Mukesh Ambani’s wife Nita Ambani lived with 30 people in one house, aunts and uncles fought…., grandfather was…
Nita Ambani, Chairperson of the Reliance Foundation, has rarely opened up about her early life, which was rooted in a warm, tightly-knit Gujarati joint family. She grew up in a modest household in Santacruz, a middle-class suburb of Mumbai, where nearly 30 family members, grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins, all lived together under one roof. Her father, Ravindrabhai Dalal, was a man deeply committed to helping others. Every Sunday, young Nita would accompany him to distribute food to those in need, a routine that left a lasting impression on her. It was during one of her Bharatanatyam dance performances that Nita caught the eye of Dhirubhai Ambani. Impressed by her grace and grounded nature, he felt she would be the perfect life partner for his eldest son, Mukesh. Dhirubhai deeply respected Nita’s father for his humility and selfless service to others.
Reflecting on her upbringing, Nita Ambani shared with Fortune India in their “Most Powerful Women in Business” edition: “I truly believe the early years shape who we become. I’m thankful to my parents for teaching me the importance of compassion, hard work, patience, respect, and caring for others. These lessons have stayed with me throughout my life.”
She added, “We didn’t have a lot, but we had a home full of love and dreams. That environment shaped my values and who I am today.”
Nita Ambani’s life has been shaped by a blend of strong values, deep-rooted family bonds, and a forward-thinking upbringing. Growing up in a family of 12 children, 11 girls and one boy, she was raised in an environment where gender never limited potential. “Even 60 years ago, my parents taught us that girls can do anything boys can. That belief stayed with me throughout my life,” she shared.
For Nita, family has always been the cornerstone of her strength and happiness. “Family is my sanctuary, my home, my everything. We’re each other’s biggest cheerleaders — whether it’s a big event or a small milestone, we celebrate it together. That unity is our greatest strength,” she said with pride.
Speaking about her husband Mukesh Ambani, she called him the pillar of her journey. “Mukesh has been the best life partner, always pushing me to grow, to step outside my comfort zone, and to take on new challenges. He’s been the wind beneath my wings. Whatever I’ve achieved wouldn’t have been possible without his love and the support of our six children, Isha, Anand, Shloka, Akash, Radhika, and Anant.”
Her grandchildren — Prithvi, Aadiya, Krishna, and Veda — are now an added source of immense joy, energy, and positivity. “They fill my life with love and light,” she said warmly.
Nita credits the powerful women in her family for being her earliest role models, her ever-smiling, resilient mother, her Gandhian grandmother, and her inspiring aunts, who were trailblazers in their fields as swimmers, educators, shipping professionals, and even freedom fighters. “They taught me courage, hard work, and to never be afraid of dreaming big,” she recalled.
She also remembers her father, Ravindrabhai Dalal, as one of the kindest souls she ever knew. “His gentle nature and deep compassion continue to guide me.” After marriage, her father-in-law, the legendary Dhirubhai Ambani, became another major influence in her life. “He believed in big dreams — and inspired me to believe in mine too.”
Despite her achievements, it’s the simple moments that bring her the most joy — going for drives with Mukesh, dancing, working out, listening to music, watching sports, and spending quality time with her family. “These are God’s biggest gifts,” she said.
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