Meet ‘third son’ of Dhirubhai Ambani, very close to Mukesh Ambani, never took any salary even after working for...

Meet close aide of Mukesh Ambani, is a prominent Indian businessman known for his leadership in real estate, finance, and his deep ties with the Ambani family.

Pravrajya Suruchi

Updated : Jan 03, 2025, 10:10 AM IST

Meet ‘third son’ of Dhirubhai Ambani

Anand Jain, the Chairman of Jai Corp Limited, is a prominent figure in Indian business with nearly 30 years of experience in real estate, finance, and capital markets. Known as the "third son" of Dhirubhai Ambani, the founder of Reliance Industries, Jain has built a remarkable career, not only for his business success but also for his close relationship with the Ambani family, especially with Mukesh Ambani, the billionaire leader of Reliance Industries.

Jain's journey with the Ambanis began in the mid-1980s when he joined Reliance Industries. He quickly earned recognition for his skills in the financial world, particularly for dismantling a bear cartel led by Manu Manek, a prominent figure in the Bombay Stock Exchange. Over time, Jain became a trusted advisor to Mukesh Ambani and played a key role in the day-to-day operations of the company. Interestingly, Jain has never received a salary from Reliance, highlighting his dedication to the group's vision and long-term goals.

Jain's bond with Mukesh Ambani is deep-rooted, dating back to their school days at Hill Grange High School in Mumbai. Their relationship is not just professional but also personal, with Jain being a close confidant of Dhirubhai Ambani, the patriarch of the Ambani family. For over 25 years, Jain has been a vital part of Reliance's success, particularly in sectors like telecom and real estate. He has served as Vice Chairman of Reliance Capital and as a board member of Indian Petrochemicals Ltd., contributing to key projects and helping the company expand its reach.

Aside from his work at Reliance, Jain has also played an important role in the real estate industry through his leadership at Urban Infrastructure Venture Capital Limited. His real estate ventures span across 33 projects in 14 cities. However, some of his more ambitious projects, such as developing special economic zones (SEZs) and a port in collaboration with Mukesh Ambani, faced challenges due to land acquisition issues.

Despite his wealth, Jain's focus remains on business development and innovation. In 2007, he was ranked 11th on Forbes India's list of the 40 richest people. His son, Harsh Jain, is a successful entrepreneur, serving as the co-founder and CEO of Dream11, a leading fantasy sports platform in India. Today, Anand Jain’s net worth is estimated at USD 525 million.

Jain’s legacy is not only defined by his business success but also by his enduring loyalty and trustworthiness, making him one of the most respected figures in India’s corporate world. His selflessness and commitment to the Ambani family have earned him a place in India’s business history, and his contributions continue to shape the country's economic landscape.