/ 20 April 2013

Gupta family prepares for wedding extravaganza

'New Age' managing editor Atul Gupta.
'New Age' managing editor Atul Gupta.

According to the Saturday Star, the niece of the three affluent brothers, Vega Gupta (23) was expected to tie the knot with India-born fiancé, Aakash Jahajgarhia at the Sun City's Lost City hotel between May 1 and 4.

"It's the very first wedding of one of our kids and we want everything to go perfectly," Atul Gupta told the publication. The report adds that the hotel and several of Sun City's services were expected to be closed to patrons, to serve more than 400 guests expected to attend the multimillion-rand event.

"I say it is the wedding of the century not because of the money that is being spent, but rather about the culture that is being embraced," Atul said.

Vega is the daughter of the only Gupta sister: Achla Gupta. The brothers are Atay, Atul and Rajesh. The bride was apparently given a choice of venue, but settled on South Africa. "We gave her options like Mauritius, Italy, Spain and many other countries. She specifically asked to be married here as she holds the country close to her heart," Atul said.

Atul also told the paper that another wedding was being arranged in their hometown of Saharapur in India.

The Guptas have proved to be a controversial family, with many connections to high profile South African politicians. 

Ajay, Atol and Rajesh Gupta came to South Africa from Saharanpur, India, sent by Shiv Kumar, their businessman father, to explore business opportunities in the country.

Atul was the first to arrive in 1993 and was later followed by his brothers. Rajesh was the last to arrive in 1997. Soon after their arrival they established Sahara Computers, named after their hometown. 

One of the first business deals that put them in the spotlight was the controversial ArcelorMittal R9-billion empowerment deal in which the Gupta brothers with President Jacob Zuma's son Duduzane Zuma.

With their high-profile and politically-connected business interests, the family has earned the ire of trade union Cosatu, among others. – Sapa and Staff reporter