Asia’s richest person and Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani did not take any salary this year. Moreover, this marks the sixth consecutive year he refused even a single rupee. According to the company’s annual report, he received no salary, allowances, facilities, or retirement benefits in FY2025-26. Instead, dividend income remains his main earning source.
Voluntary Decision Behind Skipping Salary
Earlier, Ambani limited annual remuneration to Rs 15 crore from FY2008-09 to FY2019-20. Then, beginning FY2020-21, he voluntarily gave up salary amid the Covid-19 pandemic. Furthermore, he decided not to draw pay until Reliance and its businesses regained full earning capacity. Consequently, he continued this voluntary decision through FY2021-22, FY2022-23, FY2023-24, FY2024-25, and FY2025-26. Meanwhile, Reliance posted its highest-ever profit of Rs 95,754 crore, and its market value reached Rs 18.19 lakh crore.
Dividend Remains Main Income
Ambani’s main income comes from dividends. With nearly $100 billion net worth, he ranks as the world’s 21st richest person. Directly, he owns 1.61 crore Reliance shares, which provided Rs 9.66 crore as dividend income for FY2024-25. Meanwhile, cousins Nikhil and Hital Meswani maintained remuneration at Rs 25 crore each, including salary, allowances, retirement benefits, and profit commission. Additionally, Executive Director P M S Prasad saw remuneration rise to Rs 20.58 crore in FY2025-26 from Rs 19.96 crore in FY2024-25.
Children Join Board Without Salary
Ambani’s three children, Isha, Akash, and Anant joined the board in October 2023. However, they received no salary for their roles. Instead, they earned only meeting fees and profit commissions. For example, Akash and Isha each earned Rs 5 lakh as meeting fees and Rs 2.5 crore as commission.
Leadership and Legacy
Finally, Ambani has served on Reliance’s board since 1977 and became chairman in July 2002 after Dhirubhai Ambani’s death. In 2023, the company reappointed him for another five-year term until April 2029. During this tenure, he again chose not to take any salary, demonstrating long-term commitment and strategic leadership.
