Did you know that Praful Patel called Dhirubhai Ambani 'Papa'?

Unlikely connections come forth most unexpectedly. Case in point, the close friendship that former union minister Praful Patel shares with Reliance Industries chairman, Mukesh Ambani. During an event in Mumbai to celebrate Patel’s literary debut, it became apparent just how close they are.

Here, Patel revealed that he used to refer to the late Dhirubhai Ambani as “papa”. “Papa gave me so much love and affection which was disproportionate to my standing and stature...I cannot forget those moments.” Patel said, adding that Ambani senior was his pillar of strength after he lost his father at 13.


(L to R) Filmmaker Karan Johar, Praful Patel's wife Varsha Patel, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, actor Amitabh Bachchan and Industrialist Mukesh Ambani during the launch of a book 'Udaan' based on the life of former aviation minister, Praful Patel (3rd from L) in Mumbai. (Image: PTI)

Later, Mukesh Ambani took to the mic, fondly reminiscing the time he spent with Patel. “What I have seen of Praful is his power to sustain relationships. He is always there when you need him...He and I have spent a lot of time with my father way back in the late 80s. My dad had said, ‘He not only understands business but he also understands politicians.’ At that time he was just entering politics. He has the fire in him to do public good,” he said.