Who is Kokilaben Ambani, all about the mother of India’s richest man Mukesh Ambani

Kokilaben Ambani, 91, mother of Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani and Reliance ADA Group chairman Anil Ambani, is the matriarch of India’s most prominent and richest business family. As per unconfirmed reports, she was admitted to HN Reliance Hospital in Mumbai on Thursday night following a health emergency. Her most critical role came after the death of Dhirubhai Ambani in 2002. When differences arose between her sons Mukesh and Anil, leading to a public rift, Kokilaben intervened. She acted as mediator in the family dispute and oversaw the division of Reliance assets, helping bring a resolution and restoring peace within the family.

Who is Kokilaben Ambani?

Kokilaben Ambani is the wife of the late Dhirubhai Ambani, founder of Reliance Industries. She has played a central role in shaping the Ambani family’s journey from its early days, supporting her husband’s business vision and guiding her children through the family’s rapid rise.

Kokilaben Ambani’s net worth

Kokilaben Ambani, wife of the late Dhirubhai Ambani and mother of Mukesh and Anil Ambani, has an estimated net worth of around ₹18,000 crore. She holds over 1.57 crore shares in Reliance Industries, representing about 0.24% of the company’s total equity. This makes her the family member with the largest individual holding in Reliance. In comparison, Mukesh Ambani owns about 0.12% of the company.

Kokilaben Ambani Life

Kokilaben Ambani and Dhirubhai Ambani have four children together — Mukesh, Anil, Nina Kothari, and Dipti Salgaocar. She has witnessed India’s journey from pre-Independence to modern times, having been born in Jamnagar, Gujarat, in 1934. Jamnagar later became significant to the Ambani family when Reliance Industries set up its refinery there, and it was also chosen as the venue for Anant Ambani’s pre-wedding festivities.

Kokilaben Ambani Education and influence

At a time when women’s education was limited, Kokilaben studied till class 10, as per a TOI report. Reports also suggest that Dhirubhai Ambani arranged for an English teacher to help her learn the language and engage in formal interactions. She has often credited him with preparing her to adapt to different cultures and settings, which shaped her role as the family matriarch.

Kokilaben Ambani Lifestyle

Kokilaben Ambani resides with her elder son Mukesh Ambani in Antilia, Mumbai. She has a passion for luxury cars, with Mercedes-Benz being her preferred brand, while her late husband’s choice was a Cadillac limousine.

A strict vegetarian, Kokilaben enjoys traditional Gujarati dishes such as dal, roti, and dhokli. She is also a devout follower of Shrinath Ji and makes regular visits to temples including Dwarkadhish Temple in Jamnagar and Nathdwara in Rajasthan. For her 90th birthday, she commissioned immersive artworks of Shrinath Ji and Laxmi Ji, created by designer Abhimanyu Chopra in collaboration with Mela by Surabhi.

Life with Dhirubhai Ambani

Kokilaben married Dhirubhai Ambani in 1955. In an interview with Mid-Day, she recalled how Dhirubhai encouraged her to learn English so she could interact confidently with dignitaries and officials, despite having studied in a Gujarati-medium school. “He molded me so well that I would not feel out of place anywhere. I constantly adapted to change,” she said. Dhirubhai introduced her to international travel and cuisines, broadening her worldview and making her comfortable in different cultural settings.

Residence and influence in family

At 90, Kokilaben lives with her elder son Mukesh Ambani in Antilia, the family’s Mumbai residence valued at over ₹15,000 crore. Despite her age, she continues to be a guiding influence, with family members seeking her consent on important matters. She is also said to share warm bonds with her daughters-in-law, Nita Ambani and Tina Ambani.

Kokilaben Ambani’s legacy extends beyond the wealth of the family. She is remembered for her ability to balance family ties during challenging times, her support for her husband’s vision, and her association with charitable work. She continues to be regarded as a stabilising influence within the Ambani household.

Kokilaben Ambani is also associated with philanthropic work, particularly in the healthcare sector. The Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai, a multi-speciality hospital named after her, reflects her contribution to healthcare and her role in promoting social welfare initiatives.

Pink is her favourite colour and she is often seen in pink sarees. Even the décor at her 90th birthday celebrations followed an all-pink theme, reflecting her personal choice.

Despite her age, she continues to remain active. At the pre-wedding celebrations of her grandson Anant Ambani and fiancée Radhika Merchant earlier this year, Kokilaben was seen performing a brief dance, which won the admiration of many.