The year 2024 began with a buzz surrounding the much-anticipated wedding of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant. The event attracted not just Bollywood celebrities but also notable figures from Hollywood. Radhika revealed in an interview that the couple dated for approximately seven years before tying the knot. Following the release of their wedding photos, the couple received endless praise for their chemistry and enchanting love story. Among the many remarkable love stories in the Ambani family, one that stands out is that of Anil Ambani and the renowned actress Tina Ambani.
This captivating love story commenced in 1986 when Anil Ambani first laid eyes on Tina at a wedding function, where neither of them was acquainted with the other. Meeting at a wedding was merely a stroke of fate for them. At the time, Tina was a prominent name in Bollywood, having starred alongside Dev Anand in her debut film. Anil, known as the son of India’s leading businessman Dhirubhai Ambani, was also present. Tina looked stunning in a black saree that day, which caught Anil’s attention repeatedly.
Family Discontent and Separation
After some time, a chance encounter through Tina’s nephew allowed them to reconnect. At this stage, Tina had little knowledge about Reliance, but the simplicity and charm of Anil captivated her. Both hailed from Gujarati families, which helped them bond quickly. Anil, despite interacting with various personalities in the industry, found Tina to be unique compared to the others he met. They began spending time together, but their relationship faced turbulence when Anil’s family discovered their involvement. Dhirubhai Ambani expressed his disapproval of Tina, given her status as an actress.
Four Years Apart
Unwilling to accept an actress as their daughter-in-law, Anil’s parents firmly opposed the relationship. Despite Anil’s persistent efforts to convince them, they remained adamant. Realizing the gravity of the situation, Anil chose to inform Tina about the familial disagreements. Respecting their family’s wishes, the couple decided to part ways and focus on their individual careers. Tina completed her remaining film projects and subsequently moved to America. For four years, they maintained silence, during which Anil’s parents attempted to arrange his marriage elsewhere, assuming that fate had separated them.
A Reunion After Tragedy
In 1989, a devastating earthquake struck Los Angeles, claiming numerous lives and injuring thousands. When Anil learned about the calamity, he desperately sought Tina’s contact information. After managing to find her number, he called her, and upon hearing her voice, he momentarily froze. Anil’s worried inquiry, “Are you okay?” was met with a brief silence, after which he quickly hung up the phone. Initially shocked by his abruptness, Tina collected herself and called Anil back, igniting their conversation once again.
Reconnecting rekindled their feelings for one another, and this time, Anil’s family eventually softened their stance regarding their relationship. After navigating through familial concerns and societal expectations, Anil Ambani and Tina Ambani wed on January 2, 1991. Following their marriage, Tina bid farewell to her film career. The couple went on to have two sons, Anmol and Anshul.
Tina’s Stardom and Early Career
Tina Ambani, born Neeru Muni, took her first steps in the film industry at the tender age of 21. Despite her aspirations of becoming a fashion designer, fate had other plans. In 1975, during the International Teen Princess Contest in Spain, she caught the eye of the legendary Dev Anand, who offered her a role in his film. Initially hesitant, Tina ultimately accepted the opportunity and starred opposite him in the 1978 film “Des Pardes.” This marked the beginning of her successful career, which included notable films like “Manpasand,” “Lootmaar,” “Rocky,” “Sautan,” and “Karma.”