India’s richest man doesn’t need a paycheck — and he’s proving it for the sixth year in a row. Mukesh Ambani, Chairman and Managing Director of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), has once again drawn zero salary for FY2025-26, even as the company posted its highest-ever annual profit. It’s the kind of headline that makes you do a double take.
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Mukesh Ambani vs Reliance Family — Who Earned What in FY26?
| Person | Role | Remuneration (FY26) |
|---|---|---|
| Mukesh Ambani | CMD, Reliance Industries | ₹0 (Nil) |
| Isha Ambani Piramal | Non-Executive Director | ₹5 lakh (sitting fee) + ₹2.5 crore commission |
| Akash Ambani | Non-Executive Director | ₹5 lakh (sitting fee) + ₹2.5 crore commission |
| Anant Ambani | Exec. Director (from May 1) | ₹12.17 crore |
| P.M.S. Prasad | Executive Director | ₹20.58 crore |
| Nikhil R. Meswani | Executive Director | ₹14.56 crore |
| Hital R. Meswani | Executive Director | ₹14.56 crore |
Six Years, Zero Rupees — The Story Behind the Decision
Ambani initially decided to give up his salary in June 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic, a voluntary decision taken while the country was facing social and economic challenges. What started as a crisis-era gesture has now become a defining statement of leadership philosophy.
Even before the pandemic, Mukesh Ambani had maintained a conservative approach towards his compensation — from FY 2008-09 onwards, he had capped his annual salary at ₹15 crore, a level that remained unchanged for around 12 years despite the company’s rising profits and expanding business operations.
But Reliance Is Doing Better Than Ever
Here’s the irony that makes this story so striking. For the full financial year FY26, Reliance Industries reported revenue of ₹11,75,919 crore (approximately $124 billion), marking a 10% increase over FY25. Annual EBITDA rose 13.4% year-on-year to ₹2,07,911 crore, while profit after tax increased 17.8% to ₹95,754 crore.
The decision to draw zero personal salary was maintained during a year when Reliance achieved historic financial scales, becoming the first Indian corporate entity in history to breach the $10 billion threshold in annual net profits. Lapaas Voice
So How Does India’s Richest Man Actually Make Money?
Good question. The answer lies in the fundamental difference between earned income (salaries) and capital income (asset ownership). As the primary promoter of Reliance Industries, the Ambani family controls an aggregate stake of roughly 50.39% of RIL’s total equity shares. Instead of taking a fixed, heavily taxed salary, Ambani’s income is generated almost entirely through equity dividends distributed to all shareholders out of the firm’s net post-tax profits. Lapaas Voice
The company’s board has recommended a dividend of ₹6 per share for FY26, to be voted on at the 49th AGM scheduled for June 19, 2026.
According to Wikipedia’s overview of Reliance Industries, the conglomerate spans energy, petrochemicals, retail, and digital services — making it one of the most diversified corporate empires in Asia.
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FAQs
Q: Why does Mukesh Ambani take zero salary from Reliance Industries?
Ambani voluntarily gave up his salary in June 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic and has continued the practice since — even as Reliance posted record profits in FY26.
Q: How much did Reliance Industries earn in FY26?
Reliance posted a record profit after tax of ₹95,754 crore and revenue of approximately $124 billion in FY26, its highest-ever annual financial performance.
