India is not only a rapidly growing economy but also a nation that boasts a significant number of seasoned billionaires who have profoundly impacted various industries.
This article explores the ten oldest billionaires in India, providing a detailed look at their contributions, net worth, and unique personal stories.
10 Oldest Billionaires in India
10. Gautam Adani
Age: 61
Approx Wealth: $81.4 billion
Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons
Gautam Adani, the chairman of the Adani Group, has built one of India’s largest business empires with interests in ports, logistics, agribusiness, energy, and infrastructure. His entrepreneurial spirit and aggressive business strategies have often placed him in the spotlight of global business discussions.
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Adani’s journey from a college dropout to a billionaire is a remarkable story of grit and ambition. His group’s operations have significant impacts on infrastructure and energy sectors in India. He is also known for his substantial philanthropic initiatives, particularly in education and healthcare.
9. Mukesh Ambani
Age: 67
Approx Wealth: $118 billion
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Mukesh Ambani is the chairman and largest shareholder of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), a conglomerate with holdings in petrochemicals, refining, oil, telecommunications, and retail.
Under his leadership, Reliance has become one of the largest and most profitable companies in India, with significant global influence. Ambani’s vision has particularly transformed RIL into a dominant player in the retail and digital spaces, notably with Jio, which has revolutionized internet connectivity in India.
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Mukesh Ambani’s ambitious projects include the development of one of the world’s largest refining complexes in Jamnagar and the creation of Jio, which in a few short years became the largest mobile network operator in India and the third largest in the world.
Ambani is also known for his philanthropy, especially in education and healthcare, demonstrating a commitment to leveraging his resources for societal benefit. His residential property in Mumbai, Antilia, is one of the most valuable private residences in the world.
8. Dilip Shanghvi
Age: 68
Approx Wealth: $25.7 billion
Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons
As the founder of Sun Pharmaceuticals, Dilip Shanghvi turned a small startup into the world’s fifth-largest specialty generic pharmaceutical company. His keen business acumen and strategic insights have played crucial roles in his company’s growth.
Shanghvi’s leadership style, characterized by modesty and an under-the-radar approach, contrasts with the typical image of a pharmaceutical magnate.
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Shanghvi started his pharmaceutical venture in 1983 with just $200 borrowed from his father, a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit.
His commitment to affordable medicine has not only earned him a fortune but also immense respect in the pharmaceutical industry and beyond. His story is a classic example of starting small and dreaming big.
7. Lakshmi N. Mittal
Age: 73
Approx Wealth: $17.5 billion
Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons
The steel magnate Lakshmi N. Mittal is the CEO of ArcelorMittal, the largest steel producer in the world. His aggressive growth strategies, including significant mergers and acquisitions, have famously reshaped the global steel industry.
Mittal’s journey from a modest business in India to a global titan in steel manufacturing is a classic tale of entrepreneurial success driven by perseverance and strategic acumen.
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Lakshmi Mittal’s residence in London, known as the “Taj Mittal,” was purchased from Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone and is decorated with marble from the same quarry that supplied the Taj Mahal. This detail not only signifies his wealth but also his taste for opulence and grandeur, setting him apart as a connoisseur of fine living.
6. Azim Premji
Age: 77
Approx Wealth: $25.3 billion
Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons
Known as the czar of the Indian IT industry, Azim Premji transformed Wipro from a modest vegetable oil manufacturer into a tech giant. His forward-thinking vision has not only shaped Wipro but also significantly contributed to the IT sector in India.
Premji is also one of the country’s leading philanthropists, with his foundation focusing on improving education in India, which he believes is crucial for sustainable development.
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Azim Premji is one of the most generous billionaires, having pledged more than half of his wealth to education and related philanthropic activities.
5. N.R. Narayana Murthy
Age: 78
Approx Wealth: $4.8 billion
Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons
Co-founder of Infosys, N.R. Narayana Murthy, is hailed as one of the great visionaries of India’s software industry. His emphasis on ethical business practices and transparency has set new standards for IT companies worldwide.
Murthy’s Infosys helped put India on the global map as a tech powerhouse, contributing significantly to the country’s IT revolution.
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Murthy’s philosophy of “compassionate capitalism” advocates that businesses should not only generate profits but also be socially responsible. This philosophy has inspired a new generation of Indian entrepreneurs. His views on leadership and integrity are taught in business schools around the world, highlighting his influence on global business ethics.
4. Shiv Nadar
Age: 78
Approx Wealth: $32.8 billion
Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons
Shiv Nadar, the founder of HCL Technologies, played a crucial role in India’s IT boom. Starting with a dream in a garage to becoming a global IT leader, Nadar’s journey is a testament to visionary leadership and innovation.
His commitment to education through the Shiv Nadar Foundation has further established him as a transformative figure in both technology and philanthropy.
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Nadar was awarded the Padma Bhushan for his pioneering efforts in the IT industry. His foundation’s work in education is aimed at creating leaders of the next generation, demonstrating his belief in the power of education to change lives.
His initiatives have empowered thousands of students across India, making him a pivotal figure in societal development.
3. Ratan Tata
Age: 86
Approx Wealth: $1 billion
Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons
Ratan Tata, an icon of Indian business, is the former chairman of Tata Sons. Under his guidance, the company expanded globally and ventured into new industries, enhancing its international stature.
Tata is not just a business mogul but also a prominent philanthropist, dedicating a substantial part of his resources to various social causes through the Tata Trusts. His leadership style and commitment to ethical business practices have set a benchmark in the corporate world.
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Beyond his corporate achievements, Ratan Tata harbors a passion for aviation. He is a trained pilot, an interest that dates back to his childhood. His love for flying is so profound that he often flies his own aircraft. This lesser-known aspect of his life highlights a personal dimension that contrasts with his public persona as a stern businessman.
2. Brijmohan Lall Munjal
Age: 92 (Deceased)
Approx Wealth: $3.8 billion
Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons
Brijmohan Lall Munjal founded Hero MotoCorp, making it the world’s largest manufacturer of motorcycles. His entrepreneurial spirit was pivotal in revolutionizing the two-wheeler industry in India.
Munjal’s leadership not only propelled Hero MotoCorp to dominant heights domestically but also made it a recognized brand globally. His legacy is evident in the vast reach and popularity of his company, which continues to shape the transportation sector in India.
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Munjal was recognized with the Padma Bhushan, one of India’s highest civilian honors, for his contributions to trade and industry.
His philanthropic efforts, especially in education and healthcare, have left a lasting impact on society. His dedication to community welfare has made him a beloved figure beyond his business achievements.
1. Kushal Pal Singh
Age: 92
Approx Wealth: $19 billion
As the head of DLF, India’s largest real estate developer, K.P. Singh has been instrumental in transforming the urban landscape of India.
His visionary leadership has propelled DLF to new heights, with developments that span high-end office spaces, luxurious apartments, and sprawling retail properties. Singh’s impact on real estate has been profound, driving modernization and growth in several key markets across India.
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Before his real estate fame, K.P. Singh served in the Indian Army and participated in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1947. His military background instilled in him a discipline and resilience that he later applied to his business ventures. This blend of military and corporate experience has crafted a unique leadership style admired by many.
Conclusion
These venerable individuals have not only crafted vast empires but also contributed to societal welfare and national growth. Their stories of resilience, innovation, and compassion continue to inspire countless others in India and around the world.
