Nita Ambani who was born, Nita Dalal in the year 1963, is a notable Indian philanthropist. She is renowned for her significant contributions across various fields.

Serving as the chairperson and founder of the Reliance Foundation, India’s largest philanthropic organization, she has played a crucial role in initiatives related to education, healthcare, art, culture, and rural and urban development.

In the business realm, Nita Ambani holds a prominent position, being the first woman director on the board of Reliance Industries Ltd. She has engaged in diverse ventures, such as co-owning the IPL cricket team Mumbai Indians and establishing Football Sports Development Limited to promote sports in India.

Nita Ambani’s efforts have garnered recognition, earning her a place among the top global philanthropists by Town and Country magazine, inclusion in Forbes’ list of the 50 most powerful businesswomen, and the ‘Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Award’ for her grassroots sports initiatives.

Her dedication to philanthropy, business expertise, and commitment to social causes have firmly established her as a leading figure in India’s corporate and social landscape.

Who Is Nita Ambani?

Nita Ambani, born Nita Dalal on 1 November 1963 in Mumbai, India, is a renowned philanthropist, the chairperson and founder of the Reliance Foundation, and a director of Reliance Industries.

Married to Mukesh Ambani, chairman and managing director of Reliance Industries, Nita is a multifaceted personality with a significant impact on various fields, including business, education, and sports.

Biography

Nita Ambani, aged 60 as of 2024, hails from a middle-class Gujarati family, born to Ravindrabhai Dalal and Purnima Dalal. Her journey from a middle-class upbringing to becoming one of the most influential women in India is truly inspiring.

Early Life and Education

Nita completed her bachelor’s degree in Commerce from Narsee Monjee College of Commerce and Economics. Passionate about Bharatanatyam, she pursued it from an early age and eventually became a professional Bharatanatyam dancer.

Net Worth (as of 2024)

As of 2024, Nita Ambani’s net worth is estimated to be around $2.8 to $3 billion dollars.

This substantial wealth is primarily derived from her holdings in Reliance Industries Ltd, her husband Mukesh Ambani’s company. Her financial success places her among the wealthiest individuals globally.

Personal Life

Nita’s personal life is equally captivating. She married Mukesh Ambani in 1985 and is a mother to three children – Akash Ambani, Isha Ambani, and Anant Ambani.

The elder twins, Isha and Akash, were born via IVF, while Anant, born three years later, was conceived naturally.

Living in the luxurious Antilia, the second most expensive house globally, Nita Ambani’s life reflects her success and opulence. Her family has expanded, with grandchildren adding more joy to her life.

Parents and Siblings

Born as Nita Dalal, she grew up in suburban Mumbai in a middle-class environment. Her sister, Mamta Dalal, a school teacher, is known for teaching notable personalities’ children, including Sachin Tendulkar and Shahrukh Khan’s kids.

Career

Nita Mukesh Ambani, the founder and chairperson of Reliance Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of Reliance Industries, stepped down from the Board of Directors of Reliance Industries (RIL) in August 2023.

However, she retained her pivotal role as the Chairperson of the Reliance Foundation. Her resignation was acknowledged by the RIL Board, recognizing her dedication to steering the Reliance Foundation toward greater societal transformation.

As a permanent invitee, Nita Ambani will continue to attend all RIL Board meetings.

Multifaceted Roles

Apart from her role in the philanthropic sector, Nita Ambani is also the owner of Mumbai Indians and an esteemed art collector. Elected to the board of Reliance Industries in 2014, she has been actively involved in various projects.

Philanthropic Initiatives

In 1997, Mrs. Ambani played a crucial role in the creation of a company township for the employees of Reliance’s refinery at Jamnagar. This visionary project aimed to establish an environmentally-friendly colony with over 17,000 residents.

Mumbai Indians and Social Impact

Nita Ambani, co-owner of the IPL team Mumbai Indians, has not only witnessed triumphs in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020 but has also led the ‘Education and sports for All’ (ESA) initiative.

This endeavor, as part of Mumbai Indians’ commitment to society, has impacted over 100,000 underprivileged children, raising awareness for education through various media and digital platforms.

Educational Legacy

Adding to her accomplishments, Ambani is the founder of the Dhirubhai Ambani International School, consistently ranked among the best schools in Resources & Services.

Global Recognition

In 2016, Nita Ambani achieved global recognition by becoming the first Indian woman member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Jio World Centre and Digital Initiatives

Reliance Industries marked a significant milestone on March 4, 2022, with the opening of the first phase of the Jio World Centre in Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex.

Additionally, Nita Ambani launched ‘Her Circle,’ a digital platform for women, on International Women’s Day in 2022.

This platform aims to empower women with modern, digital tools, providing a joyful and safe space for interaction, engagement, collaboration, and mutual support.

Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre

On March 31, 2023, Nita Ambani inaugurated the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC), located within the Jio World Centre.

This cultural hub focuses on community programs, school outreach, art competitions, awards for arts teachers, in-residency Guru-shishya programs, and art literacy programs for adults.

Unique Features of NMACC

The NMACC, a four-storey structure with 16,000 square feet of purpose-built exhibition space and three theaters, boasts a 2,000-seat Grand Theatre featuring a spectacular lotus-themed chandelier with 8,400 Swarovski crystals.

With dedicated spaces for performing arts and an Art House, NMACC aims to showcase leading Indian and international artists.

FAQs

In Conclusion

Nita Ambani’s journey from a middle-class family to a global influencer is a testament to her resilience and determination. Her contributions to philanthropy, education, and sports make her a role model for many.

As a key figure in the Ambani family, her impact extends beyond business, shaping the cultural and social landscape of India.