The romantic tale of Mukesh Ambani, Chairperson of Reliance Industries and Asia’s wealthiest individual, and his wife Nita Ambani is often depicted as a blend of tradition with an unexpected twist.
Dhirubhai Ambani, Mukesh’s father, first laid eyes on Nita at a dance performance and was immediately impressed. He proposed her as a potential match for his elder son, Mukesh.
In a vintage interview on ‘Rendezvous with Simi Garewal’, Mukesh and Nita shared the story of how they met, leading to a proposal reminiscent of Bollywood films and culminating in a fairy-tale wedding. The interview clip has recently gone viral.
The couple’s initial encounter occurred at Mukesh’s residence, ‘Usha Kiran’, on Carmichael Road in Mumbai in 1984. Recalling the moment, Nita mentioned, “It was November 14, 1984, when I first met Mukesh. I visited Usha Kiran, their residence, with my parents. When I rang the bell, a young man greeted me, saying hi, I am Mukesh. I was quite surprised. I had a different impression; I thought he came from a wealthy background.”
Describing her first impression of Mukesh, Nita remarked, “He was extremely down-to-earth and humble, which struck me.”
On the same note, Mukesh expressed his admiration for Nita’s beauty upon their initial encounter at home. “My first impression was that she looked stunning. However, I was keen to get to know Nita as a person and determine if we could share a life together. Any reservations I had about timing and my career aspirations disappeared instantly,” he shared.
They continued courting for the following three months.
The Ambani duo also shared the dramatic scene of Mukesh’s marriage proposal to Nita, akin to a Bollywood film.
“Nita was the first girl I had seen, and I had already decided that she was my life partner. I sensed that Nita felt the same way,” Mukesh recalled.
He narrated the proposal incident during a drive on Pedder Road. “I suddenly asked Nita, ‘Will you marry me?’ I demanded an immediate yes or no in the car. She hesitated, and amid traffic chaos and honking, I insisted on her decision,” Mukesh recounted.
Nita added, “Mukesh refused to move the car until I answered. After repeated insistence, I eventually said yes.”
The couple tied the knot in 1985 and are blessed with three children: Akash, Isha, and Anant. Akash and Isha are married, while Anant Ambani is set to marry Radhika Merchant on July 24 this year.