10 Richest Women in India you Should Know
India has witnessed a remarkable rise in the number of influential female entrepreneurs, with the country harbouring some of the richest women in the world.
As we delve into the world of wealth and power, it becomes evident that women in India are not only making their mark but also amassing substantial fortunes.
From pioneering entrepreneurs to astute business leaders, these women have shattered glass ceilings and redefined traditional gender roles.
We uncover the stories and fortunes of the 10 richest women in India, showcasing their remarkable journeys, achievements, and the legacies they are building.
Savitri Jindal
At the helm of the Jindal Group, one of India’s largest conglomerates, Savitri Jindal took on the responsibility of expanding the family business empire after her husband’s sudden demise.
Under her visionary leadership, the Jindal Group thrived in sectors such as steel, power, cement, and infrastructure.
Savitri’s business acumen and strategic decisions propelled the company’s growth, cementing its position as a key player in India’s economic landscape.
Beyond her business achievements, Savitri Jindal’s philanthropic endeavors have touched the lives of millions.
Committed to social welfare, she established the OP Jindal Group Foundation, which focuses on education, healthcare, and community development initiatives.
Through her foundation, she has made significant contributions to improving access to quality education, healthcare facilities, and skill development initiatives.
As one of the richest women in India, Savitri Jindal’s legacy is not just measured by her wealth but by the impact she has made on society.
As of 2023, her net worth is £15.3 billion.
Rohiqa Chagla
Rohiqa Chagla was married to Cyrus Mistry, the former chairman of the Tata Group who sadly died in 2022 in a car accident.
But Rohiqa is far from being just a grieving widow.
She is a formidable business leader in her own right, with an impressive track record as a director for various private and public limited companies.
The Mistry family’s empire has vast real estate holdings and stakes in the prestigious Tata Group.
From awe-inspiring hotels and stadiums to grand palaces and sprawling factories, their business ventures have transformed skylines and ignited the imagination of millions.
Having inherited her husband’s stake in the business, she’s not only one of the richest women in India but has continued to succeed within different industries.
As of 2023, her net worth is £5.3 billion.
Rekha Jhunjhunwala
Rakesh Jhunjhunwala was often hailed as India’s very own Warren Buffett.
His untimely passing in August 2022, at the age of 62, left a void in the financial world.
However, his legacy lives on through his wife, Rekha Jhunjhunwala, who inherited a treasure trove of valuable stocks from her late husband.
Rakesh Jhunjhunwala’s investment prowess was legendary, earning him the coveted reputation of having a Midas touch.
As one of the most successful investors in India, his stock portfolio became the stuff of legends.
Among the gems he left behind for his beloved wife was a substantial stake in Titan, the renowned watch and jewellery maker, which forms part of the prestigious Tata conglomerate.
This prized holding stands as the crown jewel of the portfolio, a testament to Rakesh Jhunjhunwala’s astute investment acumen.
Now, Rekha Jhunjhunwala finds herself at the helm of this illustrious portfolio, carrying the torch of her late husband’s financial legacy.
While the weight of this responsibility is undoubtedly immense, her own financial acumen and understanding of the market provide a solid foundation for her continued success.
As of 2023, her net worth is £4.7 billion.
Vinod Rai Gupta
Vinod Rai Gupta and her son Anil are founders of Havells India, the flagship company that has become synonymous with innovation in the electrical and consumer goods industry.
Led by Anil, Havells India boasts an impressive product portfolio that encompasses everything from electrical and lighting fixtures to fans, refrigerators, and washing machines.
The origins of this formidable business trace back to 1958 and blossomed into a global enterprise that stretches its reach across more than 50 countries.
Today, the company stands proud with 14 manufacturing facilities.
From electrical essentials that power our lives to state-of-the-art appliances that enhance our comfort, Havells India is a trusted brand that consistently delivers cutting-edge solutions.
As the mother and son duo continue to steer Havells India towards new horizons, they exemplify the power of family unity and shared values.
As of 2023, her net worth is £3 billion.
Leena Tewari
Leena Gandhi Tewari is the chairperson of USV Private Limited, a multinational pharmaceutical and biotechnology company headquartered in Mumbai.
USV Private Limited, founded in 1961 by Leena’s grandfather, Vithal Balkrishna Gandhi, has become a powerhouse in the pharmaceutical industry.
Specialising in diabetic and cardiovascular drugs, as well as biosimilar drugs, injectables, and active pharmaceutical ingredients, the company has been at the forefront of medical advancements.
However, Leena’s ambitions extend beyond corporate success.
One of her notable initiatives is the Dr. Sushila Gandhi Centre for Underprivileged Women, where young girls are mentored through academic instruction, dance, and computer literacy.
By empowering these girls, Leena seeks to uplift and create opportunities for a brighter future.
She was ranked number 23 in the Hurun India Philanthropy List 2019.
Additionally, she was the top three women philanthropists of 2019.
Leena Gandhi Tewari embodies the perfect blend of business acumen, compassion, and a relentless drive to create a better world.
As of 2023, her net worth is £2.6 billion.
Mallika Srinivasan
Mallika Srinivasan is the Chairman and Managing Director of Tractors and Farm Equipment Limited (TAFE), a renowned tractor major established in 1960.
Beyond her role at TAFE, Mallika Srinivasan’s leadership extends to various esteemed positions.
She holds the prestigious role of Chairperson of the Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB), a vital institution constituted by the Government of India.
