India’s economic tapestry is woven with stories of remarkable individuals who have not only amassed wealth but also contributed significantly to the nation’s growth, as one of the largest nations in the World, it must have a significant number of billionaires.
The list of the wealthiest individuals in India is a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit and strategic acumen that drive the country’s economy.
As a keen observer and chronicler of economic success stories, I present an in-depth look into the lives and legacies of the 100 richest people in India.
This narrative is not merely about their financial standings but the paths they’ve carved and the impacts they’ve made.
10. Shapoor Mistry – Net Worth: $16.9 Billion
Shapoor Mistry, at the helm of the Shapoorji Pallonji Group, has made a mark with his diversified portfolio.
A Legacy Built on Diversification
The Shapoorji Pallonji Group, with Shapoor Mistry’s leadership, has seen substantial growth. According to Bloomberg, Mistry’s net worth is estimated at $16.9 billion. The group’s interests in construction, real estate, and infrastructure have been pivotal in India’s development.
Strategic Expansion and Philanthropy
Mistry’s strategic business decisions have expanded the group’s global footprint. His philanthropic efforts are also noteworthy, contributing to various social causes.
9. Kumar Birla – Net Worth: $17.5 Billion
Kumar Birla, the fourth-generation head of the Aditya Birla Group, stands as a paragon of the commodities sector.
Commodities to Cellular: The Aditya Birla Odyssey
Under Kumar Birla’s stewardship, the Aditya Birla Group has flourished. Birla’s personal fortune is around $17.5 billion. His group’s ventures into metals, cement, and telecom have diversified his portfolio.
Innovation and Sustainability
Birla has been a proponent of sustainable business practices, integrating them into the group’s ethos. His innovative approach has been crucial in maintaining the group’s market position.
8. Dilip Shanghvi – Net Worth: $19 Billion
Dilip Shanghvi, the founder of Sun Pharmaceuticals, has become a pharmaceutical titan.
Pharmaceutical Prowess
Starting from humble beginnings, Shanghvi’s Sun Pharmaceuticals has grown into the fifth-largest generic pharmaceutical company worldwide. As per Forbes, his net worth is currently $19 billion, thanks to his company’s expansive product range and strategic acquisitions.
A Focus on Research and Development
Shanghvi’s investment in R&D has resulted in a robust pipeline of pharmaceuticals, ensuring long-term growth and innovation in healthcare.
7. Hinduja Family – Net Worth: $20 Billion
The Hinduja brothers, helming the Hinduja Group, have a collective net worth that cements their place among India’s richest.
Diversified Interests Across Continents
The Hinduja Group’s global empire spans banking, oil, and media. Hinduja family’s wealth is estimated at $20 billion according to Forbes. Their diversified approach has shielded them from market volatility.
Adaptation and Modernization
The Hindujas have adeptly modernized their operations, investing in technology and new-age industries, securing their legacy.
6. Cyrus Poonawalla – Net Worth: $20.1 Billion
Cyrus Poonawalla, known as the ‘vaccine king,’ has made a significant impact on global healthcare.
Vaccines for the World
Poonawalla’s Serum Institute of India is the world’s largest vaccine manufacturer. According to Bloomberg, his net worth is $20.1 billion. The company’s affordable vaccines have saved countless lives worldwide.
A Vision for Global Health
Poonawalla’s commitment to health extends beyond business. His vision for a healthier world has driven the institute’s research and outreach initiatives.
5. Radhakishan Damani – Net Worth: $23 Billion
Radhakishan Damani, the retail magnate, has redefined shopping in India with his chain of supermarkets.
Retail Revolution
Damani’s DMart chain has become a household name in India. Forbes says that his net worth has reached $23 billion. DMart’s emphasis on value for money and strategic store locations has been key to its success.
Investment Acumen
Apart from retail, Damani’s investments in various sectors showcase his acumen and have contributed significantly to his wealth.
4. Savitri Jindal – Net Worth: $24 Billion
Savitri Jindal, the matriarch of the O.P. Jindal Group, has led the company with a steady hand.
