Mukesh Ambani Continues Without Salary for Sixth Straight Year

For the sixth consecutive year, Mukesh Ambani has refrained from drawing a salary from Reliance Industries, with dividends remaining his sole income source. This decision aligns with his commitment during the COVID-19 pandemic to forego personal remuneration until the company fully recovered.

Mukesh Ambani, Asia's wealthiest individual, chose not to take a salary from Reliance Industries for the sixth year running. This gesture, which emphasizes financial restraint, underscores his reliance on dividends as his primary source of income from the conglomerate stretching across sectors like oil, telecom, and retail.

This approach began as a response to the economic challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Ambani committed to relinquishing his pay until Reliance regained its full financial strength. The latest company report confirms his decision for the fiscal year 2025-26, during which the company recorded a net profit of Rs 95,754 crore, marking its highest ever.

Ambani's dividend income came to Rs 9.66 crore for FY25, derived from his holdings in 1.61 crore Reliance shares, while the promoter group's 664.5 crore shares secured a Rs 3,987 crore dividend. Notably, executive family members, including Isha, Akash, and Anant Ambani, serve on the board at modest compensations.

This ongoing decision sets Ambani apart in a corporate world often criticized for excessive executive pay. Despite his nil salary, Reliance's market value reached a notable Rs 18,19,103 crore (USD 191.8 billion) in FY26.