Mukesh Ambani, the chairman and managing director of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), is not only one of the richest men in India but also one of the most influential business figures globally. Mukesh Ambani House His residence, Antilia, located on Altamount Road in South Mumbai, has become a symbol of wealth, innovation, and architectural marvel. Often described as one of the most expensive private homes in the world, Antilia is a towering testament to modern luxury and Indian craftsmanship blended seamlessly with sustainability and technology.
This article explores every fascinating aspect of Mukesh Ambani’s house — from its construction and design inspiration to its intricate interiors, staff, and the philosophy behind this towering icon of success.
1. Overview of Antilia
Antilia stands as one of the most remarkable private residences ever constructed. Rising 27 stories high and spread across 400,000 square feet, the house towers above Mumbai’s skyline, making it one of the tallest and most distinctive private homes on the planet. Named after a mythical island in the Atlantic Ocean, Antilia embodies both fantasy and reality in architectural form.
Built on a 49,000-square-foot plot, the skyscraper residence is designed to withstand an earthquake of magnitude 8 on the Richter scale. The building reportedly cost between $1 billion to $2 billion (₹6,000 to ₹15,000 crore), depending on various sources. This makes it one of the most expensive private residences in the world, rivaling royal palaces and historic estates.
2. Location: The Billionaires’ Row of Mumbai
Antilia is situated on Altamount Road, often called the “Billionaires’ Row” of Mumbai. This prestigious address houses some of the city’s most influential industrialists, corporate executives, and politicians. The location is not only symbolic but also strategic — it sits in the heart of South Mumbai, offering easy access to both the business district and the city’s elite social scene.
Altamount Road is among the most expensive residential streets in the world, comparable to Fifth Avenue in New York or Kensington Palace Gardens in London. The area’s exclusivity adds to Antilia’s mystique, positioning it as a landmark in India’s financial capital.
3. Architecture and Design Inspiration
The architectural design of Antilia was undertaken by Perkins & Will, a renowned Chicago-based architectural firm, while Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA) from Los Angeles managed the interior design. The design philosophy combines Vaastu Shastra principles (the traditional Indian science of architecture) with modern aesthetics.
The architects designed Antilia to resemble the elements of nature — earth, air, fire, water, and light — ensuring that each section of the building reflects balance and harmony. Despite its futuristic look, the structure maintains an emotional and cultural connection to Indian values.
Each floor in Antilia is unique in layout and materials. No two floors use the same design or theme, ensuring exclusivity and individuality across its 27 levels.
4. The Construction Journey
Construction began in 2006 and was completed in 2010, reportedly costing over ₹6,000 crore at the time. The building’s structure was constructed using a combination of steel and reinforced concrete, with custom-made glass panels imported from around the world.
The entire process involved hundreds of engineers, architects, artisans, and designers. Thousands of laborers contributed to its completion, many of whom were specialists in marble, glasswork, and structural design. The project represented a collaboration of global talent and Indian vision.
5. Layout and Floors Explained
Although Antilia has 27 stories, its height equals that of a conventional 60-story skyscraper, since many floors have exceptionally high ceilings. The residence is divided into multiple sections, each serving a different purpose.
a. The Lobby and Parking Levels
The first six floors are dedicated entirely to parking, with space for over 160 cars. These include luxury brands such as Bentley, Rolls-Royce, and Mercedes-Maybach, as well as vehicles used for official Reliance work. The lobby area features nine high-speed elevators to access different parts of the residence efficiently.
b. The Family and Private Living Areas
The upper floors serve as private quarters for the Ambani family — Mukesh Ambani, Nita Ambani, and their children. These levels include multiple living rooms, bedrooms, and personal lounges, each customized to the family members’ preferences. The décor combines Indian motifs, crystal chandeliers, and modern furniture sourced from Europe and Asia.
c. The Health and Recreation Zone
Antilia includes a full-fledged health center, complete with a yoga studio, gym, spa, dance studio, and several Jacuzzis. There is also a private salon and massage parlor within the premises. The Ambanis emphasize wellness and holistic living, and this part of the residence reflects that philosophy.
d. The Theatre and Entertainment Spaces
The house features a private movie theatre that seats around 50 people, designed to deliver a luxurious cinematic experience. There are multiple indoor entertainment rooms, ice rooms that release artificial snow for cooling, and a ballroom adorned with crystal chandeliers and mirrored ceilings.
e. The Hanging Gardens and Outdoor Spaces
Antilia has three helipads on the rooftop, as well as terrace gardens on multiple floors. These green spaces are not just decorative — they serve as natural insulators, keeping the building cooler and more energy-efficient. The gardens are filled with exotic plants and serve as open-air sanctuaries amid Mumbai’s dense urban landscape.
f. The Temple and Spiritual Area
The Ambani family’s deep spiritual beliefs are reflected in Antilia’s dedicated temple floor. The temple features idols of Hindu deities such as Ganesha, Krishna, and Shiva, and is where the family performs daily prayers and rituals. Festivals such as Diwali and Janmashtami are celebrated here with grandeur.
6. Materials and Design Aesthetics
Every inch of Antilia showcases luxury. The materials used include rare marble, onyx, crystal, mother-of-pearl, and teak wood. Many of these materials were imported from Italy and other European countries. The furniture and art pieces were handpicked by Nita Ambani, who is known for her refined sense of style.