Steel and Power: The Foundations of Growth
The O.P. Jindal Group has been a force in steel and power. According to Forbes India, Savitri Jindal’s net worth is $24 billion. The group’s sustainable practices and expansion strategies have been instrumental in its growth.
Empowering Through Philanthropy
Jindal’s philanthropic efforts, particularly in education and women’s empowerment, have made a lasting impact on society.
3. Shiv Nadar – Net Worth: $29.3 Billion
Shiv Nadar, the founder of HCL Technologies, is a pioneer in the Indian IT industry.
Software to Systems: The HCL Journey
Nadar’s HCL Technologies has been at the forefront of IT innovation. His wealth is estimated at $29.3 billion. HCL’s services range from software development to IT infrastructure management.
Education and Entrepreneurship
Nadar’s contributions to education, through the Shiv Nadar Foundation, have nurtured future leaders and innovators.
2. Gautam Adani – Net Worth: $68 Billion
Gautam Adani’s meteoric rise in the commodities and infrastructure sectors is nothing short of remarkable.
Ports to Power: Building an Empire
Adani’s conglomerate has major interests in ports, power generation, and renewable energy. His net worth is $68 billion. His strategic investments have positioned his companies as leaders in their respective fields.
Sustainability and Growth
Adani’s focus on sustainability, particularly in renewable energy, aligns with global trends and has fueled his group’s expansion.
1. Mukesh Ambani – Net Worth: $90 Billion
Mukesh Ambani remains the undisputed leader of wealth in India.
Reliance Industries: A Diversified Giant
Ambani’s Reliance Industries has a massive presence in petrochemicals, refining, and telecom. According to Forbes, his net worth is a colossal $92 billion. Reliance’s foray into digital services has transformed the Indian telecom landscape.
Innovation and Vision
Ambani’s vision for a digital India has spurred innovation and investment in technology, making Reliance a global name.
Rest of 90 Richest People In India
Sunil Mittal -: $16.8 Billion, Telecom
- The force behind Bharti Airtel, Mittal has been a pioneer in the Indian telecom sector.
Godrej Family – $16.7 Billion, Consumer Goods, Real Estate
- The Godrej conglomerate is a trusted name in consumer goods and real estate in India.
Lakshmi Mittal – $15.9 Billion, Steel
- As the head of ArcelorMittal, the world’s largest steel-making company, Mittal has a significant global presence.
Bajaj Family – $15 Billion, Diversified
- The Bajaj clan controls a conglomerate that is a major player in everything from finance to home appliances.
Uday Kotak – $13.4 Billion, Banking
- Kotak Mahindra Bank, founded by Uday Kotak, is a major banking institution in India.
Kushal Pal Singh – $11.9 Billion, Real Estate
- K.P. Singh’s DLF Limited is India’s largest real estate developer, known for its significant projects.
Azim Premji -: $11.6 Billion, Software Services
- The chairman of Wipro Limited, Premji is known for his philanthropic efforts as well as his business success.
Ravi Jaipuria – $11.5 Billion, Soft Drinks, Fast Food
- Jaipuria owns RJ Corp, the largest bottler for PepsiCo in India, and has a strong presence in the fast-food sector.
Madhukar Parekh – $11.1 Billion, Adhesives
- Parekh leads Pidilite Industries, a company synonymous with adhesives and sealants in India.
Burman Family – $8.9 Billion, Consumer Goods
- The Burmans are behind Dabur, one of India’s largest Ayurvedic medicine and natural consumer products manufacturers.
Kuldip Singh & Gurbachan Singh Dhingra – $8.2 Billion, Paints
- The Dhingra brothers are the forces behind Berger Paints, the second-largest paint manufacturer in India.
Dani Family – $8 Billion, Paints
- The Dani family controls Asian Paints, India’s leading and Asia’s third-largest paint company.
Sudhir & Samir Mehta – $7.9 Billion, Pharmaceuticals, Power
- The Mehta brothers have significant interests in Torrent Pharmaceuticals and Torrent Power.
Hasmukh Chudgar – $7.7 Billion, Pharmaceuticals
- Chudgar’s Intas Pharmaceuticals is known for its range of affordable medicines.
