The Ambani family is often described as the most influential business dynasty in India, shaping the country’s economy for decades. At the heart of this empire stands Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani, the 91-year-old matriarch, mother of industrialists Mukesh Ambani and Anil Ambani.
On August 21, 2025, news broke that Kokilaben Ambani was airlifted to the HN Reliance Foundation Hospital in Mumbai after a sudden health complication. Family members rushed to her side, sparking nationwide concern and media attention. While the hospital has not released an official health bulletin, reports indicate she is being treated for age-related ailments under the supervision of senior doctors.
This report takes a closer look not only at today’s developments but also at Kokilaben Ambani’s remarkable life journey, her pivotal role in shaping the Ambani empire, her financial influence, and her legacy as one of India’s most respected women.
1. The Health Emergency: What We Know So Far
- Incident Timeline
Late Thursday night, Kokilaben Ambani was flown to Mumbai by air ambulance due to deteriorating health. She was immediately admitted to the Reliance Foundation Hospital, a state-of-the-art facility built under the philanthropic initiatives of her son, Mukesh Ambani. - Family Response
Video clips circulated online showed Mukesh Ambani, Anil Ambani, and other family members arriving in a convoy at the hospital. Their presence underscored the gravity of the situation, though the family has remained tight-lipped about her condition. - Medical Status
While official statements are yet to be released, sources suggest she is under close observation for age-related complications.
This sudden health scare has highlighted her importance, not just as a mother and grandmother, but as the binding force of the Ambani family.
2. Early Life & Marriage to Dhirubhai Ambani
- Born in Jamnagar, Gujarat (1934)
Kokilaben hailed from a traditional Gujarati family. She grew up witnessing the final years of British rule and the early struggles of independent India. - Marriage to Dhirubhai (1955)
In 1955, she married Dhirubhai Ambani, a man who would later go on to become the founder of Reliance Industries and one of the most iconic business leaders in Indian history. Their marriage was not just a union of two individuals, but the beginning of a business dynasty. - Family Life
The couple had four children:- Mukesh Ambani – Chairman and Managing Director of Reliance Industries
- Anil Ambani – Former Chairman of Reliance Group
- Nina Kothari – Businesswoman
- Dipti Salgaocar – Married into the Goa-based Salgaocar family
Kokilaben’s role as a homemaker went far beyond the domestic sphere. She was a support system for Dhirubhai as he built Reliance from a small textile company into India’s largest conglomerate.
3. Role After Dhirubhai Ambani’s Death
When Dhirubhai Ambani passed away in 2002 without leaving a formal will, the Reliance empire faced a crisis. The feud between Mukesh and Anil over control of the business empire threatened to destabilize the family’s legacy.
It was Kokilaben who stepped in as mediator, ensuring the brothers reached a settlement. Her intervention helped divide the empire into two parts:
- Mukesh retained Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) with petrochemicals, oil, and telecom.
- Anil took charge of Reliance ADA Group, with businesses in telecom, infrastructure, and entertainment.
This decision not only preserved family unity but also allowed both sons to pursue independent business paths.
Her ability to balance tradition, family loyalty, and corporate responsibility earned her respect across India’s business circles.
4. Financial Standing: The Quiet Billionaire
Despite her understated public image, Kokilaben Ambani is one of India’s wealthiest women.
- Reliance Shareholding
She holds around 1.57 crore shares of Reliance Industries, equivalent to 0.24% of the company’s equity. With Reliance’s current market valuation, this stake is worth nearly ₹18,000 crore. - Comparison with Mukesh Ambani
Interestingly, Kokilaben owns a higher personal stake in Reliance than her son Mukesh Ambani, who holds about 0.12%. This fact often surprises many, highlighting her silent yet powerful financial influence. - Lifestyle & Values
Despite immense wealth, Kokilaben is known for her simplicity and traditional lifestyle. A devout vegetarian, she follows the Vaishnav tradition and enjoys Gujarati cuisine. She has a fondness for Mercedes-Benz cars but otherwise leads a life centered around family and spirituality.
