If the latest rich list ranking from India can be taken as proof, it looks like the Hindenburg revelations involving Gautam Adani, Chairman of Adani Group, have not affected his wealth. The Gujarati businessman has claimed the top spot in the Hurun India Rich List 2024, surpassing fellow Gujarati and Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani. Adani’s wealth now stands at a staggering ₹11.6 lakh crore, displacing Ambani to the second position.
The number of billionaires in India has surged to a record 334, with a combined wealth of ₹159 lakh crore, as per a report by CNBC-TV18. The country witnessed the addition of a new billionaire every five days over the past year. Hurun India’s founder, Anas Rahman Junaid, remarked on India’s rapid wealth creation, stating that while China saw a 25 per cent drop in its billionaires, India experienced a 29 per cent increase, solidifying its position as Asia’s wealth engine.
Among the notable entrants to the list is Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan, who made his debut. Angel investor Anand Chandrasekaran also became a first-time entrant. Zepto co-founders Kaivalya Vohra, aged 22, and Aadit Palicha, aged 23, are the youngest billionaires on the list. Meanwhile, Neha Bansal, co-founder of Lenskart, is the youngest self-made woman billionaire.
The 2024 Hurun India list reflects a growing trend of self-made wealth, with 65 per cent of the ultra-wealthy being self-made, up from last year’s 871 individuals. The list highlights the remarkable growth of India’s billionaires amidst global economic shifts.
Gautam Adani’s Adani Group is a leading Indian multinational conglomerate headquartered in Ahmedabad, founded in 1988. Initially starting as a commodity trading firm, the group has diversified into various sectors including energy, resources, logistics, agribusiness, real estate, financial services, and defence. It is one of India’s largest business conglomerates, playing a significant role in infrastructure development with a strong focus on renewable energy. Adani Group operates the world’s largest solar power plant and the country’s largest private port, Mundra.