Book Recommendation: The Polyester Prince
Some books are not just read — they’re experienced.
“The Polyester Prince” by Hamish McDonald is one such rare work that unravels the extraordinary life of Dhirubhai Ambani — the controversial, revered, and game-changing tycoon who transformed India’s corporate landscape.
🛒 Buy the Hardcover on Amazon: Buy on Amazon
From Chorwad to Corporate India
Born in a modest home in Gujarat, Dhirubhai’s journey began as a teenager in Junagadh during the Indian independence movement. His early brushes with activism and leadership foreshadowed the relentless ambition that would later define his business trajectory.
But it wasn’t just ambition. It was calculated hustle — trading silver in Aden, navigating opaque license raj policies in India, and outmaneuvering competitors with strategic alliances across business and politics.
🧠 What Makes This Book Stand Out?
Unlike the typical hagiographies, The Polyester Prince doesn’t flinch from controversy. It dives deep into:
🏭 How Reliance became a shareholder darling despite fierce institutional resistance
⚖️ The murky relationship between business and politics in India’s liberalization era
🔥 Personal anecdotes that reveal Dhirubhai’s charm, cunning, and contradictions
The book was even banned in India at one point, which only adds to its mystique.
💡 Why You Should Read It
If you’re a:
🌱 Budding entrepreneur looking for inspiration
💼 Corporate strategist exploring Indian market dynamics
📖 Reader interested in modern Indian history
…then this book is a goldmine of insights.
