Mukesh Ambani (L) and his brother Anil Ambani (R) haven’t always seen eye to eye since their father died. He left no will, pitting them against each other for control of the family business. Photo: AFP
Nita Ambani may own a Hermès handbag worth US$350,000 and Mukesh a US$73 million private jet, but it’s not all been smooth sailing – many of the downs have been as big as the ups
Despite a recent oil slump that cost him billions, Mukesh Ambani remains one of the richest people on earth. But as his wealth and stature grows, more and more are tuning in to watch his meteoric rise, and scrutinising how he and his family got there.
From allegations of dodgy tender deals in the early days of Reliance Industries, to embarrassing family feuds, the Ambani family have caught the world’s attention before, and not just because of their money.
Here are five controversies the family have had to face … and overcome.
The early Dhirubhai allegations
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Reliance Industries founder – and Mukesh’s father – Dhirubhai Ambani before his death in 2002. Photo: AP
Dhirubhai Ambani is the father of Mukesh, and founder of Reliance Industries. He was credited for starting a global company from the poorest and most humble of beginnings. Widely admired for his motivational sayings and for how much he inspired those around him, Dhirubhai died in 2002 aged 69.
But behind the widespread devotion lurks allegations of Dhirubhai using his influence to rig government tenders in favour of Reliance. There have also been reports of the Ambani family paying for positive press around them, while an extensive investigative in The Wire alleges Reliance worked to squash a book that held distasteful claims of corruption. Nevertheless, the family has consistently rubbished the claims.
The power grab
Mukesh Ambani (right) and his brother Anil Ambani observe a two-minute silence in memory of their late father Dhirubhai Ambani at the company's annual general meeting (AGM) in Mumbai in October 2002. Photo: AFP
Those that know the Ambani family story know that the epic feud between Mukesh and his brother Anil sits high on the list of issues that nearly tore the family apart. When patriarch Dhirubhai died, he had no will, leaving his sons to fight for control of his company. A bitter and public feud ensued, with Ambani matriarch Kokilaben eventually stepping in to call a truce. The company was separated, with the brothers each getting a portion to control. The ugly fighting did not stop there: Anil continued to call foul on Mukesh, even accusing him of upending his own business opportunities.