Each floor is themed differently — for example:
One floor uses sun and earth tones, representing warmth and vitality.
Another floor reflects cool aquatic blues, symbolizing peace and balance.
The ballroom uses a mix of gold, glass, and mirror work, reminiscent of royal palaces.
Lighting plays a key role in defining the mood of each space. From grand chandeliers to subtle LED arrangements, Antilia’s lighting design merges art and technology seamlessly.
7. Technology and Sustainability
While Antilia exudes opulence, it is also designed to be eco-conscious and technologically advanced. The building incorporates energy-efficient systems, rainwater harvesting, and waste management technologies. The gardens and green terraces help regulate temperature naturally, reducing air conditioning needs.
Smart home automation allows centralized control of lighting, temperature, and security systems. The house also has a dedicated maintenance and control room managed by technical staff around the clock.
8. Staff and Operations
Running Antilia is no small task. The residence employs over 600 full-time staff members, including security personnel, housekeeping teams, chefs, engineers, and maintenance professionals. Many staff members are trained internationally to maintain the standards of hygiene and hospitality expected at such a scale.
The building has multiple service floors, including staff accommodation, storage, and utility areas. Operations are conducted with precision similar to that of a five-star hotel.
9. The Ambani Family’s Lifestyle in Antilia
Although Antilia often draws attention for its grandeur, the Ambani family maintains a sense of tradition and routine. Mukesh Ambani is known for his disciplined lifestyle — early mornings, simple meals, and a focus on work and spirituality. Nita Ambani is deeply involved in philanthropy, education, and cultural initiatives, and Antilia often hosts charitable events and family gatherings.
Family functions, such as weddings and festivals, are celebrated with both elegance and cultural authenticity. The residence serves not just as a home but as a venue for hosting dignitaries, global leaders, and Bollywood celebrities.
10. Symbolism and Cultural Impact
Antilia has sparked wide-ranging discussions about wealth, inequality, and modern Indian aspirations. To some, it represents the pinnacle of success and achievement in a globalized economy. To others, it symbolizes India’s contrasting realities — immense wealth coexisting with urban poverty.
From an architectural and cultural standpoint, however, Antilia is undeniably a symbol of India’s emergence on the world stage. It showcases how Indian traditions and aesthetics can coexist with global luxury standards. The structure also reflects the Ambani family’s belief in continuity — combining spiritual values with futuristic ambition.
11. Comparisons with Other Iconic Residences
Antilia often features on lists of the most expensive homes in the world, alongside:
Buckingham Palace (London)
Palais Bulles (France)
Villa Leopolda (France)
The One (Los Angeles)
What sets Antilia apart is that it’s not a royal estate or a heritage mansion, but a modern skyscraper built entirely from scratch by a private citizen. Its combination of vertical architecture and personal luxury makes it truly unique.
12. Criticism and Controversies
Despite its architectural brilliance, Antilia has not been without controversy. Critics have questioned the ethics of constructing a billion-dollar home in a city with visible poverty. Others have raised environmental concerns about its scale and carbon footprint.
However, supporters argue that Antilia has generated employment, advanced architectural innovation in India, and become a source of national pride. The Ambanis have also invested heavily in philanthropy through the Reliance Foundation, focusing on healthcare, education, and rural development — balancing luxury with social responsibility.
13. Security and Privacy
Given Mukesh Ambani’s status, security at Antilia is among the most advanced in the world. The house features bulletproof windows, multiple panic rooms, biometric access systems, and private control centers. A dedicated team of security professionals monitors the premises 24/7, in coordination with local law enforcement.
In addition to private security, the Mumbai Police also provides external protection around the property, ensuring safety for the family and staff.
14. The Vision Behind Antilia
Antilia is not just a display of wealth; it is also a manifestation of vision and legacy. For Mukesh Ambani, it symbolizes continuity — a home that will serve generations of the Ambani family. For Nita Ambani, it represents Indian culture’s warmth and hospitality combined with world-class sophistication.
Every detail of the residence, from its temple to its ballroom, reflects a blend of tradition and progress — an architectural metaphor for the Ambanis’ journey from Dhirubhai Ambani’s modest beginnings to global prominence.
15. Antilia as a Landmark of Modern India
Over time, Antilia has become one of Mumbai’s most recognizable landmarks. Tourists often stop near Altamount Road to glimpse its dazzling structure. For the world, it stands as a symbol of India’s economic rise; for Indians, it evokes admiration, curiosity, and sometimes debate.
Regardless of perspective, there is no denying that Antilia redefined what a home can be — not just in India, but globally.
16. Conclusion
Mukesh Ambani’s house, Antilia, is more than just an architectural wonder; it’s a cultural statement, an engineering marvel, and a symbol of India’s new-age ambition. Combining opulence with sustainability, spirituality with technology, and Indian tradition with global luxury, Antilia represents the convergence of multiple worlds.
For Mukesh Ambani and his family, it is not merely a residence but a living, breathing embodiment of their values, achievements, and dreams. Whether admired for its beauty or critiqued for its extravagance, Antilia has earned its place in history as one of the most iconic private homes ever built.