In a dramatic shift on the Hurun India Rich List for 2024, Gautam Adani has surpassed Mukesh Ambani to reclaim the title of the wealthiest Indian. The list, which highlights the richest individuals in India, reveals a significant change in the rankings and showcases a surge in overall wealth.
According to the latest Hurun India Rich List, Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani now tops the list with a staggering net worth of INR 1,161,800 crore. This marks a remarkable recovery for Adani, who had seen his wealth plummet by 57% in the previous year, largely due to allegations from US-based short seller Hindenburg Research. Despite these challenges, Adani’s fortunes have rebounded, pushing him ahead of Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani, whose wealth stands at INR 1,014,700 crore.
Shiv Nadar and his family of HCL Technologies have moved up to the third spot with a net worth of INR 314,000 crore. This represents a slight rise from the previous year, cementing their position as a major force in the Indian tech industry. Meanwhile, Cyrus Poonawalla of Serum Institute of India has slipped to fourth place with a net worth of INR 289,000 crore.
In a notable ascent, Dilip Shanghvi of Sun Pharmaceuticals has secured the fifth position with a net worth of INR 250,000 crore, moving up from sixth place last year. The list also highlights Radha Vembu of Zoho as the wealthiest self-made woman, with a fortune of INR 47,500 crore. Additionally, Zepto’s co-founders, Kaivalya Vohra and Aadit Palicha, have made headlines as the youngest billionaires on the list, with net worths of INR 3,600 crore and INR 4,300 crore, respectively.
This year’s Hurun India Rich List shows a notable increase in the number of billionaires, rising by 220 individuals to reach a total of 1,539. The cumulative wealth of these individuals has soared to INR 159 lakh crore, surpassing the combined GDP of Saudi Arabia and Switzerland and representing more than half of India’s GDP.
Actor Shah Rukh Khan has made an impressive debut on the list, securing a place with an estimated net worth of INR 7,300 crore. This positions him ahead of business partner Juhi Chawla, who holds INR 4,600 crore, making her the second wealthiest entertainer on the list.
The Hurun Rich List 2024 underscores the rapid growth in India’s billionaire population, with a sixfold increase in the number of billionaires over the past seven years. Gautam Adani’s rise to the top reflects a broader trend of increasing wealth and shifting dynamics among India’s elite.