Murugappa Family – $7.3 Billion, Diversified
- The Murugappa Group has a presence in sectors ranging from finance to manufacturing.
Benu Gopal Bangur – $7.2 Billion, Cement
- Bangur’s Shree Cement is one of India’s top cement makers.
M.A. Yusuff Ali – $7.1 Billion, Retail
- Ali’s Lulu Group International has a strong presence in the retail sector across the Middle East and India.
Rekha Jhunjhunwala – $7 Billion, Investments
- Rekha Jhunjhunwala is a noted investor, with stakes in various Indian companies.
Ramesh and Rajeev Juneja – $6.9 Billion, Pharmaceuticals
- The Juneja siblings helm Mankind Pharma, one of India’s leading pharmaceutical companies.
Vinod and Anil Rai Gupta – $6.7 Billion, Electrical Equipment
- The Gupta brothers’ Havells India is a major electrical goods company.
Mangal Prabhat Lodha – $6.6 Billion, Real Estate
- Lodha Group, led by Mangal Prabhat Lodha, is a prominent real estate developer in India, particularly known for its luxurious residential towers.
Inder Jaisinghani – $6.4 Billion, Cables & Wires
- Jaisinghani is at the helm of Polycab India, a leading manufacturer of wires and cables.
Murali Divi – $6.3 Billion, Pharmaceuticals
- Divi’s Laboratories, founded by Murali Divi, is a major player in the pharmaceutical industry, specializing in generic drugs.
Mahendra Choksi – $6.2 Billion, Paints
- Choksi’s Asian Paints is not only a leader in India but also has a significant presence across the globe.
Vikram Lal – $6.1 Billion, Motorcycles
- Vikram Lal is associated with Eicher Motors, which is known for its iconic Royal Enfield motorcycles.
Pankaj Patel -: $6 Billion, Pharmaceuticals
- Cadila Healthcare, led by Pankaj Patel, is one of India’s leading pharmaceutical companies with a strong emphasis on R&D.
Harsh Mariwala – $5.9 Billion, Consumer Goods
- Marico, founded by Harsh Mariwala, is a leading Indian consumer goods company known for its health and beauty brands.
Girdhari Lal Bawri, Rajendra Agarwal and Banwari Lal Bawri – $5.85 Billion, Pharmaceuticals
- The Bawri family’s Macleods Pharmaceuticals is a company that has been significant in the pharmaceuticals sector.
Kapil & Rahul Bhatia – $5.8 Billion, Airlines
- The Bhatias are known for their ownership of IndiGo, India’s largest and most profitable airline.
Nithin and Nikhil Kamath – $5.5 Billion, Financial Services
- The Kamath brothers co-founded Zerodha, a leading financial services company known for pioneering discount broking in India.
Vakil Family – $5.3 Billion, Paints
- The Vakil family’s Nerolac Paints is one of the largest paint companies in India.
Vijay Chauhan – $5 Billion, Biscuits
- Parle Products, led by Vijay Chauhan, is famous for Parle-G, the world’s best-selling biscuit by volume.
Muthoot Family – $4.9 Billion, Financial Services
- The Muthoot family runs Muthoot Finance, India’s largest gold financing company.
Renuka Jagtiani – $4.8 Billion, Retail
- Renuka Jagtiani chairs the Landmark Group, a multinational conglomerate involved in retailing of apparel, footwear, consumer electronics, cosmetics & beauty products, home improvement and baby products.
Leena Tewari – $4.75 Billion, Pharmaceuticals
- Tewari chairs USV India, a company that specializes in diabetic and cardiovascular drugs.
Sridhar Vembu & Siblings – $4.7 Billion, Business Software
- Sridhar Vembu is the founder of Zoho Corporation, a software development company known for its online business tools and information technology solutions.
Singh Family – $4.6 Billion, Pharmaceuticals
- The Singh family’s Alkem Laboratories is a Mumbai-based pharmaceutical company that manufactures and sells pharmaceutical generics, formulations, and nutraceuticals in India.
