Mukesh Ambani- Mukesh Dhirubhai Ambani, one of the world’s most influential businessmen, was born on April 19, 1957, in Aden, Yemen, where his father, Dhirubhai Ambani, worked at a gas station before moving back to India. His mother, Kokilaben Ambani, was a homemaker who played a strong role in maintaining family values. Mukesh grew up in a modest household along with his three siblings – brothers Anil and two sisters, Nina and Deepti.
In the late 1950s, the family relocated to Mumbai, India, where Dhirubhai Ambani started Reliance Commercial Corporation, a small trading business in textiles and spices. Mukesh grew up witnessing his father’s entrepreneurial spirit, which deeply influenced his future outlook.
Mukesh completed his schooling at Hill Grange High School, Mumbai, and pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT), Mumbai. Later, he enrolled at Stanford University in the USA for an MBA, but he did not complete the program. Instead, he returned to India in 1981 to assist his father in expanding Reliance’s operations, as Dhirubhai strongly believed that real-life business experience was more valuable than academic learning.
Career and Rise of Reliance Industries
When Mukesh Ambani joined Reliance in 1981, the company was primarily involved in textiles. Under his leadership, the company diversified into multiple sectors, including petrochemicals, refining, telecommunications, and retail.
One of his biggest early contributions was establishing the world’s largest grassroots petroleum refinery in Jamnagar, Gujarat, in the late 1990s. The Jamnagar Refinery not only transformed Reliance’s scale of operations but also put India on the global map in energy production. Today, it has a capacity of over 1.2 million barrels per day, making it one of the largest refineries in the world.
The Jio Revolution
Perhaps the most defining chapter in Mukesh Ambani’s career came with the launch of Reliance Jio Infocomm Limited in 2016. By offering ultra-cheap data plans, free calls, and nationwide 4G coverage, Jio disrupted the Indian telecom industry and brought millions of Indians online for the first time.
Within a few years, Jio became the largest mobile network operator in India and one of the biggest in the world. This digital revolution not only strengthened Reliance’s position but also transformed India’s internet landscape, making affordable connectivity accessible to urban and rural populations alike.
Jio’s success also paved the way for Reliance’s entry into digital services, streaming platforms, fintech, and e-commerce (JioMart), making it a major technology-driven conglomerate.
Expansion into Retail and Other Sectors
Mukesh Ambani also played a key role in expanding Reliance Retail, which today is India’s largest retail chain, operating supermarkets, fashion outlets, electronics stores, and online platforms.
Reliance Retail has partnered with several global giants, including Marks & Spencer, Tiffany & Co., and Hamleys, to bring international brands to Indian consumers.
Beyond telecom and retail, Reliance has also expanded into green energy initiatives, with Mukesh Ambani announcing large-scale investments in solar energy, hydrogen fuel, and renewable infrastructure as part of India’s clean energy transition.
Net Worth and Global Recognition
As of 2025, Mukesh Ambani consistently ranks among the top 10 richest people in the world, with a net worth estimated at over $110 billion. He has been featured multiple times on Forbes’ list of the world’s most powerful people and has received global recognition for his contributions to business and technology.
Personal Life
Mukesh Ambani married Nita Ambani in 1985, who is now a philanthropist, educationist, and owner of the Mumbai Indians IPL team. Together, they have three children: Akash, Isha, and Anant Ambani.
The Ambani family resides in Antilia, a 27-storey private residence in Mumbai, often considered one of the most expensive homes in the world. Despite their immense wealth, Mukesh Ambani is known for maintaining a relatively simple lifestyle, focusing on work and family.
Awards and Honors
- Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year (2000)
- NDTV Business Leader of the Year (2010)
- Financial Times’ Top 50 Business Leaders
- Featured multiple times on Fortune’s Business Person of the Year list
- Recognized by Time Magazine among the 100 Most Influential People in the World
Legacy and Influence
Mukesh Ambani’s vision has redefined India’s economic landscape. From expanding petrochemicals and refining to revolutionizing telecommunications and retail, he has transformed Reliance into a global powerhouse.
His leadership brought internet access to millions of Indians, boosted India’s digital economy, and created countless opportunities in employment, entrepreneurship, and innovation. Moreover, his recent focus on green energy highlights his forward-looking approach in addressing climate change and sustainability.
Mukesh Ambani is not just a businessman but also a symbol of modern India’s economic rise, inspiring millions of aspiring entrepreneurs with his story of ambition, risk-taking, and transformation.