5. Personal Traits & Public Image
Kokilaben has always remained in the background, letting her children and grandchildren take the spotlight. Yet, her influence has been significant in shaping the values and discipline within the family.
- Religious Devotion
She is a follower of Shrinath Ji and has ensured that her children are deeply rooted in spiritual traditions despite their global business presence. - Philanthropy
While her children spearhead large-scale philanthropic initiatives, Kokilaben has inspired many of Reliance’s charitable activities in health, education, and community service. - Grandmotherly Figure
To her grandchildren—including Akash, Isha, and Anant Ambani—she is a guiding presence. Family members often speak about her emphasis on simplicity, humility, and togetherness.
6. The Ambani Matriarch’s Legacy
Kokilaben Ambani’s legacy extends beyond wealth:
- Preserver of Family Unity – She ensured the Ambani empire did not collapse during its most vulnerable phase.
- Custodian of Values – Her upbringing instilled simplicity and cultural traditions within a global business empire.
- Silent Power – With billions in personal wealth, she remains one of India’s richest women, yet she avoids the limelight.
- Symbol of Resilience – At 91, her life story mirrors India’s own journey from scarcity to global prominence.
7. Current Scenario: What Lies Ahead
As of today, Kokilaben Ambani remains under treatment in Mumbai. While her exact health status is yet to be confirmed, her hospitalization has sparked concern across India. Social media has been flooded with prayers and wishes for her recovery.
Given her age, her health is a matter of deep emotional importance not just to her family but also to millions of Indians who see her as the matriarch of modern Indian business.
Conclusion
Kokilaben Ambani has lived a life that intertwines with the story of modern India. From being the wife of a visionary entrepreneur to becoming the mother of Asia’s richest man, her journey has been extraordinary.
Her hospitalization is a reminder of her irreplaceable role within the Ambani household. While Mukesh and Anil may control empires worth billions, it is Kokilaben who continues to embody the soul and unity of the Ambani family.
As the nation awaits updates on her health, one thing remains certain: her influence and legacy will endure far beyond the present moment.
📌 Kokilaben Ambani: Life & Legacy Timeline
1934
- Born in Jamnagar, Gujarat.
- Grew up in a traditional Gujarati household.
1955
- Married Dhirubhai Ambani.
- Began her journey as the pillar of support behind one of India’s most ambitious entrepreneurs.
1957–1970s
- Witnessed Reliance’s rise from a textile trading company to a polyester giant.
- Supported Dhirubhai during the company’s early struggles and expansion.
1980s
- Reliance Industries emerged as a publicly listed company.
- Family wealth and influence began to skyrocket.
2002
- Dhirubhai Ambani passed away without a formal will.
- Kokilaben mediated between Mukesh and Anil, ensuring a division of assets while preserving family harmony.
2005
- Official settlement announced:
- Mukesh Ambani retained Reliance Industries (oil, gas, petrochemicals, telecom).
- Anil Ambani took control of Reliance ADA Group (power, telecom, infrastructure).
2010–2020
- Remained a unifying figure in the family.
- Played a guiding role in the upbringing of grandchildren Akash, Isha, and Anant Ambani.
2022–2023
- Present at key Ambani family weddings and business events.
- Symbol of continuity and tradition within one of India’s wealthiest families.
2025 (Present)
- At 91 years old, admitted to HN Reliance Foundation Hospital due to health complications.
- Family members including Mukesh and Anil Ambani seen at her side.
- Her health condition sparks nationwide concern, with millions praying for her recovery.
“At 91, Kokilaben Ambani’s health struggle has become a moment of collective emotion for millions of Indians who see in her the strength, grace, and resilience that built a legacy alongside Dhirubhai Ambani. Today, as prayers pour in from across the nation, her life stands as a reminder that true greatness is not only measured in wealth and empire, but in the love, unity, and inspiration one leaves behind.”
