Popular trio, fast and rich (7)

I believe the answer is:

opulent

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'rich' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)

'popular trio fast' is the wordplay.
'popular trio' becomes 'opu' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'fast' becomes 'lent' (Lent is a period of fasting in Christianity).
'opu'+'lent'='OPULENT'

'and' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for opulent that I've seen before include "Ostentatiously rich" , "'Deluxe, luxurious (7)'" , "Luxurious or profuse" , "Wealthy or luxuriant" , "indicating wealth" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.