N.R. Narayana Murthy – $4.5 Billion, Software Services
- Narayana Murthy is the co-founder of Infosys, a multinational corporation that provides business consulting, information technology and outsourcing services.
Chandru Raheja – $4.45 Billion, Real Estate
- Chandru Raheja’s K Raheja Corp is a success in real estate development, with a significant presence in retail, hospitality, and malls.
Joy Alukkas – $4.4 Billion, Jewelry
- Joy Alukkas runs an eponymous jewelry chain that is popular in India and the Middle East.
Yusuf Hamied – $4.3 Billion, Pharmaceuticals
- Yusuf Hamied leads Cipla, a global pharmaceutical company that offers a wide range of medicines and therapies.
Nusli Wadia – $4.2 Billion, Consumer Goods
- Nusli Wadia is at the helm of the Wadia Group, an Indian conglomerate involved in the consumer goods sector and a host of other industries.
Vivek Chaand Sehgal – $4.1 Billion, Auto Parts
- Sehgal co-founded Motherson Sumi Systems, a leading auto components manufacturer with a global footprint.
P.P. Reddy & P.V. Krishna Reddy – $4.05 Billion, Infrastructure
- The Reddy family is behind Megha Engineering & Infrastructures Limited (MEIL), a major infrastructure company in India.
Baba Kalyani – $3.8 Billion, Engineering
- Baba Kalyani chairs Bharat Forge, the world’s second-largest forgings manufacturer.
Ajay Piramal – $3.75 Billion, Pharmaceuticals
- Ajay Piramal heads the Piramal Group, a conglomerate with a significant presence in pharmaceuticals, healthcare, and financial services.
Shamsheer Vayalil – $3.7 Billion, Healthcare
- Vayalil is the founder and managing director of VPS Healthcare, a network of hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies in the UAE and India.
Vikas Oberoi – $3.65 Billion, Real Estate
- Vikas Oberoi’s Oberoi Realty is a real estate development company known for its upscale projects in Mumbai.
Arvind Poddar – $3.64 Billion, Tires
- Arvind Poddar is the chairman of Balkrishna Industries, a tire manufacturing company specializing in off-highway tires.
Dilip & Anand Surana – $3.6 Billion, Pharmaceuticals
- The Suranas lead Micro Labs Ltd, a privately-held pharmaceutical company based in Bangalore.
Salil Singhal – $3.55 Billion, Agrochemicals
- Salil Singhal is the chairman of PI Industries, which provides custom synthesis and manufacturing services to the agrochemicals sector.
Pawan Munjal -: $3.5 Billion, Motorcycles
- Pawan Munjal is the chairman, CEO, and MD of Hero MotoCorp, the largest manufacturer of two-wheelers in the world.
Karsanbhai Patel – $3.45 Billion, Consumer Goods
- Karsanbhai Patel founded Nirma, which revolutionized the Indian detergent and soap industry.
Ravi Modi – $3.4 Billion, Readymade Garments
- Ravi Modi is the founder of Manyavar, a leading ethnic wear brand in India.
Sandeep Engineer – $3.35 Billion, Plastic Pipes
- Sandeep Engineer heads Astral Pipes, a pioneer in CPVC pipes and fittings in India.
Abhay Firodia – $3.3 Billion, Automobiles
- Abhay Firodia is the chairman of Force Motors, an automotive manufacturer known for its multi-utility and cross-country vehicles.
Senapathy Gopalakrishnan – $3.25 Billion, Software Services
- Senapathy ‘Kris’ Gopalakrishnan co-founded Infosys and has been instrumental in its rise as a global IT services company.
Acharya Balkrishna – $3.23 Billion, Consumer Goods
- Acharya Balkrishna is the CEO of Patanjali Ayurved, an Indian FMCG company involved in the production and marketing of health and wellness products.
Ravi Pillai – $3.2 Billion, Construction
- Ravi Pillai chairs the RP Group, which has a strong presence in construction, hospitality, and healthcare.
Rajan Raheja – $3.15 Billion, Diversified
- Rajan Raheja’s conglomerate has interests in sectors such as cement, cable television, and batteries.
