Dhirubhai Ambani (28 December 1932 – 6 July 2002) was an Indian businessman who founded Reliance Industries. Starting as a clerk in Aden with almost nothing, he built a textiles and petrochemicals empire that became one of India’s largest companies. He brought millions of ordinary Indians into the stock market and is often cited as India’s ultimate rags-to-riches entrepreneur. He was the father of Mukesh Ambani and Anil Ambani.
Quick Facts
| Full name | Dhirajlal Hirachand Ambani |
| Born | 28 December 1932, Chorwad, Gujarat, India |
| Died | 6 July 2002, Mumbai (aged 69) |
| Founded | Reliance Commercial Corporation (1958), later Reliance Industries |
| Spouse | Kokilaben Ambani |
| Children | Mukesh, Anil, Nina, Dipti |
| Honour | Padma Vibhushan (2016, posthumous) |
Early Life
Dhirubhai Ambani was born in Chorwad, Gujarat, the son of a village schoolteacher. At about 17 he went to Aden, then a British colony in Yemen, to join his brother. He worked as a clerk for the trading firm A. Besse & Co., learning the ways of international trade.
Career
In 1958 Ambani returned to Bombay and, with a small amount of capital, started Reliance Commercial Corporation, trading spices and yarn.
In 1966 he set up a textile mill at Naroda, near Ahmedabad, and built the popular Vimal brand of fabrics. Reliance’s public share issue in 1977 drew huge numbers of small investors. Ambani is credited with creating an “equity cult” in India, holding shareholder meetings in stadiums.
Ambani steadily moved Reliance back up the production chain, into polyester fibre, petrochemicals and eventually oil refining. The giant Jamnagar refinery was commissioned in 1999, led by his son Mukesh. Reliance became the first privately owned Indian company to enter the Fortune 500. Critics accused him of bending the “licence raj” rules to his advantage, and he fought high-profile battles with rival industrialists and the press. Admirers saw him as a visionary who beat a rigid system.
Personal Life and Death
Ambani married Kokilaben, and they had two sons, Mukesh and Anil, and two daughters, Nina and Dipti. He suffered a stroke in 1986 but continued to guide the group. He died in Mumbai on 6 July 2002 after another stroke. His sons later divided the business empire.
Legacy
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where was Dhirubhai Ambani born?
Dhirubhai Ambani was born on 28 December 1932 in Chorwad, Gujarat, India.
When did Dhirubhai Ambani die?
Died: 6 July 2002, Mumbai (aged 69).
