Since, the Waqf board has made a stir across the country, it has brought Mukesh Ambani's 'Antilia' into the news, let's tell you more about Currimbhoy Ebrahim, who originally owned the land.
Mukesh Ambani's Antilia is one of the most popular attractions in Mumbai's 'City Of Dreams'. The 27-storey architectural wonder is a great example of luxury and wealth. Since it's the private residence of one of Asia's richest businessmen and his family, no stone has been left unturned to ensure the comfort of its residents. However, the towering structure has always which has left the onlookers spellbound, recently made news after AIMIM leader, Asaduddin Owaisi, raised questions about Antilia's land. Amid the whole fiasco, one important personality, Currimbhoy Ebrahim, shouldn't be missed out.
According to Asaduddin Owaisi's viral video, Antilia is a significant jewel of Mumbai and stands on the Currimbhoy Ebrahim's land who donated it to make Currimbhoy Ebrahim Khoja Yateemkhana. Kareem Bhai Ibrahim (or Currimbhoy Ebrahim) was a wealthy shipowner and philanthropist. It was situated at Altamount Road, Cumbala Hill, Mumbai. He belonged to the Currimbhoy family and was an exceptional businessman who hailed from the coastal town of Mandvi. His family created a vast trading empire worldwide in the late 19th century, spreading across Arabia, Zanzibar, China and Japan.
Being one of the wealthiest members of his family, Currimbhoy donated his money to several significant causes. He gave money for making museums, schools, hospitals for mothers and rest houses for widows and travellers, which changed the city's face. Moreover, he was honoured with the knighthood by the Prince of Wales himself during his tour in 1905, and he became the only Muslim Baronet in the world in 1910.
Among other things, the land of Antilia he originally gave to build an orphanage was close to his heart. As per a few websites, at 16, Currimbhoy started E.Pabaey, a trading company, with the help of his family members. He tied the knot twice, first with Bai Foolbai Gangji, and they had ten children. He had eleven more children after his second marriage to Bai Foolbia Sajan. However, there is no official confirmation on the number of his children.
The orphanage was founded in 1895, and offered care and education to the Khoja Muslims. But, in the late 80s, the Waqf board ran it. However, the trust running it took permission and sold the 4,532-square-metre land to Mukesh Ambani's, Antilia Commercial Private Limited in July 2002. The Reliance chairman bought it for USD 2.5 million, whereas the existing market value of the land during that year was at least USD 18 million. The deal sparked widespread protests by the Waqf board, local politicians and activists for its pricing and purpose. But, the sale later got official approval and necessary permissions, beginning the process of Antilia's construction.
Mukesh Ambani worked hard to build the best residence for his family and attracts tourists to take a view at it from across the streets. Presently, Antilia, one of the most well-known residence in the world is valued at USD 4.6 billion.
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