Bajranglal Taparia – $3.14 Billion, Plastics
- Bajranglal Taparia’s Supreme Industries is a leader in India’s plastics industry, manufacturing a wide array of products.
Arun Bharat Ram – $3.11 Billion, Chemicals
- Arun Bharat Ram helms SRF Limited, a chemical conglomerate with operations in countries around the world.
Yadu Hari Dalmia -$3.1 Billion, Cement
- Yadu Hari Dalmia oversees the Dalmia Bharat Group, a significant player in the Indian cement sector.
Shyam & Hari Bhartia – $3.05 Billion, Diversified
- The Bhartia brothers co-chair the Jubilant Bhartia Group, with interests in pharmaceuticals, food services, and more.
Reddy Family – $3 Billion, Pharmaceuticals
- The Reddy family’s Aurobindo Pharma is a major producer of generic pharmaceuticals and active pharmaceutical ingredients.
Harsh Goenka – $2.95 Billion, Diversified
- Harsh Goenka chairs the RPG Group, a conglomerate with business interests in sectors like infrastructure, IT, and tire manufacturing.
Nandan Nilekani – $2.94 Billion, Software Services
- Nandan Nilekani, co-founder of Infosys, has also been instrumental in India’s digital transformation through his work on the Aadhaar project.
Sunny Varkey – $2.93 Billion, Education
- Sunny Varkey is the founder of GEMS Education, one of the world’s largest operators of K-12 schools.
Lachhman Das Mittal -: $2.92 Billion, Tractors
- L.D. Mittal owns Sonalika Group, which is a comprehensive player in the agri-machinery industry.
Gupta Family – $2.91 Billion, Pharmaceuticals
- The Gupta family’s Lupin Limited is a significant name in the global pharmaceutical industry.
Vivek Jain -$2.9 Billion, Chemicals
- Vivek Jain leads Gujarat Fluorochemicals, a company specializing in refrigerants and other chemicals.
Kalanithi Maran – $2.85 Billion, Media
- Kalanithi Maran is the founder of Sun Group, a media conglomerate with television networks, newspapers, and radio stations.
Amalgamations Family – $2.84 Billion, Tractors
- The Amalgamations Group is known for its strong presence in the tractor and automotive components sectors.
Sanjiv Goenka – $2.8 Billion, Diversified
- Sanjiv Goenka heads the RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group, with interests in power and energy, carbon black manufacturing, retail, and IT.
Sunder Genomal – $2.79 Billion, Garments
- Sunder Genomal is the managing director of Page Industries, the exclusive licensee of Jockey International and Speedo in India.
Ranjan Pai – $2.75 Billion, Education, Healthcare
- Ranjan Pai manages the Manipal Education and Medical Group, a leader in higher education and healthcare services.
Anu Aga – $2.7 Billion, Engineering
- Anu Aga is associated with Thermax Ltd, an energy and environment engineering company.
Falguni Nayar – $2.65 Billion, Retailing
- Falguni Nayar founded Nykaa, an e-commerce platform focused on beauty and wellness products.
Rafique Malik – $2.62 Billion, Footwear
- Rafique Malik chairs Metro Shoes, a leading footwear retailer in India.
Anand Mahindra – $2.6 Billion, Diversified
- Anand Mahindra is the chairman of the Mahindra Group, a multinational conglomerate with operations across industries like automotive, agribusiness, aerospace, and more.
Nirmal Minda – Net Worth: $2.55 Billion, Auto Parts
- Nirmal Minda is the Chairman and Managing Director of the Minda Industries, which is a major player in the automotive components industry.
Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw – Net Worth: $2.52 Billion, Biopharmaceuticals
- Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw founded Biocon, a company that has made significant strides in biotechnology and is a pioneer in the biopharmaceuticals sector in India.
Anurag Jain – Net Worth: $2.5 Billion, Auto Parts
- Anurang Jain leads Endurance Technologies, a company that has established itself as a key supplier of automotive components to both domestic and international markets.
Prathap Reddy – Net Worth: $2.48 Billion, Healthcare
- Dr. Prathap C Reddy is the founder of Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Ltd., which is India’s first and largest branded pharmacy network, with over 3000 outlets in key locations.
