Kokilaben Ambani, 91, widow of Reliance Group founder Dhirubhai Ambani and mother of industrialists Mukesh and Anil Ambani, was airlifted to Mumbai on Friday morning and admitted to HN Reliance Hospital.
Her arrival, accompanied by the Ambani family convoy at the south Mumbai facility, prompted widespread concern. Doctors have not shared details of her condition, and Reliance Industries has yet to issue an official statement. Shortly after her admission, Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani was seen at Mumbai’s Kalina airport before proceeding directly to the hospital.
Born on February 24, 1934, in Jamnagar, Gujarat, Kokilaben married Dhirubhai Ambani in 1955 and has long been a central figure in one of India’s most influential business families. She is mother to four children Mukesh Ambani (chairman, Reliance Industries), Anil Ambani (chairman, Reliance ADA Group), Nina Kothari, and Dipti Salgaocar.
While not involved in daily operations at Reliance, Kokilaben has been a unifying force within the family. The Ambani family collectively holds about 50.39% of Reliance Industries, with the remaining 49.61% owned by public shareholders, including foreign institutions. Kokilaben’s personal wealth is estimated at around Rs 18,000 crore, and she owns over 1.57 crore shares of Reliance Industries roughly 0.24% of total equity making her the family member with the largest individual stake; by comparison, Mukesh Ambani holds about 0.12%.
Following Dhirubhai Ambani’s death in 2002, she played a pivotal role in mediating between her sons during the high-profile restructuring of the Reliance empire, helping to maintain family cohesion.
Kokilaben has also been closely associated with philanthropy and social initiatives, particularly in healthcare. The Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai one of India’s leading multi-specialty centres—stands as a testament to her commitment to public welfare.
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