Anand Jain: Mukesh Ambani’s Closest Ally and Dhirubhai’s ‘Third Son’ Who Helped Build Reliance’s Empire
The billionaire businessman who left his own firm, shaped Reliance’s growth, and fathered the Dream11 co-founder
Anand Jain, a name often spoken in the same breath as Mukesh Ambani, is not just a trusted confidant but widely regarded as the ‘third son’ of Dhirubhai Ambani. From being classmates at Hill Grange High School in Mumbai to becoming strategic pillars of the Reliance empire, the friendship between Anand Jain and Mukesh Ambani spans over five decades.
The move from personal enterprise to the Reliance fold
In 1981, when Mukesh Ambani returned from Stanford, Anand Jain abandoned his Delhi-based business to join Reliance Industries.
- His unwavering loyalty was evident in his decision to work at Reliance for over 25 years without drawing a salary.
- His bond with the Ambani family strengthened under Dhirubhai Ambani’s mentorship, who treated him like a son in spirit.
The brain behind Reliance Infocomm and real estate deals
Jain played a crucial role in developing Reliance Infocomm, India’s telecom revolution.
- He is considered Mukesh Ambani’s real estate mastermind, often spearheading large-scale investments and infrastructure projects.
- He also held influential positions in public infrastructure, serving on boards of Mumbai Port Trust and Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust.
A billionaire rise and fall
As Chairman of Jai Corp Limited, Jain once climbed to the 11th spot on India’s rich list.
- In 2007, Forbes estimated his net worth at $4 billion (₹33,154 crore), boosted by Jai Corp’s massive ₹3.7 lakh crore valuation.
- By 2012, his net worth saw a significant decline to $525 million (₹4,351 crore), but his legacy and influence remained unshaken.
A family legacy: Dream11 and the next generation
Anand Jain lives in Mumbai with his wife Sushma Jain, and they have two children: Neha and Harsh Jain.
- Harsh Jain is the co-founder and CEO of Dream11, a ₹65,000 crore fantasy sports platform.
- Dream11 became the first Indian fantasy sports unicorn in April 2019, continuing the family’s legacy of entrepreneurial excellence.
Anand Jain’s journey from a school friend to a business strategist and family insider underscores the significance of trust and loyalty in building corporate legacies. His story is not just of wealth, but of steadfast dedication and strategic brilliance.
