Mukesh Ambani and Nita Ambani, India’s most celebrated power couple, have a love story that rivals the charm of a Bollywood blockbuster. As the Chairman and Managing Director of Reliance Industries, Mukesh is synonymous with wealth and influence, while Nita, the Chairperson of Reliance Foundation, embodies grace and philanthropy. Their journey from a chance meeting orchestrated by Mukesh’s father, Dhirubhai Ambani, to a marriage that has thrived for nearly four decades is a tale of love, resilience, and mutual support. This detailed article explores the enchanting Mukesh and Nita Ambani love story, peppered with interesting facts that make their romance truly unique, as of February 20, 2025.
The Beginning: A Dance That Captivated Dhirubhai Ambani
The Mukesh and Nita Ambani love story began in 1984, rooted in a classic Indian arranged marriage setup with a twist of serendipity. Nita Dalal, then a 20-year-old schoolteacher and trained Bharatanatyam dancer from a middle-class Gujarati family in Mumbai, caught the eye of Dhirubhai Ambani during a cultural performance. Accompanied by his wife, Kokilaben, Dhirubhai was mesmerized by Nita’s grace and talent on stage. Convinced she was the perfect match for his elder son, Mukesh, he decided to play matchmaker—a role he executed with unwavering determination.
Interesting Fact #1: When Dhirubhai first called Nita’s home to introduce himself, she thought it was a prank and cheekily responded, “If you’re Dhirubhai Ambani, I’m Elizabeth Taylor,” before hanging up. It took a third call, answered by her father Ravindrabhai Dalal, to confirm the billionaire’s identity and set the wheels of their love story in motion.
From Phone Call to First Meeting: A Humble Romance
After Dhirubhai’s persistence paid off, Nita visited the Ambani residence with her parents. Mukesh, then a 27-year-old Stanford dropout who had returned to India to assist with Reliance Industries, was struck by Nita’s beauty and humility. Despite his family’s wealth, Mukesh’s down-to-earth nature impressed Nita. Their courtship began modestly, with dates that reflected Nita’s middle-class roots rather than the Ambani opulence. She insisted Mukesh ditch his Mercedes for Mumbai’s double-decker buses and savor street food like vada pav, testing his adaptability.
Interesting Fact #2: Mukesh sent Nita red roses every morning during their courtship, a romantic gesture that showcased his affection beyond his family’s wealth. Nita later recalled being charmed by his simplicity, noting how he embraced her lifestyle without hesitation.
Their meetings were not always easy to arrange. Mukesh’s demanding schedule at Reliance often left little time for romance, but Nita’s patience and his persistence bridged the gap. After three weeks of dating, Mukesh knew Nita was “the one”—a realization that led to one of India’s most iconic marriage proposals.
The Proposal: A Traffic Jam Turned Romantic Milestone
The defining moment of the Mukesh and Nita Ambani love story unfolded on Mumbai’s bustling Peddar Road, a scene straight out of a Bollywood script. While driving Nita in his car, Mukesh stopped amid a chaotic traffic jam, turned to her, and asked, “Nita, will you marry me? Say yes or no now.” Caught off guard amidst honking horns and shouting drivers, Nita hesitated, urging him to move the car. But Mukesh, ever the determined romantic, refused to budge until she answered. After asking three times, Nita finally said “yes”—but with a condition.
Interesting Fact #3: Nita’s sole condition for marrying Mukesh was that she could continue working after marriage. True to his word, Mukesh supported her career, allowing her to teach at Sunflower Nursery, where she earned Rs 800 a month—a sum Mukesh jokingly claimed funded their early dinners.
The couple tied the knot on March 8, 1985, in a lavish yet heartfelt ceremony, blending Gujarati traditions with the Ambani flair. Their union marked the beginning of a partnership that would elevate Reliance Industries and redefine Indian philanthropy.
Building a Life Together: Love Beyond Wealth
Mukesh and Nita Ambani’s love story is not just about romance but also about partnership. Nita, who transitioned from teaching to leading Reliance Foundation, credits Mukesh as the “wind beneath her wings.” In a 2024 Bloomberg Television interview, she described him as her best friend and biggest supporter, emphasizing how their shared values of family and ambition have sustained their marriage. Mukesh, in turn, has called Nita his “destiny,” famously stating in a Simi Garewal interview, “I’ve known you for the last seven janams, and we’ll be together for the next seven!”
