Mukesh Ambani the chairman and managing director of Reliance Industries Limited, is a name synonymous with wealth, influence, and innovation. As one of the richest individuals in the world, with a net worth exceeding $119 billion as of 2024, Ambani has built an empire that spans energy, retail, telecommunications, and media. However, one of his most iconic possessions is not a business venture but a residence: Antilia, a 27-storey skyscraper in Mumbai, India, widely regarded as the most expensive private home in Asia and one of the priciest in the world.

Valued at approximately $2 billion (Rs 15,000–17,400 crore), Antilia is more than just a home—it’s a symbol of opulence, architectural ingenuity, and the Ambani family’s vision of luxury. This article delves into the history, design, features, and controversies surrounding Antilia, offering a comprehensive look at this modern marvel.

Mukesh Ambani Genesis of Antilia

Mukesh Ambani Antilia, named after a mythical island in the Atlantic Ocean, was conceptualized as a residence that would blend Indian cultural elements with cutting-edge technology and unparalleled luxury. Located on Altamount Road in South Mumbai, one of the most expensive real estate areas in the world, Antilia occupies a 4,532-square-meter plot in the heart of the city’s Billionaires’ Row. The project began in 2002 when Mukesh Ambani, through Antilia Commercial Private Limited, acquired the land from the Currimbhoy Ebrahim Khoja Yateemkhana, an orphanage run by the Waqf Board, for Rs 210.5 million ($2.5 million). This transaction sparked controversy, as the land’s market value was estimated at Rs 1.5 billion ($18 million), and the sale contravened the Waqf Act, which required permission from the Maharashtra State Board of Waqfs. Despite legal challenges, including a public interest litigation (PIL) in the Supreme Court, the project moved forward after the Bombay High Court dismissed the Waqf Board’s petition.

Construction began in 2006, with the initial phase led by Leighton Asia, an Australian construction company, and completed in 2010 by B.E. Billimoria & Company Ltd. The architectural design was entrusted to Perkins & Will, a Chicago-based firm, while the interiors were crafted by Hirsch Bedner Associates from Los Angeles. Nita Ambani, Mukesh’s wife, played a pivotal role in overseeing the design and construction, ensuring the residence reflected both modern aesthetics and traditional Indian values, such as Vaastu Shastra principles to enhance positive energy flow.

The building was completed in November 2010, but the Ambani family delayed moving in until September 2011 due to concerns about “bad luck” associated with Vaastu issues. A ten-day Griha Pravesh puja, conducted by 50 renowned priests, was held to bless the residence before the family took occupancy. Mukesh Ambani Since then, Antilia has become a global symbol of luxury, hosting high-profile events, including the pre-wedding festivities of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant in 2024, attended by celebrities like Rihanna, Justin Bieber, and political figures like Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg.

Architectural Marvel and Design

Antilia stands 173 meters (568 feet) tall, with 27 floors that have extra-high ceilings, making it equivalent in height to a 60-storey commercial building. Spanning 400,000 square feet, the residence is designed to withstand earthquakes up to a magnitude of 8 on the Richter scale, showcasing its engineering prowess. The architectural theme draws inspiration from the lotus and the sun, motifs that symbolize purity and energy in Indian culture. Mukesh Ambani These elements are incorporated into the building’s facade and interiors, with materials like marble, precious stones, mother-of-pearl, and exotic woods used to create a luxurious aesthetic.

Each floor of Antilia is distinct, with no two levels sharing the same design or layout. The structure features cantilevered floors, vertical gardens, and a facade adorned with glass and colorful tiles, giving it a futuristic yet culturally rooted appearance. The top six floors are reserved as private residential spaces for the Ambani family, including Mukesh, Nita, their sons Anant and Akash, daughter-in-law Shloka Mehta, and grandchildren Veda and Prithvi. The 26th and 27th floors, where the family resides, are chosen for their abundant natural light and superior ventilation, ensuring comfort and privacy in Mumbai’s humid climate.

The interiors are a blend of opulence and functionality, with pastel hues of beige, cream, and brown dominating the color palette. Mukesh Ambani Crystal chandeliers, gold accents, and intricate sculptures adorn the living spaces, while fresh floral arrangements, personally overseen by Nita Ambani, add a touch of elegance. The residence is often referred to as the “Green Tower of Mumbai” due to its eco-friendly features, such as solar panels that generate a significant portion of its energy and rainwater harvesting systems for water conservation.

Unparalleled Amenities

Mukesh Ambani Antilia redefines luxury with its extensive array of amenities, designed to cater to every aspect of the Ambani family’s lifestyle. The residence operates like a five-star hotel, maintained by a staff of approximately 600 trained by India’s luxury Oberoi Hotel Chain. Below is a table summarizing key features of Antilia:

The six floors dedicated to parking house Mukesh Ambani extensive collection of luxury cars, including a Rs 10 crore Mercedes Benz Maybach, Ferrari, Bentley, Tesla, and Rolls-Royce. A dedicated car service station on the seventh floor ensures the fleet is maintained in pristine condition. The hanging gardens, spanning three floors, not only enhance the building’s aesthetic appeal but also serve as an energy-saving feature by deflecting sunlight and reducing heat in the living spaces.

