Mukesh Ambani
Here’s the rags-to-riches story of Mukesh Ambani from modest origins to Asia’s richest person. A classic zero to hero tale based on vision, risk, and raw ambition. Born on April 19, 1957, in Yemen. Son of Dhirubhai Ambani (great business magnate), Kokilaben Ambani. Brought up in a small 2-bedroom flat in Mumbai. Though the business of his father was expanding, the Ambanis lived modestly Mukesh would travel around by public transport and did not enjoy a luxurious life as a kid.
Education
School: Hill Grange High School, Mumbai
College: Chemical Engineering at ICT (Mumbai). MBA in Stanford University (Dropped out in 1981 to take up the family business)
Mukesh dropped out of Stanford in 1981 and became a part of his father’s business house, Reliance Industries, at the time a textile-focused firm. He was assigned to construct the Petrochemicals and Polyester filament yarn (PFY) complex at Patalganga—his debut major project
His Growth Under His Leadership
1. Diversification
Brought Reliance from textiles to petrochemicals, refining, oil & gas exploration.
2. World‘s Largest Refinery
Established Jamnagar Refinery (Gujarat)—the world‘s largest—in record time.
It produces 1.24 million barrels/day. Mad scale!
3. Telecom Revolution – Jio
In 2016, launched Reliance Jio, providing free data & calls during trial.
In months, Jio had over 100 million users, disrupting the entire telecom sector.
Today, Jio is a market leader and revolutionized digital access in India.
4. Retail & E-commerce
Reliance Retail is now India‘s largest retailer, with presence from grocery (JioMart) to fashion and electronics.
Net Worth & Successes
Net Worth (2025): More than $100 billion. He is Asia’s richest man by Forbes several times. And CEO of Reliance Industries, a company valued among India’s top companies. Built Reliance into a conglomerate of tech, telecom, retail, and energy.
Lifestyle Today
Lives in Antilia, one of the world‘s most costly private homes (worth ~$2 billion), in Mumbai. Despite his wealth, he’s even referred to as a workaholic, disciplined, and highly focused.
Narayana Murthy
Here’s the complete Zero to Hero tale of Narayana Murthy, the unassuming man behind Infosys, also known as the Father of the Indian IT Industry. His life is a masterclass in resilience, ethics, and quiet revolution.
Nagavara Ramarao Narayana Murthy. Born August 20, 1946, in Shidlaghatta, Karnataka, India. He is Middle-class, simple living, strong emphasis on education.
Narayana Murthy Bright student, interested in mathematics and technology
Education
Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering from the National Institute of Engineering, Mysuru. Master’s in M.Tech from IIT Kanpur
He was fascinated by computer science even before it was popular in India. Did stints in Pune-based Softronics, followed by Patni Computer Systems.
Once dubbed “not entrepreneurial material”—something he would later prove very wrong! In 1981, with a mere ₹10,000 borrowed from his wife, Sudha Murthy, Narayana Murthy co-founded Infosys along with 6 friends. The office was small, equipment was minimal, and capital was minimal. Infosys floundered in its initial years—no large clients, bureaucracy, inadequate infrastructure.
Murthy emphasized:
Robust ethics
Client confidence
Employee-centric culture
Global vision with Indian heritage
During the 1990s, Infosys started having global clients, providing affordable tech services.
Was among the first Indian firms to be listed on NASDAQ. Today, Infosys is a global IT behemoth with more than $18B in revenue and 350,000+ employees. Murthy resigned as CEO in 2002 but continues to be an inspiration. Reputed for honesty, frugality, and openness in corporate governance. His Net Worth is approximately $4–5 billion. Lives a humble lifestyle—travels economy, shuns indulgences, and places strong emphasis on honesty.
Family
Wife: Sudha Murthy – novelist, philanthropist, and Chairperson, Infosys Foundation.
Son: Rohan Murty – academic and entrepreneur
Daughter-in-law: Akshata Murty – spouse of UK PM Rishi Sunak
Awards & Recognition
Padma Vibhushan (2008)
Fortune’s “12 Greatest Entrepreneurs of Our Time”
Honorary doctorates from various global universities
Recognized worldwide as the moral face of Indian business
Life Lessons from Narayana Murthy
Begin small, remain ethical
Build value before pursuing valuation
Simplicity is a superpower
Have faith in people and give them power
Lead with purpose, not ego