Nita Ambani reflects on her humble starting point in a closely connected family, her influence and the support of the family in shaping their own values and life.
Mukesh Ambani and Nita Ambani
Reliance Foundation’s president Nita Ambani has rarely spoken about her early life, which is deeply rooted in a loving and close-knit Gujarat united family. She grew up in a modest house in Santacruz, a middle-class area of Mumbai, where she shared her childhood with nearly 30 family members, including grandparents, uncles, aunts and cousins. Her father, Ravindrabhai Dalal, is a person dedicated to helping others. Every Sunday, Nita accompanied him to distribute food to those in need, and this practice has had a profound impact on her.
In one of her Bharatanatyam dance performances, Nita caught the attention of Dhirubhai Ambani. Her grace and rooted nature impressed, and he felt that she would be the ideal companion for his eldest son, Mukesh. Dhirubhai also praised Nita’s father’s humility and dedication to serving others.
Nita, reflecting on her childhood, shared with the “most powerful women in business” of Indian Wealth, “I truly believe in the shape of who we are. I thank my parents for teaching me the importance of compassion, hard work, patience, patience, respect and care for others. These lessons are with me throughout her life.” She added: “We don’t have a lot of stuff, but we have a home full of love and dreams. This environment shapes my values and who I am today.”
Nita grew up in a family with 12 children, 11 girls and a boy, in which gender never limits anyone’s potential. “Even 60 years ago, my parents told us that girls could do anything boys could do. That belief was with me all my life,” she recalled.
For NITA, family has always been the basis of her strength and happiness. She described her family as her shelter, saying: “We are each other’s biggest cheerleaders – whether it’s a big event or a small milestone, we celebrate it together. Unification is our greatest strength.”
Speaking of her husband, Mukesh Ambani, Nita describes him as the backbone of her journey. “Mukesh has always been the best life companion, always pushing me to grow, step out of my comfort zone and take on new challenges. He has always been the wind under my wings. What I have achieved is impossible without his love and the support of his six children: Isha, Anand, Shloka, Shloka, Shloka, Akash, Akash, Radhika and Anant.”
Nita’s grandchildren Prithvi, Aadiya, Krishna and Veda are now additional sources of joy and enthusiasm throughout her life. “They are filled with love and light,” she said.
She praised the capable women in her family, including her always smiling, resilient mother, her Gandhi grandmother and her aunt, who were pioneers in their fields to inspire her. They taught her the importance of courage, hard work, and dreaming. Nita remembers her father, Ravindrabhai Dalal, one of the kindest souls she has known, and she continues to be guided by his compassionateness. After marriage, her father-in-law, the legendary Dhirubhai Ambani, became another important influence in her life. “He believed in big dreams and inspired me to believe in mine as well.”
Despite her success, Nita finds joy in simple moments of her life – driving, dancing, exercising, listening to music, watching sports, and spending time with Mukesh. She said enthusiastically: “These are the greatest gifts of God.”