Additionally, she serves on the Global Board of the U.S.-India Business Council (USIBC), shaping bilateral trade and economic relations.
Mallika also sits on the Boards of AGCO Corporation in the United States, further expanding her global reach and impact.
Recognised for her exceptional leadership, Mallika Srinivasan has received numerous accolades.
Business Today named her among the six Most Powerful Women of India Inc.
The Asian Business Leadership Forum (ABLF) honoured her with the esteemed ABLF Woman of Power Award, celebrating her unwavering dedication and influence.
Fortune India ranked her fifth among India’s Most Powerful Women in Business in 2018.
In 2020, she was the “Businesswoman of the Year” award at the ET Prime Women Leadership Awards and remains one of the richest women in India.
As of 2023, her net worth is £2.5 billion.
Divya Gokulnath
Divya Raveendran, together with her husband Byju Raveendran, co-founded Byju’s in 2011, an online education platform that has reshaped the educational landscape.
Byju’s started its journey by providing in-person education support but soon evolved into a groundbreaking online app featuring video lessons.
Divya’s expertise and passion for education led her to take on the role of a teacher, sharing her knowledge and insights in educational videos that inspire students worldwide.
The COVID-19 pandemic presented unprecedented challenges, but Divya rose to the occasion.
Taking charge of user experience, content, and brand marketing, she ensured uninterrupted learning for students during these trying times.
Byju’s made its educational content available for free, attracting an astounding 13.5 million new users, bringing the total to 50 million by April 2020.
The platform’s popularity continued to soar, reaching a staggering 70 million students by September 2020, with 4.5 million subscribers embracing the transformative power of Byju’s.
Divya’s impact extends beyond the digital realm.
As an advocate for gender equality, she has actively worked towards mitigating the gender pay gap in India.
Collaborating with Byju Raveendran, she also co-authored an opinion article in Vogue India, highlighting the transformative potential of educational technology in India.
In recognition of her leadership and vision, Divya Raveendran was appointed as the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry’s EdTech Taskforce Chair in March 2022.
This role further solidifies her commitment to driving innovation and shaping the future of education in India.
As of 2023, her net worth is £2.3 billion.
Falguni Nayar
Falguni Sanjay Nayar reigns supreme as a visionary entrepreneur, carving her path to success and transforming the beauty and lifestyle retail industry.
As the founder and CEO of Nykaa, a thriving company that was born out of her own initials, she has cemented her status as a billionaire businesswoman.
In 2012, at the age of 50, Falguni invested £1.5 million of her own money to bring Nykaa to life.
The company quickly gained traction and soared to remarkable heights, with a valuation of £1.7 billion in 2021.
But Falguni’s ascent to the summit of success didn’t stop there.
In a groundbreaking move, Nykaa went public in 2021 and the company was listed with a staggering valuation of £9.9 billion.
With this milestone, it made Falguni one of the wealthiest self-made female Indians.
As of 2023, her net worth is £2 billion.
Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw
Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw stands as a trailblazing force, revolutionising the world of biotechnology.
As the executive chairperson and founder of Biocon Limited and Biocon Biologics Limited, she has spearheaded groundbreaking advancements in the field of biotechnology.
The company has become a powerhouse, reshaping the boundaries of what is possible in this industry.
Kiran’s impact extends beyond her business ventures.
She has played a pivotal role as the former chairperson of the Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore, contributing to the growth and development of future business leaders in India.
Her remarkable achievements also earned her a place on the Financial Times’ top 50 Women in Business list in 2011.
In 2019, Forbes recognised her as the 68th most powerful woman in the world.
In 2020, Kiran was honoured with the prestigious EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year award.
Her unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries, driving scientific progress, and empowering future generations has made her one of the richest women in India.
As of 2023, her net worth is £1.9 billion.
Anu Aga
As an Indian billionaire businesswoman, social worker, and philanthropist, Anu Aga continues to inspire generations.
Her tenure as the chairperson of Thermax, an energy and environment engineering business, from 1996 to 2004 showcased her exceptional leadership skills.
Under her guidance, Thermax thrived and solidified its position as a prominent player in the industry.
She quickly became one of the richest women in India and the world.
However, Anu Aga’s true calling emerged after her retirement from Thermax.
With a deep-rooted desire to create meaningful change, she dedicated herself to social work, becoming a beacon of hope for countless individuals.
Her commitment to making a positive impact on society led her to be awarded the Padma Shri for Social Work by the Government of India in 2010.
Currently serving as the Chairperson of Teach For India, Anu Aga continues to champion education and empower young minds.
Through this role, she inspires and guides the next generation, nurturing their talents and unlocking their potential.
In addition to her numerous accolades, Anu Aga was nominated to the Rajya Sabha, the Upper House of the Indian Parliament, by President Pratibha Patil in 2012.
This esteemed position further underscores her influence and commitment to shaping policies that drive positive change in society.
Anu Aga’s lifetime of achievements, combined with her selfless endeavors in the field of social work and education, has solidified her status as a true icon of leadership and philanthropy.
As of 2023, her net worth is £1.6 billion.
The ascent of women in India’s business landscape is nothing short of extraordinary.
From technology and finance to pharmaceuticals and hospitality, these women have left a legacy in various industries, defying societal expectations and carving a path of their own.
In a nation that has often struggled with gender parity, the success of the 10 richest women in India is a testament to the power of ambition, hard work, and a vision that transcends boundaries.
They have become symbols of inspiration, proving that barriers can be overcome and stereotypes can be shattered.