When people talk about the rise of Indian industry, one name that always comes up is Dhirubhai Ambani. Known as the man who laid the foundation for one of India’s most successful business empires — Reliance Industries — his journey from humble beginnings to building a multi-billion-dollar company is truly inspiring.
But did you know that Dhirubhai Ambani was not his real name? And do you know how young he was when he started Reliance? Let’s take a look at the lesser-known details of this business icon’s early life and the birth of the Reliance empire.
What Was Dhirubhai Ambani’s Real Name?
Most Indians and people around the world know him as Dhirubhai Ambani. But in reality, that was not the name given to him at birth. His real name was Dhilalal Hiralal Ambani. ‘Dhirubhai’ was a pet name that people close to him used out of love and affection. Over time, that nickname became the identity that would be remembered in business history.
Born on 28 December 1932, Dhilalal Hiralal Ambani came from a modest background. He passed away on 6 July 2002, but not before transforming a small trading company into one of the biggest business groups in the country.
The Journey from Dhilalal to Dhirubhai: From a Village to a Business Legend
Dhilalal Ambani was born in Chorwad, a small town in Gujarat. His father was a school teacher, and the family lived a very simple life. In his youth, Dhirubhai moved to Yemen and worked at a petrol pump. Even while doing small jobs, he had big dreams. He used his experience in the Gulf countries to understand trade and business better.
In 1958, he returned to India with the ambition to start something of his own. He set up a small textile trading business. This was the early beginning of what we now know as Reliance Industries.
At What Age Did Dhirubhai Ambani Start Reliance?
When most people are just getting started with their careers, Dhirubhai Ambani had already taken a bold step into the world of business. He founded Reliance at the age of just 25 years. That was in the year 1958.
It started with textile manufacturing under the brand name “Vimal,” which became a household name in Indian homes. The company then expanded into petrochemicals, refining, telecommunications, retail, and digital services.
This early start and rapid rise made him one of the most respected business figures not just in India, but globally.
How Mukesh Ambani Took His Father’s Legacy Forward
After Dhirubhai Ambani’s passing in 2002, the company was divided between his two sons, Mukesh Ambani and Anil Ambani. Mukesh Ambani took charge of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) and continued to grow it into a global powerhouse.
Today, Mukesh Ambani is among the richest businessmen in Asia, and RIL is India’s largest company by market capitalisation. It has spread across various industries, including:
- Petrochemicals
- Oil and gas
- Telecom (Jio)
- Retail (Reliance Retail)
- Digital services
How Big is Reliance Industries Today?
Reliance Industries is a giant in the Indian economy. Its market capitalisation has gone beyond ₹19 lakh crore. The stock is trading well over ₹1400, and it continues to show strength.
The company recently declared its Q4 results for the financial year. It posted a net profit of over Rs. 19,000 crore, showing steady growth. Its net worth has crossed ₹10 lakh crore, and the company is eyeing IPOs for its telecom and retail arms soon.
Reliance Jio has already changed the telecom landscape in India, and Reliance Retail is among the top retail companies in the country.
Dhirubhai Among the Youngest Founders in the World
When talking about entrepreneurs who started young, names like Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, and Ritesh Agarwal (OYO) are often remembered. But Dhirubhai Ambani’s story is just as remarkable. He began at 25, without the kind of funding or startup culture we have today.
His success was built on sharp business sense, risk-taking ability, and a vision that went far beyond his time.
Final Thought: From Petrol Pump to India’s Biggest Company
From working at a petrol station in Yemen to creating India’s most valuable company, Dhirubhai Ambani’s journey is a lesson in ambition, resilience, and vision. While many know the empire he built, few know the real name he was born with — Dhilalal Hiralal Ambani.
His story is a reminder that with courage and hard work, even the simplest beginnings can lead to extraordinary success.
Sources: TV9 Hindi
