Mukesh Ambani’s trusted aide turns monk, gives up ₹75 Cr salary for spiritual life

In a remarkable turn of events, Prakash Shah, once the Vice Chairman of Reliance Industries and a trusted lieutenant of Mukesh Ambani, has renounced his corporate career and embraced monastic life. The 63-year-old, who reportedly drew an annual salary of ₹75 crore, took spiritual initiation on Mahavir Jayanti this April, marking a dramatic departure from the high-powered world of business.

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A chemical engineer with a master’s degree from IIT Bombay, Shah was a key figure in the expansion of Reliance Industries into sectors like petrochemicals, telecom, and retail. His contributions to the conglomerate were widely acknowledged, and he was often referred to as Ambani’s right-hand man.

Shah’s transformation came soon after retirement. Along with his wife Naina Shah, who also took spiritual initiation, he chose to leave behind all material attachments. The couple now live in Borivali, Mumbai, and Shah is known by his spiritual name, Bhuvanjeet Maharaj. One of their two sons has also embraced monkhood, while the other is married with a child.

Once a corporate titan who rode in luxury cars, Shah now walks barefoot with a wooden staff, chanting mantras and advocating a life of peace and simplicity. His decision underscores the unpredictable paths life can take — from boardrooms and billion-rupee projects to the serene pursuit of spiritual awakening.