Venu Srinivasan – Net Worth: $2.46 Billion, Two-wheelers
- Venu Srinivasan, the Chairman of TVS Motor Company, has been instrumental in the growth of the company into one of India’s leading two-wheeler manufacturers.
Bhadresh Shah – Net Worth: $2.45 Billion, Engineering
- Bhadresh Shah is the founder of AIA Engineering, a company specializing in the production of high chrome mill internals, which are a critical component in the milling process in mining, cement, and utility industries.
K. Dinesh – Net Worth: $2.4 Billion, Software Services
- K. Dinesh, one of the co-founders of Infosys, has seen the company grow from a small startup to a global name in IT services and consulting.
P.V. Ramprasad Reddy – Net Worth: $2.35 Billion, Pharmaceuticals
- P.V. Ramprasad Reddy co-founded Aurobindo Pharma, which has grown to become a leading producer of generic pharmaceuticals worldwide.
R.G. Chandramogan – Net Worth: $2.34 Billion, Dairy
- R.G. Chandramogan’s Hatsun Agro Product Ltd. is India’s largest private sector dairy, which has been a game-changer in the industry.
K.P. Ramasamy – Net Worth: $2.3 Billion, Textiles
- K.P. Ramasamy presides over KPR Mill Limited, a conglomerate with diversified interests in textiles, sugar, and renewable energy.
FAQ
How do these individuals contribute to India’s economy?
Beyond their net worth, these individuals drive innovation, create jobs, and contribute to GDP through their businesses across various sectors.
What impact do these billionaires have on Indian society?
Many are involved in philanthropy, funding education, healthcare, and social initiatives, thereby impacting millions of lives.
Are there any self-made billionaires on the list?
Yes, the list includes several self-made billionaires who started from scratch and built their fortunes, like Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw and Falguni Nayar.
How has the tech industry influenced the wealth list?
The tech industry has created a significant number of billionaires in India, with founders of software and biotech firms featuring prominently.
What role do family businesses play in this list?
Family-run conglomerates are a mainstay, with many families like the Godrej and Bajaj continuing to expand their legacy businesses.
How does the wealth of these individuals compare globally?
While some Indian billionaires rank among the world’s richest, there’s a growing number of Indian entrepreneurs who are making their mark globally.
What sectors are emerging as new sources of wealth in India?
New sectors like e-commerce, renewable energy, and electric mobility are creating new billionaires and reshaping the traditional wealth landscape.
What are Mukesh Ambani’s plans for diversifying Reliance Industries?
Ambani has been steering Reliance towards renewable energy and digital services, aiming to transform it into a tech and green energy giant.
How does Gautam Adani’s wealth reflect on India’s infrastructure development?
Adani’s investments in ports, airports, and energy underscore the rapid growth and modernization of India’s infrastructure sector.
What philanthropic initiatives has Shiv Nadar undertaken through the Shiv Nadar Foundation?
Nadar’s foundation focuses on education, having established several institutions and scholarship programs aimed at creating leaders of tomorrow.
How has Savitri Jindal’s O.P. Jindal Group impacted the Indian steel industry’s global standing?
Under her chairpersonship, the group has seen significant global expansion, making it one of the largest steel producers worldwide.
What strategies has Radhakishan Damani employed to make DMart a retail powerhouse?
Damani’s focus on high-volume, low-margin sales has made DMart one of the most profitable retail chains in India.
How is Cyrus Poonawalla’s Serum Institute of India pivotal in global vaccine production?
Poonawalla’s Serum Institute is the world’s largest vaccine manufacturer, playing a crucial role in global immunization efforts, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
What diversified sectors does the Hinduja Family’s conglomerate span, and what’s their growth strategy?
The Hinduja Group’s interests include banking, oil, and electric vehicles, with a strategy that emphasizes global partnerships and technological innovation.
Final Words
The tapestry of India’s richest is a testament to the nation’s burgeoning economy and its vibrant entrepreneurial spirit. From tech mavens to industrial giants, these individuals are not just amassing wealth but also shaping the future of a nation on the rise.
