Childhood friend of Mukesh Ambani, dubbed as Dhirubhai Ambani's 'third son', abandoned his own enterprise to join Reliance. His son is identified as...
Friendship and Business: The Remarkable Story of Mukesh Ambani and Anand Jain
Updated: Jun 02, 2025, 6:14 PM IST
Success often thrives on strong connections, and that's no different in the world of billionaires. A select few maintain friendships that extend beyond wealth and fame, maintaining trust and reliability at the forefront. One such relationship is that of India's richest businessman, Mukesh Ambani, and his confidant, Anand Jain.
Bulletproof bonds forged in the crucible of ambition
Billionaires boast a tight-knit circle that is often more akin to family than mere acquaintances. While the corporate world is a battlefield, there are rare jewels, such as Ambani and Jain, who maintain unyielding friendships and loyalty, despite their towering wealth and fame.
According to recent reports, Anand Jain, an influential figure in the business world, is considered the collective third son of Dhirubhai Ambani, owing to his invaluable contribution to the empire. This friendship dates back to their school days at Mumbai's Hill Grange High School, when they stood beside each other as students.
The rise of a business titan
Upon Mukesh's return from Stanford University in 1981, Anand had already joined forces with Dhirubhai Ambani. Influenced by their shared vision, Anand solidified his commitment to Reliance Industries, setting the stage for a symbiotic partnership that would span decades.
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In the mid-1980s, Anand Jain, the Chairman of Jai Corp Limited, left his ventures in Delhi and catapulted into the limelight in RIL. While dominating the Bombay Stock Exchange, he maneuvered past the kingpin Manu Manek, cementing his own position within the Reliance Group. In his tenure with the company, Anand served as vice-chairman of Reliance Capital, and also held a seat on the board of its Petro Chemicals Ltd-arm.
Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Anand's net worth soared, and, at one point, he was recognized as a billionaire, ranking 11th on Forbes India's 40 Richest list in 2007[1]. However, subsequent years saw his net worth decrease to a reported $525 million[1] by 2022. Despite this decline, Anand Jain remains a critical figure in the expansive ventures of Reliance Industries, particularly in real estate and capital markets.
Navigating the complexities of corporate giants
Anand Jain proves his worth as a strategic advisor to Mukesh Ambani, guiding the entrepreneur through his intricate business transactions and offering essential insights. Remarkably, he performs this role without drawing a salary, demonstrating his commitment to the MB Group's broad interests and trust in Mukesh's leadership.
Behind the scenes of a man of mystery
Privacy is paramount for Anand Jain, who keeps his personal life under wraps. Married to his partner Sushma, they share two children—Neha and Harsh. Harsh, an entrepreneurial spirit, co-founded Dream11, a popular fantasy sports platform that has garnered considerable attention and appreciation.
Amidst the glitz and glamour of the business tycoons, Anand Jain maintains a understated presence. His influence in the corporate world is undeniable, but it is his unwavering friendship with Mukesh Ambani that truly sets him apart.
Footnotes:
[1] "Anand Jain net worth 2022," Wealthy Gorilla, https://wealthygorilla.com/anand-jain-net-worth/
Related Topics:
- Mukesh Ambani
- Anand Jain and Mukesh Ambani
- Dream 11
- Harsh Jain
- Beyond wealth and fame, Mukesh Ambani's friendship with Anand Jain continues to stand strong, a testament to their bond forged in the crucible of ambition.
- Forged in their school days at Mumbai's Hill Grange High School, Ambani and Jain's friendship has endured throughout their careers, from Mukesh's return from Stanford University in 1981, to Jain's influential role within the Reliance Industries.
- Anand Jain, alongside being the chairman of Jai Corp Limited, has been a crucial figure in the real estate and capital markets divisions of Reliance Industries, navigating complex corporate connections with ease.
- Reputed for his strategic guidance, Anand offers essential insights to Mukesh Ambani in their business transactions, doing so without drawing a salary, demonstrating his unwavering commitment and trust.
- Although Anand Jain maintains a low-key persona, his influence in the corporate world is undeniable, a stark contrast to his son, Harsh, who co-founded Dream11, gaining attention and appreciation for their popular fantasy sports platform.
- Just like their personal and professional growth, the friendship between Mukesh Ambani and Anand Jain continues to evolve, enduring through time in the world of business, finance, and self-development.
