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Dhirubhai AmbaniIndian industrial magnate
Date of Birth: 28.12.1932
Country:  India |
Content:
- Dhirubhai Ambani: An Indian Industrial Titan
- Reliance Industries: A Textile Empire
- From Majin to Reliance Industries
- Partnership Dissolution and Risk-Taking
- Illness and Succession
- Division of Reliance Group
- Personal Life and Legacy
Dhirubhai Ambani: An Indian Industrial Titan
Early Life and Business BeginningsDhirubhai Ambani was born on December 28, 1932, in Chorwad, Gujarat, India. In the 1950s, he worked in Aden, Yemen, before moving to Mumbai in 1958 to establish a spice trading business with his cousin, Champaklal Damani.
Reliance Industries: A Textile Empire
Recognizing the limited profitability of spice trading, Ambani shifted his focus to textiles, opening a mill in Naroda in 1966. In the same year, he founded Reliance Industries, which has since grown to employ over 85,000 people and contributes nearly 5% of India's central government tax revenue.
From Majin to Reliance Industries
Ambani and Damani's initial venture, Majin, imported polyester fiber and exported spices. The company's first office was a modest room with a phone, a desk, and three chairs. Ambani also hired two assistants while his family lived in a one-bedroom apartment.
Partnership Dissolution and Risk-Taking
In 1965, Ambani and Damani dissolved their partnership due to contrasting business philosophies. Ambani was more risk-averse, accumulating inventory and anticipating price increases. He established Reliance Industries, which produced fabrics using polyester fiber, including the popular "Vimal" brand.
Illness and Succession
In 1986, Ambani suffered a major stroke that paralyzed his right arm. He handed over control of the company to his sons, Mukesh and Anil. After two successive cardiac arrests, he passed away on July 6, 2002, at Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai.
Division of Reliance Group
After Ambani's death, the group split into Reliance Industries Limited, led by Mukesh Ambani, and the Reliance Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group (Reliance ADAG), led by Anil Ambani.
Personal Life and Legacy
Dhirubhai Ambani was married to Kokilaben Ambani from 1955 until his death in 2002. They had four children: Mukesh, Anil, Nina, and Deepti.
Ambani's life inspired the 1998 book "The Polyester Prince" by Hamish McDonald, an unauthorized biography that explored his political and business dealings. A revised version of the book, titled "Ambani and Sons," was published in India in 2010. A film loosely based on Ambani's life was released in 2007.
