'Ambani Hai Ya Bhikhari?' When Nita Ambani Recalled Anant Ambani Was Mocked For Low Pocket Money

When you think of the Ambani family, wealth and luxury are the first things that come to mind. After all, they are India’s richest business dynasty, known for their extravagant lifestyles and a billion-dollar empire. But what if we told you that Anant Ambani, the youngest heir of Mukesh and Nita Ambani, once faced mockery, not for his privilege, but for having too little pocket money? While it might sound unbelievable, this lesser-known chapter from his childhood offers an intriguing glimpse into how it really was growing up as an Ambani.

Anant Ambani’s friends once mocked him for his low pocket money

Growing up as the youngest son of Mukesh and Nita Ambani, Anant Ambani was no stranger to immense wealth and privilege. Yet, despite belonging to India’s richest family, his upbringing was grounded in middle-class values, teaching him the importance of money and humility. In an old interview, Nita Ambani shared a humorous yet thought-provoking incident from Anant’s childhood that revealed how even the son of a billionaire wasn’t immune to childhood taunts. She shared:

“When my kids were still young, I’d give them Rs 5 each every Friday to spend in the school canteen. One day, my youngest, Anant, came running into my bedroom and demanded he be given Rs 10 instead. When I questioned him, he said his pals in school laughed whenever they saw him take out a five-rupee coin, saying, ‘Ambani hai ya bhikari!’ Mukesh and I couldn’t help but crack up.”

The business tycoon, Mukesh Ambani, despite his busy schedule, was a hands-on father. His doting wife, Nita Ambani, once reminded him that while he was shaping the future of Reliance and the country, he also needed to shape the future of their children, for which it was equally necessary to give them adequate time growing up. Nita shared:

“I told him, you may be busy influencing the future of Reliance and the country, but you better influence the future of your kids too. I believe that it’s not just quality but also the quantity of time spent with the kids that makes them sound individuals.” 

What was it like to grow up in one of the most respectable and richest families in the world? 

Despite studying at Dhirubhai Ambani International School, owned by his father, Anant experienced childhood like any other kid. His parents ensured that money never became a reason for entitlement but rather a lesson in responsibility. This approach shaped him into the businessman he is today.

Isha Ambani, Anant’s elder sister, echoed her parents’ values and sentiments in an interview with Vogue, revealing that despite the demanding careers of their parents, they were always present at every point of their lives. Talking about her experience growing up as an Ambani, Isha said:

“The surprising truth is that though my parents were exceptionally busy, they were really hands-on. I was born in 1991, right after Liberalisation, which was a real inflection point for the Indian economy — it was the first time that Indian companies could dream of global scale. I saw my father work very hard to chase that dream and build Reliance into the organisation that it is today. And though he worked long hours, he was always there when we needed him. At home, we were raised to have the same value system that our parents grew up with. They made sure we understood the value of money, hard work and humility.”

Today, Anant Ambani is a director at Reliance New Energy Business and plays a significant role in the family’s business empire. According to media reports, his net worth has soared to an estimated 40 billion US Dollars! Surely, no one would dare to mock him now!

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