Throwback interview of Mukesh Ambani getting emotional after recalling his father, Dhirubhai Ambani's first cerebral stroke.
Born on December 28, 1932, as Dhirajlal Hirachand Ambani, Dhirubhai Ambani made a name for himself in the business world with his hard work and intelligence. He left a significant impact on society and inspired millions to dream big. Dhirubhai Ambani started his journey as an errand runner and later started off with a small firm in Yemen. He then created Reliance Industries, which is one of the biggest multinationals today!
Dhirubhai Ambani was not just a great business tycoon but also an excellent husband and a doting father and grandfather. He and his wife, Kokilaben Ambani, are blessed with four kids, Mukesh Ambani, Anil Ambani, Deepti Salgaocar and Neena Kothari. Dhirubhai shared a warm bond with his children and stood as their pillar of strength at each stage of their lives.
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It was on February 16, 1986, when Dhirubhai Ambani suffered his first cerebral stroke. Dhirubhai Ambani’s stroke had a traumatising effect on his son, Mukesh Ambani, for whom, his father was his pillar of strength. In one of his television interviews, Mukesh Ambani remembered the day and recalled what happened exactly.
Talking about the same, Mukesh stated how the day is etched in his heart and shared:
"My father and I were watching a cricket match, and suddenly he said, 'Mukesh! My back is hurting.' And within 5-10 seconds, he suffered his first stroke and pass out into unconsciousness. Doctors told us that the next 24 hours are critical. All of us were there round the clock. When he gained consciousness, and again as luck would have it, I was in front of him."
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Choking back his tears, Mukesh recalled the tragic moment and that when his father gained consciousness, he looked at Mukhesh and told him not to worry as he would make it. It was the most painful moment for any son to see his father like this. Continuing after a small pause, Mukesh said:
“That strikes me even now. It's indelible you know. Normally, people would worry about what happened to me and where am I, and here is this person, who says, 'You don't worry. I am still around for you and I'll make it."
After the first stroke, Dhirubhai Ambani’s right hand got paralysed. Following his first stroke, Dhirubhai Ambani handed Reliance Industries to his sons, Mukesh Ambani and Anil Ambani. The business magnate suffered another stroke on June 24, 2002, and was admitted to the Breach Candy Hospital. He was in a coma and was put on lie support for one week. On July 6, 2002, Dhirubhai Ambani bid adieu to the world.
Despite being a workhorse, Dhirubhai Ambani always had time for his family. He brought out the best in his children as he always gave them space to grow and shine on their own. Over the years, Mukesh Ambani admitted in various interviews that his father was his biggest inspiration, who not just moulded him into the person he is today but gave him the confidence to achieve his dreams.
For Mukesh Ambani and Anil Ambani, their father, Dhirubhai Ambani had been the guiding light in their lives, who taught them to dream big and never give up.
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