Last week on the Forbes Rich List, Desis were represented in the top 10. Mukesh Ambani landed in the #7 spot while Lakshmi Mittal took the #8 spot. Ambani, the chairman of Reliance Industries is currently worth $19.5 billion which gives him sole possession as the richest man in India. Unfortunately, they still have a long way to go to reach the richest man in the world worth $40 billion, Bill Gates.
Ambani got his feet wet in business by directing and leading a petroleum factory. However, after his late father set up the telecommunications company Reliance Communications, he was then on the way to becoming a billionaire. However, he ended up fighting with his brother for control of Reliance and their mom had to step in and split up the fortune. Currently he’s waiting to move into the $1 billion, 60 stories high, room for 170 cars, and helipad included house he’s building in Mumbai. By the way, the house is for Ambani, his mother, his wife, and their three kids. I’m guessing they won’t have to worry about space.
Lakshmi Mittal, worth $19.3 billion, made his fortune in the steel industry. Currently he is the chairman and CEO of ArcelorMittal. While his family ran a steel business, Mittal felt that they would profit more if they went international. He ended up taking the family business and branching out globally, however due to family differences; he solely took over the international operation. Mittal and Ambani might want to consider family counseling; I know they can afford it.
While Mukesh Ambani is waiting for his billion dollar home, Mittal is living on the lower end of the luxury spectrum with a 12 bedroom mansion. While Mittal doesn’t have to look after a giant house like Ambani, his career has been filled with controversy and social issues. From slave labor allegations to environmental issues, he has his hands full. And after India disappointed at the Olympics in Beijing, Mittal is setting up a trust to support 10 Indian athletes who could be world record breakers.
