Anil Ambani once stood among the most powerful and wealthiest businessmen in India. As the younger son of industrialist Dhirubhai Ambani and the brother of Mukesh Ambani, Anil played a pivotal role in shaping India’s corporate landscape in the early 2000s. With ambitious investments in telecom, power, and infrastructure, his empire soared—until it began a dramatic decline. But what is Anil Ambani doing now?
This article explores his journey from boardrooms to bankruptcy claims, his current business activity, public appearances, and his reclusive lifestyle post-controversy.
Rise Through the Reliance Empire
Anil Ambani’s career began as a key player in Reliance Industries, the conglomerate founded by his father. After Dhirubhai Ambani’s death in 2002, a well-publicized feud between Anil and Mukesh led to the division of the company.
In 2005, the brothers reached a settlement, with Anil receiving control of businesses such as telecom (Reliance Communications), power (Reliance Power), financial services (Reliance Capital), and entertainment (Reliance Entertainment). He formed the Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group (ADAG) and quickly became one of India’s most talked-about entrepreneurs.
During this period, Anil was known for bold expansion, high-profile investments, and close ties to both the financial and political spheres of India.
Political Career and Rajya Sabha Tenure
In addition to his corporate activities, Anil Ambani entered politics. He was elected to the Rajya Sabha (Upper House of India’s Parliament) in 2004 as an Independent member representing Uttar Pradesh, with backing from the Samajwadi Party.
Although he served only one term, his position as a parliamentarian further cemented his influence in national affairs. He was viewed as a business-savvy technocrat whose presence in the legislature symbolized the growing closeness of politics and corporate power in India.
However, Anil kept a low profile during his tenure and did not seek re-election, choosing instead to refocus on his business operations.
Fall from Fortune: Business Challenges and Financial Crisis
By the mid-2010s, Anil Ambani’s empire began to unravel. His ambitious ventures in telecom and infrastructure faced mounting debt, intense competition, and regulatory hurdles. The collapse of Reliance Communications (RCom)—once valued in billions—was a major turning point.
RCom filed for bankruptcy in 2019, and Anil was declared insolvent in UK courts in 2020, claiming his net worth had effectively collapsed. In a widely reported case involving loans from Chinese banks, he stated under oath that his net worth was “zero.”
Multiple companies under the ADAG umbrella faced financial strain. Ratings agencies downgraded group companies, and lenders initiated legal action to recover dues. This dramatic fall from grace shocked the business world, considering Anil had once been richer than his brother Mukesh, according to Forbes in 2008.
Legal Challenges and Controversies
Anil Ambani’s downfall was not limited to financial losses. He became embroiled in legal battles in India and abroad. One of the most publicized controversies involved his company’s role in the Rafale fighter jet deal between India and France.
Although no legal wrongdoing was proven against him personally, questions about conflict of interest and political favoritism drew sharp criticism. These incidents further tarnished his reputation and reduced his presence in public business forums.
Additionally, enforcement agencies in India investigated various financial irregularities across his group companies. While Anil has largely avoided public comment, his legal team has consistently denied allegations of misconduct.
Shift in Public Presence and Media Silence
Once a regular fixture at industry events and business summits, Anil Ambani has adopted a low profile since his financial troubles became public. He is rarely seen in the media and avoids public statements or interviews.
Unlike his brother Mukesh Ambani—who has maintained high visibility with global partnerships and high-profile investments—Anil has receded from the limelight. His reclusive approach reflects a strategic withdrawal from the public stage, possibly to manage ongoing legal and business restructuring efforts privately.
Current Business Activities
Despite massive setbacks, Anil Ambani has not completely exited the business world. His flagship companies—Reliance Infrastructure, Reliance Capital, and Reliance Entertainment—continue to operate, though on a much smaller scale.
Reliance Infrastructure, involved in power and infrastructure projects, is still active in parts of India. However, it has faced asset sales, reduced project pipelines, and increased debt restructuring.
Reliance Entertainment, which once co-produced films in Hollywood and Bollywood, has scaled back operations. The company has shifted focus to digital content and smaller regional projects.
Anil’s involvement today is reportedly limited, with professionals handling day-to-day operations as debt resolution continues. He remains a director in some firms but with less executive authority.
Personal Life and Family
Anil Ambani is married to Tina Ambani, a former Bollywood actress and chairperson of the Harmony Foundation. The couple has two sons, Jai Anmol and Jai Anshul, both of whom have been introduced to business roles within the group.
Tina has continued to maintain her social and charitable engagements, particularly in elderly care and cultural preservation. The family currently resides in Mumbai but keeps a discreet public profile.
While Anil rarely makes public appearances, Tina occasionally represents the family at social events, signaling a unified public front despite the controversies.
Health and Well-Being
There have been periodic reports about Anil Ambani’s health, especially during court proceedings where his appearance raised concern. His legal team once cited deteriorating health as a reason to postpone court hearings abroad.
However, no verified medical disclosures have been released, and Anil himself has not commented on his health status. He is reportedly focusing on stress management and recovery, maintaining a private lifestyle away from public scrutiny.
Is Anil Ambani Planning a Comeback?
Speculation about a comeback persists, especially in the Indian media. Some believe Anil Ambani is quietly restructuring his businesses to stage a return. Others argue that the scale of financial damage and public trust erosion make it difficult for him to regain his earlier stature.
While no grand announcements have been made, the continued operation of some group companies suggests he has not exited the business ecosystem entirely. Whether this will lead to a second act remains to be seen.
Anil Ambani’s Place in Indian Business History
Anil Ambani’s story is often cited as a cautionary tale about the risks of aggressive expansion, over-leverage, and high-stakes competition. From topping billionaire lists to facing insolvency claims, his journey reflects the volatility of modern business.
Despite his fall from grace, his earlier achievements remain significant. He helped build some of India’s most critical telecom and infrastructure networks and introduced foreign capital into Indian entertainment in unprecedented ways.
His legacy, while complicated, is a chapter in the story of India’s economic liberalization and corporate transformation in the early 21st century.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Anil Ambani still running any businesses?
Yes, although on a smaller scale. Companies like Reliance Infrastructure and Reliance Entertainment are still operational, with Anil Ambani maintaining limited involvement.
What happened to Reliance Communications?
Reliance Communications filed for bankruptcy in 2019 due to heavy debt and intense market competition. It was once a flagship company of Anil Ambani’s group.
Was Anil Ambani declared bankrupt?
In 2020, Anil Ambani declared in a UK court that his net worth was zero in a case related to loans from Chinese banks. However, this declaration was part of legal proceedings and remains subject to interpretation.
Is Anil Ambani planning a comeback?
As of now, there is no official announcement. However, some business operations continue, indicating he may be planning a gradual restructuring.
Where is Anil Ambani now?
Anil Ambani currently resides in Mumbai and maintains a very private life, with minimal public appearances and reduced corporate involvement.