Interesting Fact #4: Nita continued teaching after marriage, a rare choice for someone marrying into one of India’s richest families. Her Rs 800 monthly salary was a point of pride, symbolizing her independence and grounding their early years.
The couple welcomed twins Akash and Isha in 1991 via IVF, followed by Anant in 1995, born naturally. Raising three children while managing Reliance’s growth tested their bond, but their teamwork shone through. Nita’s hands-on role in family events—like orchestrating Anant’s 2024 wedding to Radhika Merchant—complements Mukesh’s business acumen, making them a formidable duo.
Interesting Facts That Define Their Love Story
- A Dance That Changed Fate: Nita’s Bharatanatyam performance wasn’t just a hobby—it was the spark that ignited her journey to becoming an Ambani. Her skill continues to shine, as seen in her viral dance at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC) launch in 2023.
- Mukesh’s Loyalty: Unlike many high-profile figures, Mukesh has never been linked to infidelity rumors. Social media posts on platforms like Reddit often hail him as a “solid family guy,” a testament to his devotion to Nita.
- A Middle-Class Test: Nita’s insistence on bus rides and street food during courtship revealed Mukesh’s humility, a trait that endeared him to her and disproved assumptions of entitlement.
- The Traffic Jam Proposal: Mukesh’s refusal to move the car until Nita said yes has become legendary, with Nita later asking, “What if I’d said no?” Mukesh’s reply—“I’d have dropped you home and stayed friends”—reflected his gentlemanly charm.
- Cultural Legacy: Their love story inspired the grandeur of their children’s weddings, notably Anant and Radhika’s 2024 extravaganza, which Nita planned meticulously, showcasing her role as the family’s cultural anchor.
Challenges and Triumphs: A Love That Endures
The Mukesh and Nita Ambani love story faced its share of trials. The 2002 death of Dhirubhai Ambani led to a bitter feud between Mukesh and his brother Anil, splitting Reliance into two entities. Nita stood by Mukesh during this tumultuous period, helping him navigate the fallout and rebuild Reliance Industries into a global powerhouse. Their Antilia residence—a 27-story skyscraper in Mumbai valued at over $1 billion—symbolizes their triumph, though Nita’s grounded nature keeps their family life relatable.
Interesting Fact #5: Nita’s early skepticism about Mukesh’s wealth—she didn’t say yes instantly despite knowing he was an Ambani—underscored her focus on character over riches, a value that has kept their marriage strong.
Legacy of Love: Inspiring Generations
As of February 20, 2025, Mukesh and Nita Ambani remain India’s quintessential billionaire couple, with a combined family fortune exceeding $117.8 billion (Forbes, 2024). Their love story transcends wealth, rooted in mutual respect and shared dreams. Nita’s Reliance Foundation has transformed education and healthcare, while Mukesh’s leadership has made Reliance a telecom and energy giant. Together, they own the Mumbai Indians IPL team, blending business with passion.
Their influence extends to their children—Akash, Isha, and Anant—who carry forward their legacy. The 2024 wedding of Anant and Radhika Merchant, a global spectacle spanning Jamnagar, a European cruise, and Mumbai, reflected Nita’s vision and Mukesh’s support, echoing their own union’s grandeur. Videos of them dancing to “Pyaar Hua Iqraar Hua” at the pre-wedding bash went viral, proving their romance remains youthful after 39 years.
Conclusion: A Timeless Indian Love Story
The Mukesh and Nita Ambani love story is a blend of destiny, determination, and devotion. From Dhirubhai’s matchmaking to Mukesh’s traffic-jam proposal, their journey is a masterclass in love that grows stronger with time. Interesting facts—like Nita’s prank call response, Mukesh’s daily roses, and her teaching stint—add layers to their narrative, making it relatable despite their billionaire status. As an Indian billionaire couple, they inspire not just through wealth but through a partnership that balances ambition with affection. Whether on Peddar Road or in Antilia, Mukesh and Nita Ambani prove that true love is the richest legacy of all.
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