A closer look at Asia’s richest billionaire Mukesh Ambani’s heirs

(From L) Indian billionaire Mukesh Ambani, his son Anant's fiancée Radhika Merchant, his son Anant, his wife Nita, his daughter Isha, Isha's husband Anand Piramal, his son Akash's wife Shloka, and his son Akash pose during Anant's engagement ceremony in Mumbai on Jan. 19, 2023. Photo by AFP

Akash Ambani, 33

Akash successfully earned his bachelor’s degree in economics from Brown University before he embarked on a career with his family-owned Reliance Industries, as reported by People Magazine.

As the current chairman of Reliance Jio Infocomm Limited, which is the telecommunications branch of the family’s business empire, Akash has played a pivotal role in propelling India into the digital age, with a focus on advanced technologies such as 5G, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things. He harbors the ambition of revolutionizing vital industries including commerce, education, and healthcare within India.

He tied the knot with Shloka Mehta in 2019. As per reports from the South China Morning Post, Shloka’s father, Russell Mehta, is descended from Arunkumar Mehta, who was the founder of the trading company B. Arunkumar & Co. This company eventually evolved into Rosy Blue, a diversified conglomerate with operations in retail, media, real estate, financial services, and the diamond industry.

Today, the conglomerate stands as one of the leading diamond trading companies globally.

The wedding festivities of the couple were highlighted by a performance from the lead singer of the renowned British rock band Coldplay, Chris Martin.

Isha Ambani, 33

Having completed her undergraduate studies at Yale University followed by an MBA from Stanford, Isha has established her presence in the corporate sector through her sharp business insights. She currently holds a position on the board across Reliance’s diverse sectors, encompassing efforts in retail, telecommunications, financial services, philanthropy, and education.

Isha endorses the cause of women’s empowerment in the workforce, setting an example for many by promoting courage and dedication.

In 2018, the heiress to billions was wed to Anand Piramal in a lavish ceremony reported by Bloomberg to cost US$100 million, featuring entertainment by the American music icon Beyoncé.

According to DNA India, her spouse is the progeny of Ajay Gopikisan Piramal, who presides over the Piramal Group. This conglomerate operates across various sectors such as pharmaceuticals, financial services, real estate, healthcare analytics, and glass packaging.

Forbes recognized Ajay among the top 100 wealthiest individuals in India in 2022, with his fortune estimated at US$3.2 billion.

Anant Ambani, 28

An alum of Brown University, Anant primarily engages in Reliance’s initiatives in new energy, with a keen focus on the development of green energy and projects aimed at the public good.

From a very early age, he has harbored a deep passion for the welfare of animals and is also actively involved in several initiatives aimed at providing care and dignity for at-risk animals, ensuring they live out their remaining years in comfort.

He hosted a lavish three-day pre-wedding celebration, which spanned from March 1-3 and was highlighted by a performance from Barbadian pop and R&B sensation Rihanna. The event boasted a guest list filled with luminaries such as Microsoft’s co-founder Bill Gates, the co-founder and CEO of Facebook Mark Zuckerberg, and former U.S. President Donald Trump’s daughter Ivanka.

His fiancée Radhika Merchant, 29, is the daughter of Shri Viren Merchant, the CEO of the leading Indian healthcare company Encore Healthcare.

The pair have reportedly known each other since their youth and pursued their education in the U.S.

As per Forbes on March 7, 2024, the 67-year-old Mukesh Ambani is recognized as the wealthiest person in Asia and ranks ninth globally, with a fortune estimated to be $117 billion.

According to Business Insider India, born in Yemen, Mukesh took over the reins of Reliance Industries from his father Dhirubhai Ambani in 2002, after the latter passed away.

The conglomerate has since developed interests across multiple sectors within and outside India, including energy, telecom, retail and media.

Not only a triumphant tycoon, the tycoon is also a dedicated patriarch to his trio of offspring, Akash, Isha, and Anant. Together with his partner Nita Ambani, 64, he has nurtured three heirs that exemplify the spirit of entrepreneurship, whose personal accomplishments and inputs to their enterprise have garnered significant attention.