You thought Mukesh Ambani launching Reliance Jio was grand? Well, Nita was grander
Nita Ambani has been wearing many hats with aplomb.
She's the chairperson and founder of Reliance Foundation and a non-executive director of Reliance Industries. She's the owner of a very successful IPL franchise - the Mumbai Indians. She was elected as an individual member of the Olympic Committee during the 129th Session of the International Olympics Committee in Rio in August.
As India wakes up to Reliance Jio and the promise of its "disruptive", transformative telecom service, here Nita's speech at the beta launch event of Reliance Jio 4G at Reliance Corporate Park in Ghansoli on December 27 last year.
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| Nita Ambani serenaded by Shah Rukh Khan at Reliance Jio beta launch in December 2015. [YouTube grab.] |
She was serenaded by none other than Shah Rukh Khan as the Bollywood superstar confessed that Nita Ambani was not only a good influence on her own children - Akash, Isha and Anant, but also on SRK's kids Aryan and Suhani, who study at Dhirubhai Ambani International School.
Looking resplendent in a soft pink traditional zari dress and beautiful emerald-laden jewellery, and escorted by a dapper Shah Rukh on stage, Nita Ambani looked every bit the part of the arch-empress of a staggering business empire.
And she had a short speech to go with the ensemble, like a 24 carat diamond on a well-manicured hand. Here are few wow moments from its brilliant shine.
Namaskar must be said twice
Nita starts with a "namaskar" that's the choicest introductory word for all the Miss Indias representing their awesome country at pageants like Miss Universe or Miss World. But there's a lesson she imparts even as she tries on this rehearsed phrase.
She says it again.
"Namaskar. To my Reliance Family. On this historic occasion. Namaskar."
Got it, beauty queens? You greet only twice.
She's presides on India's No 1 international school
Nita Ambani is as enthusiastic about Dhirubhai Ambani International School being ranked the "No. 1 international school in India" for the third year in a row as she is about Mumbai Indians winning the IPL trophy.
Though that should take us on a tangent and unearth what exactly is meant by an "international school", but that's for another day.
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| Nita Ambani with Akash and Isha at Reliance Jio beta launch in December 2015. [YouTube grab.] |
She's gently indulgent
Even though Akash Ambani thanks "Mrs Ambani" while Isha thanks her "Mummy", Nita dodges the silliness bullet the way an ace batsman deflects a ball aimed straight for the wicket.
So Isha may spill some of the backstage beans about how their mother would give them a piece of her mind over onstage image management, but Nita remains smiling as ever.
It's all in the family
The picture-perfect frame of a happy mother with her two well-brought up children drives home the values Nita has always stood for. Family has been an important part of the Reliance group, whether in terms of managing its assets, or treating its shareholders.
It's a big Karan Johar movie, seriously.
She's a great influence
Everyone swears by Nita's warmth and generosity. From Shah Rukh Khan to Sachin Tendulkar, Nita's friendly presence has touched lives.
SRK confesses out loud that he would have been a "bad influence" on his kids, but for Nita's caring presence.
As she introduces Jio as a celebration of life itself, she underlines the idea that at the end of the day, services such as telecom are about bringing communities, families and people together.
Move over St Teresa of Calcutta. Nita Ambani's healthcare and education are bathed in greater, selfless love.