Mumbai, India – May 1, 2025 – Nita Ambani, chairperson of the Reliance Foundation and a prominent figure in Indian philanthropy, has often spoken about her deep affection for her family’s golden retriever, Happy, whom she affectionately referred to as a cherished family member. In a 2023 interview with The Week, Nita Ambani described herself as a “dog mother,” highlighting the special bond she shared with Happy, who tragically passed away on April 30, 2025. Her heartfelt comments underscored the Ambani family’s love for animals, a sentiment that has resonated widely following Happy’s passing.
Happy, a golden retriever, was more than just a pet to the Ambani family. Nita Ambani, in her interview, shared, “Add to that, I am also a dog mother… My son Anant rescues dogs; he has 5,000 stray dogs, but I have only one who is my family, and we call him Happy.” This statement reflected her pride in her son Anant Ambani’s animal welfare efforts, particularly his establishment of Vantara, a 3,000-acre animal rescue and rehabilitation center in Jamnagar, Gujarat, while emphasizing Happy’s unique place in their household.
Happy was a fixture at major Ambani family events, capturing public attention during Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant’s engagement ceremony in January 2023, where he served as the ring bearer, dressed in a smart tuxedo. He also stole the spotlight at their lavish wedding on July 12, 2024, at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai, appearing in a traditional brocade sherwani and sharing a heartwarming moment with Isha Ambani’s daughter, Aadiya Shakti. Happy’s luxurious lifestyle, including traveling in a Mercedes-Benz G400d SUV worth approximately ₹4 crore, further endeared him to the public as a symbol of the Ambani family’s affection for their pet.
Following Happy’s passing, the Ambani family shared an emotional tribute, stating, “More than just a pet, he was family—a loyal companion, a source of comfort, and a constant presence of unconditional love.” Nita Ambani’s earlier remarks about being a “dog mother” took on added poignancy, as the family mourned the loss of Happy, who had been a constant source of joy. Actor Veer Pahariya shared glimpses of a beautifully decorated memorial created by the Ambanis in Happy’s honor, underscoring the depth of their grief.
Nita Ambani’s comments about Happy also highlighted the family’s broader commitment to animal welfare. Anant Ambani’s Vantara initiative, launched in February 2024, has rescued and rehabilitated over 2,000 animals across 43 species, reflecting values instilled by Nita and Mukesh Ambani. In a 2024 interview with CNN News18, Anant credited his parents for nurturing his love for animals, a passion that Happy embodied in the family’s daily life.
Social media reactions on X have echoed the public’s admiration for Nita Ambani’s warmth as a “dog mother.” Users praised her for normalizing pet parenthood among India’s elite, with one post noting, “Nita Ambani calling herself a dog mother is so wholesome. Happy was truly a star in their family.” The outpouring of condolences following Happy’s death further highlighted the impact of Nita’s words, with fans sharing memories of Happy’s appearances at Ambani events.
Nita Ambani’s role as a “dog mother” to Happy has left a lasting impression, blending her public persona as a businesswoman and philanthropist with a deeply personal love for her pet. As the Ambani family continues to honor Happy’s memory, Nita’s words serve as a reminder of the universal bond between humans and their pets, transcending wealth and status.
Sources: The Economic Times, Times of India, Hindustan Times, DNA India, BollywoodShaadis, Moneycontrol