The snow room, a unique feature, allows the family to experience artificial snowflakes, providing relief from Mumbai’s grimy summers. Mukesh Ambani The private temple, located on the eighth floor, features a ceiling made of crystal and gold, reflecting the family’s devotion to Lord Ganesha, the Hindu god of wisdom and good fortune. The 50-seat theatre, equipped with advanced audiovisual systems, hosts private screenings and events, while the health floor includes a spa, fitness centre, yoga and dance studios, and multiple swimming pools with panoramic views of Mumbai’s skyline.

Controversies and Criticisms

Despite its grandeur, Antilia has not been without controversy. The land acquisition process drew significant criticism due to the low sale price compared to the plot’s market value and the violation of Waqf Act regulations. Mukesh Ambani The Maharashtra revenue department and Waqf minister Nawab Malik opposed the sale, and the Waqf Board filed a PIL, arguing that the land, meant for underprivileged Khoja children, was sold improperly. Although the Supreme Court dismissed the petition, the controversy highlighted issues of transparency and privilege in India’s real estate market.

Antilia’s ostentatious display of wealth has also sparked debate in a country where over half the population lives on less than $2 a day. The residence overlooks Mumbai’s slums, creating a stark contrast between extreme wealth and poverty. Critics, including Indian residents and media, have described Antilia as an extravagant symbol of inequality, with some arguing that its $2 billion construction cost could have funded social welfare programs. In response, supporters of the Ambanis point out that Antilia employs 600 people, providing jobs and livelihoods, and its eco-friendly features set a precedent for sustainable luxury.

A minor fire broke out on the ninth floor in July 2017, but it was quickly extinguished by the residence’s staff using fixed firefighting systems and extinguishers before the fire brigade arrived. This incident underscored Antilia’s advanced safety measures but also drew attention to the challenges of maintaining such a complex structure.

Antilia’s Place in the Global Context

Mukesh Ambani Antilia’s estimated value of $2 billion (Rs 15,000–17,400 crore) places it as the second most expensive residence globally, behind Buckingham Palace, valued at $4.9 billion. However, since Buckingham Palace is a royal residence rather than a private home, Antilia is often cited as the world’s most expensive private residence. The Guinness Book of World Records recognized it as such in 2012, and subsequent reports by Forbes and other outlets have reaffirmed its status. Compared to Dubai’s Burj Khalifa, built for Rs 13,050 crore ($1.5 billion), Antilia’s higher cost is attributed to its bespoke design, premium materials, and exclusive location on Altamount Road, where property prices range from Rs 80,000 to Rs 1 lakh per square foot.

The residence has redefined luxury real estate in India, positioning Mumbai as a global hub for high-end properties. It stands alongside other iconic structures in the city’s skyline, such as The Imperial, Lodha Altamount, and Raheja One Altamount, but its scale and amenities set it apart. Mukesh Ambani Antilia’s influence extends beyond India, with Mukesh Ambani’s property portfolio, including a $163 million mansion in Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah and a historic estate in London’s Stokes Park, showcasing the family’s global presence.

Cultural and Social Significance

Mukesh Ambani Antilia is more than a residence; it’s a cultural and architectural landmark. The Ambani family has hosted numerous high-profile events at the property, from the lavish pre-wedding celebrations of Anant Ambani to the Bvlgari Roman Holi exhibition and Gala Dinner in 2024. The residence has welcomed global figures, including United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, and Indian celebrities like Shah Rukh Khan, Priyanka Chopra, and Deepika Padukone, cementing its status as a venue for elite gatherings.

The temple within Antilia, dedicated to Lord Ganesha, reflects the family’s deep-rooted connection to Indian traditions. Nita Ambani’s involvement in the design process ensured that the residence aligns with Vaastu Shastra, emphasizing harmony and positive energy. The eco-friendly features, such as solar panels and rainwater harvesting, demonstrate a commitment to sustainability, earning Antilia the nickname “Green Tower of Mumbai.”

The Ambani Family and Their Legacy

Mukesh Ambani Antilia is home to Mukesh Ambani, Nita Ambani, their sons Anant and Akash, daughter-in-law Shloka Mehta, and grandchildren Veda and Prithvi. The family’s former residence, Sea Wind in Cuffe Parade, remains significant, housing Mukesh’s brother Anil Ambani and their mother, Kokilaben. The Dhirubhai Ambani Memorial House in Chorwad, Gujarat, serves as a museum honoring the legacy of Mukesh’s father, the founder of Reliance Industries.

Mukesh Ambani’s vision for Antilia reflects his broader approach to business and life: ambitious, innovative, and unapologetically grand. As Reliance Industries continues to expand into artificial intelligence, retail, and telecommunications, Antilia stands as a testament to the family’s ability to redefine boundaries, whether in business or architecture.

Conclusion

Mukesh Ambani Antilia is a paradox—a private residence that has become a public spectacle, a symbol of wealth in a city of contrasts, and a fusion of tradition and modernity. Its $2 billion price tag, 27-storey height, and unmatched amenities make it a global icon of luxury real estate. While controversies surrounding its construction and cost have sparked debate, Antilia’s engineering, sustainability features, and cultural significance cannot be overlooked. For Mukesh Ambani and his family, Antilia is not just a home but a statement of their legacy, a monument to their success, and a beacon of India’s growing influence in the world of luxury.