Mukesh Ambani and Nita Ambani have managed to uphold a tight-knit family despite being part of one of the world’s busiest and most influential business empires. This unity can be attributed to the foundational teachings instilled by Dhirubhai Ambani, the patriarch who built Reliance Industries, and his wife, Kokilaben Ambani. While Dhirubhai is often hailed as an inspiration for businessmen globally, it is his relationship with Kokilaben that really cemented the Ambani family’s stature. Kokilaben not only played a crucial role in her husband’s success but also ensured that his legacy would continue for generations.
Dhirubhai Ambani was a driven businessman, always striving for excellence, yet it was Kokilaben who kept him grounded and in touch with the realities of life. Kokilaben, born and raised in Jamnagar, India, once shared insights into her humble beginnings, recounting how she spent her childhood performing household chores in a middle-class setting.
The fairy tale began in 1955 when Dhirubhai Ambani and Kokilaben got married. Kokilaben reminisced about how dramatically her life transformed post-marriage. Traveling to far-off places, adapting to new lifestyles, and stepping out of her comfort zone—all these changes were navigated with the support and guidance of Dhirubhai. Initially living with her in-laws in Chorwad, Kokilaben found herself alone while her husband traveled extensively to expand his burgeoning business. Yet their bond remained unshakable; she prayed for his success and eagerly awaited his letters.
One such letter from Aden holds a cherished place in her memory. “Dhirubhai had written a letter to me from Aden, which said, ‘Kokila, I have bought a car and I will come to fetch you in that car. Can you guess what is the color of the car?’ He then added, ‘It is black, like me.’ I liked his sense of humor the most. He came to pick me up in that car when I reached Aden. So it was a bullock cart at Chorwad, a car at Aden, and eventually, planes and helicopters in Mumbai,” Kokilaben fondly recalled.
Equality was a cornerstone of their relationship. Kokilaben revealed that Dhirubhai always treated her as an equal partner. Even when dignitaries visited their home, he made sure she was part of the conversation.
. To build her confidence, he even hired an English tutor. Despite studying in a Gujarati-medium school, Kokilaben eagerly embraced the opportunity to learn English. “A tutor used to come to teach English to the children. Dhirubhai said, ‘Kokila, why don’t you learn English?’ I jumped at the suggestion,” she said.
To make her comfortable in different social settings, Dhirubhai often took Kokilaben to five-star hotels to cultivate a taste for Chinese, Mexican, Italian, and Japanese cuisines. When they traveled abroad, he provided her with information about the destinations and encouraged her to read more about them. “In short, he molded me so well that I would not feel out of place anywhere. I constantly adapted to change,” she added.
In 1986, Dhirubhai Ambani suffered his first cerebral stroke. Understanding the gravity of the situation, he transitioned the responsibilities of Reliance Industries to his sons, Mukesh and Anil Ambani. Tragically, in July 2002, Dhirubhai passed away following his second stroke.
Five years later, in 2007, Kokilaben Ambani penned a book about her late husband, articulating her deep admiration and love for him. The book titled ‘Dhirubhai Ambani: The Man I Knew’ in English and ‘Dhirubhai Ambani: Maara Jeevan Sathi’ in Gujarati portrays Dhirubhai as a man far greater than the world witnessed.
The love story of Kokilaben and Dhirubhai Ambani is a masterpiece, inspiring not only their children—Mukesh and Anil Ambani—but also their grandchildren—Akash, Isha, and Anant Ambani. Their saga of love, respect, and mutual support continues to inspire and provide a blueprint for family values and personal growth.
Kokilaben’s journey from the simple life of Jamnagar to the sprawling expanses of a global empire encapsulates the spirit of resilience and adaptability. It is a story that illustrates how behind every successful man, there is often a supportive and equally competent woman. This enduring legacy of love and partnership set the stage for the Ambani family’s continued success, keeping them united even amidst the whirlwind of corporate responsibilities and global influence.
In a world where relationships often succumb to the pressures of ambition and success, the love story of Dhirubhai and Kokilaben Ambani is a heartening reminder of what mutual respect, trust, and unwavering support can accomplish. Their story is not just one for the books but a beacon of relational endurance and partnership.
