, users marvelled at her talent, with many calling her version “better than AI filters” and “a real artist’s work.”

One person wrote, “Wait, this is not Rihanna? She nailed it!” Another said, “Give her a ticket to Hollywood already.” Someone else commented, “So much better than typical influencer makeup. She understood the assignment.”

A viewer gushed, “This is talent. Real, raw, desi talent!” While another said, “She didn’t just copy—she embodied Rihanna.”

Others were more emotional in their response, with one saying, “Watching this gave me goosebumps. The transformation is unreal.” A fan wrote, “You’re putting Kolhapur on the global makeup map!”

Many admired her artistry, calling her a “hidden gem” and “a name to watch out for.”

  • Mahipal Singh Chouhan
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    Mahipal Singh Chouhan

    Mahipal Singh Chouhan is a Senior Content Producer at Hindustan Times Digital, with nearly five years of experience in digital journalism and content production. His work primarily focuses on offbeat and trending stories that reflect everyday experiences and evolving conversations on the internet. He has consistently worked on transforming viral content and human interest stories into structured news pieces that engage readers while maintaining editorial clarity. At Hindustan Times, Mahipal contributes to identifying and developing stories emerging from social media trends, online communities, and real-world incidents that capture public attention. His approach involves adding context and journalistic perspective to fast-moving digital narratives, helping present viral moments in a clear and reader-friendly format suited for digital audiences. Before joining Hindustan Times Digital, he was associated with DNA India, where he gained experience in newsroom workflows and digital storytelling practices. Mahipal holds a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the Vivekananda Institute of Professional Studies, Delhi. He is particularly interested in tracking emerging trends and understanding how online conversations evolve into broader public discussions. His work reflects a focus on accuracy, readability, and relevance in the rapidly changing digital news environment. Outside of his professional responsibilities, Mahipal takes an interest in history and sports and regularly works on improving his general knowledge, which complements his curiosity as a media professional.Read More

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