Isheta Salgaonkar, a dynamic Indian entrepreneur, philanthropist, and arts enthusiast, is a name that resonates with business acumen and cultural dedication. Best known as the niece of Indian business tycoon Mukesh Ambani, Isheta has carved her own path in the corporate and creative worlds while maintaining a relatively low profile compared to her high-profile relatives. As the daughter of Deepti Salgaocar and Dattaraj Salgaocar, she blends the legacy of the Ambani and Salgaocar families, two of India’s most influential dynasties.
Early Life and Family Background
Born into a lineage of business titans, Isheta Salgaonkar grew up in an environment steeped in ambition and achievement. Her mother, Deepti Salgaocar, is the youngest daughter of Dhirubhai Ambani, the legendary founder of Reliance Industries, and sister to billionaires Mukesh and Anil Ambani. Her father, Dattaraj Salgaocar, is a prominent Goan industrialist and the managing director of the V.M. Salgaocar Group of Companies, a conglomerate with interests in mining, hospitality, and sports. Raised primarily in Goa, Isheta enjoyed a privileged yet grounded upbringing, shaped by her parents’ commitment to both business and community welfare.
The Salgaocar family’s roots trace back to Saligao, North Goa, where their legacy began with humble beginnings before blossoming into a vast empire under Dattaraj’s father, Vasudev Salgaocar. Isheta’s maternal grandfather, Dhirubhai Ambani, revolutionized Indian industry, and his influence is evident in the family’s entrepreneurial spirit. Alongside her brother Vikram Salgaocar, a Wharton Business School graduate, Isheta was instilled with values of hard work, education, and cultural preservation from an early age. Her childhood in Goa, coupled with exposure to Mumbai’s elite circles, provided a unique blend of rustic charm and cosmopolitan flair.
Education: A Foundation for Success
Isheta Salgaonkar’s academic journey reflects her intellectual curiosity and global outlook. She completed her schooling at the prestigious Dhirubhai Ambani International School in Mumbai, an institution founded by her aunt, Nita Ambani, known for its rigorous curriculum and holistic approach. This early education laid the groundwork for her later pursuits in higher learning abroad.
In 2005, Isheta enrolled at Stanford University in California, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Political Science by 2009. Her time at Stanford honed her analytical skills and ignited her passion for journalism and the arts—interests that would shape her career. She furthered her education with a Master’s degree in Journalism from Columbia University in New York, graduating in 2013. This prestigious program equipped her with a deep understanding of media and storytelling, complementing her business-oriented upbringing.
Career: Blending Business and Philanthropy
Isheta Salgaonkar’s professional life is a testament to her versatility. Upon returning to India, she joined the family business, the V.M. Salgaocar Corporation Private Limited, where she serves as Vice President of Corporate Development. Under her father’s chairmanship, the company thrives in sectors like mining, power generation, and hospitality, including ownership of the Marriott Resort & Spa in Goa. Isheta’s role involves strategic planning and expansion, leveraging her education and global perspective to drive innovation within the organization.
Beyond corporate responsibilities, Isheta is deeply invested in the arts and community development. She holds the position of Chairperson and Patron at the Sunaparanta Goa Centre for the Arts, a non-profit founded by her parents in Panjim’s Altinho hills. This cultural hub hosts gallery exhibitions, workshops, and community programs, reflecting Isheta’s commitment to preserving Goa’s heritage. Her involvement extends to the Sensorium Festival in Goa, where she actively participates, blending her love for journalism and creativity with public engagement.
Personal Life: Marriages and Milestones
Isheta Salgaonkar’s personal life has garnered significant attention due to her high-profile connections and romantic journey. On November 4, 2016, she married Neeshal Modi, a diamond jewelry designer and the younger brother of fugitive businessman Nirav Modi, in a lavish ceremony at the Marriott Resort & Spa in Goa. The wedding, attended by the Ambani family, including Mukesh and Nita Ambani, was a grand affair that briefly thrust Isheta into the spotlight. However, the marriage unraveled amid personal differences and the fallout from Nirav Modi’s Punjab National Bank fraud scandal, leading to their divorce in 2022.
In May 2022, Isheta found love again with Atulya Mittal, the founder of Nexzu Mobility and nephew of steel magnate Lakshmi Niwas Mittal. Their wedding, another extravagant celebration in Goa, marked a new chapter for Isheta. Atulya, a Harvard Business School alumnus based in London, brought a fresh dynamic to her life, uniting two powerful business families—the Salgaocars and the Mittals. The couple’s pre-wedding events, including a cocktail party featuring Isheta in a pastel green Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla saree, captivated social media, highlighting her understated elegance.
Public Persona and Style
Unlike her Ambani cousins, such as Isha Ambani, who often dominate headlines, Isheta Salgaonkar prefers a quieter presence. Yet, her style and grace shine through at family events and cultural gatherings. Known for her love of sarees—ranging from floral day dresses to sequined designer pieces—Isheta blends tradition with modernity. Her appearances alongside her mother Deepti or friend Orry (Orhan Awatramani) showcase a refined sartorial sense, earning her a reputation as a fashionista in elite circles.
On social media, particularly Twitter (now X), Isheta describes herself as a writer and photographer with a passion for journalism and arts. Her posts, though infrequent, reflect her creative side and dedication to Goa’s cultural landscape, enhancing her image as a thoughtful and multifaceted individual.
Contributions and Philanthropy
Isheta’s work with Sunaparanta stands out as a cornerstone of her legacy. The centre’s focus on education, healthcare, and arts aligns with her broader philanthropic vision. She supports initiatives that uplift local communities, a nod to her mother Deepti’s influence and the Ambani family’s tradition of giving back. Her efforts extend beyond Goa, as her education and global exposure inform her approach to societal impact.
Legacy and Future Prospects
As of April 8, 2025, Isheta Salgaonkar remains a rising figure in India’s business and cultural spheres. At an estimated age of mid-30s, she balances her roles as a corporate leader, arts patron, and family member with poise. Her net worth, while not publicly disclosed, is presumed substantial, given her stakes in the Salgaocar empire and her Ambani lineage. With a lifestyle that includes luxury residences in Goa and Mumbai, high-end fashion, and a network spanning India’s wealthiest families, Isheta embodies a modern blend of privilege and purpose.
Top Ten Interesting Facts About Isheta Salgaonkar
- Ambani Connection: Isheta is the niece of Mukesh Ambani and Anil Ambani, tying her to India’s richest family through her mother, Deepti Salgaocar.
- Goan Roots: Raised in Goa, she’s part of the influential Salgaocar family, known for its business and cultural contributions.
- Elite Education: She holds a BA from Stanford University (2009) and a Master’s in Journalism from Columbia University (2013).
- Corporate Role: Serves as Vice President of Corporate Development at V.M. Salgaocar Corporation Private Limited, her father’s company.
- Arts Advocate: Chairs the Sunaparanta Goa Centre for the Arts, a non-profit founded by her parents to promote Goan culture.
- First Marriage: Wed Neeshal Modi, brother of Nirav Modi, in 2016 at a lavish Goa ceremony, ending in divorce in 2022.
- Second Wedding: Married Atulya Mittal, founder of Nexzu Mobility and nephew of Lakshmi Niwas Mittal, in May 2022.
- Fashion Icon: Known for her chic saree collection, often seen twinning with cousin Isha Ambani at family events.
- Festival Enthusiast: Actively participates in Goa’s Sensorium Festival, reflecting her love for journalism and arts.
- Low Profile: Despite her wealth and connections, Isheta maintains a private life, focusing on business and philanthropy.
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