Meet second richest person in Ambani family after Mukesh Ambani, not Nita Ambani, Akash Ambani, Isha Ambani

Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani is widely known as Asia’s richest man, with a staggering net worth of USD 96.3 billion, according to Forbes. However, what many don’t know is that Mukesh Ambani, his wife Nita Ambani, or their children Akash, Anant, and Isha, are not the largest shareholders of Reliance Industries. That honour belongs to Kokilaben Ambani, the matriarch of the Ambani family and the widow of Reliance founder Dhirubhai Ambani.

Kokilaben, aged 90, owns 1.57 crore shares in Reliance Industries, making her the largest individual shareholder in the oil-to-telecom conglomerate. Her shares constitute around 0.24% of the company’s total equity, with an estimated worth of Rs 18,000 crore. In comparison, Mukesh Ambani holds 0.12% of the company, and along with his immediate family, owns 80 lakh shares.

Born on February 24, 1934, in a conservative Gujarati family in Jamnagar, Kokilaben married Dhirubhai Ambani in 1955. Together, they built a life filled with shared ambitions, lasting nearly 50 years until Dhirubhai’s death in 2002. Kokilaben has often shared how Dhirubhai encouraged her to adapt to the changing demands of life. Despite being educated in a Gujarati-medium school, she learned English under his guidance to feel confident while interacting with international dignitaries.

Post Dhirubhai’s demise, Kokilaben emerged as the family’s guiding light. She plays a pivotal role in decision-making, both in personal and business matters. Despite the division of Reliance between Mukesh and Anil Ambani, Kokilaben remains close to both her sons, their spouses—Nita and Tina Ambani—and her grandchildren.

Known for her elegance and love for luxury, Kokilaben resides at Antilia, Mukesh Ambani’s iconic mansion in Mumbai. Her collection of luxury cars from top automakers worldwide further highlights her refined tastes.

A strong, inspiring figure, Kokilaben Ambani continues to command respect and admiration as the pillar of the Ambani family. Her legacy as the backbone of the empire built by Dhirubhai remains unparalleled.