Rakesh Jhunjhunwala, India’s Warren Buffett, was an investor, stock trader and business magnate who had been known for his investment in the Indian share market.
His knowledge of when to invest, taking risks and confidence in the economy of his home country made him one of the most powerful people in India financially. This article will talk about the net worth, investment , personal life and legacy left behind by this eminent personality.
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What Was Rakesh Jhunjhunwala’s Net Worth?
At the time of his death in August 2022, Rakesh Jhunjhunwala was worth ₹46,000 crores ($5.8 billion), according to Forbes. He made most of his money from the stock market, with major investment interests in companies like Titan, Tata Motors, Crisil, Lupin and Aptech. As of 2025 his estate and investments are overseen by his family and estimated to be worth ₹49,000 crores ($6.2 billion).
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Rakesh Radheyshyam Jhunjhunwala |
| Nickname(s) | The Big Bull of India, India’s Warren Buffett |
| Born | 5 July 1960 |
| Place of Birth | Hyderabad, India |
| Died | 14 August 2022 (aged 62) |
| Place of Death | Mumbai, Maharashtra, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Education | Chartered Accountant (CA) |
| Alma Mater | Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) |
| Profession | Investor, Trader, Businessman |
| Net Worth (2022) | ₹46,000 Crore ($6.2 billion) |
| Investment Firm | Rare Enterprises |
| Major Investments | Titan, Tata Motors, Star Health, Aptech, Lupin |
| Stock Market Entry | 1985 (Started with ₹5,000) |
| Philanthropy | Donated 25% of wealth for healthcare & education |
| Spouse | Rekha Jhunjhunwala |
| Children | 3 |
| Business Ventures | Rare Enterprises, Akasa Air, Star Health Insurance |
| Notable Properties | Luxury mansion in Malabar Hill, Mumbai |
| Legal Issues | Insider trading settlement with SEBI (₹37 crore fine) |
| Cause of Death | Kidney-related complications, diabetes |
Early Life and Education
Rakesh Jhunjhunwala was born on July 5, 1960, in Hyderabad, India. He had his upbringing in Mumbai as his father was an income tax officer. Rakesh had an early fascination with the stock market and would listen to the stock-related discussions that happened at home.
Rakesh Jhunjhunwala completed his Chartered Accountancy (CA) in 1985 from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI). Instead of practicing as a CA, he decided to become an investor fascinated by the potential India’s Dalal Street had to offer.
Career Beginnings In Investing
Rakesh Jhunjhunwala made his first investment in 1985 of $1000 (₹5000). His first big breakthrough came when he bought 5000 shares of Tata Tea at ₹43, which became three times its price within a few months.
In the 1990s and early 2000s, Rakesh Jhunjhunwala began spotting stocks that were undervalued rather than those that were market leaders and started buying into them, causing their value to surge. He invested in companies like Titan Company , Lupin , CRISIL and Escorts
Rare Enterprises: Jhunjhunwala’s Investment Firm
Rakesh Jhunjhunwala founded Rare Enterprises, a privately owned asset management firm that was named after Ra (Rakesh) and Re (Rekha, his wife). This firm managed his personal investments and played a major role in:
- Investing in startups and emerging sectors
- Diversified investment
- Managing his wealth through diversified investments, it’s no joke.
Notable Stock Holdings
Among his most valuable stock holdings were:
- Titan Company Ltd : one of the most famous investments of Rakesh, that has given him multifold returns.
- Tata Motors: A big bet on India’s automobile growth.
- Star Health & Allied Insurance: Dominating presence in India’s insurance sector.
- Partnership & LLP tax expert. For many years he was also a partner in the BKL/ Deloitte some practice.
Philanthropy: Giving Back to Society
Despite his massive wealth, Jhunjhunwala believed in philanthropy. He pledged to donate 25% of his fortune to charitable causes. His philanthropic interests included:
- Education: Donations to Agnel Institute and St. Jude India ChildCare Centres.
- Healthcare: Contributions to hospitals and medical research facilities.
- Indian Army Welfare: Financial aid to veterans and war widows.
Insider Trading Allegations
Jhunjhunwala faced an insider trading probe in 2021 in the matter of shares of Aptech Ltd. SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India) imposed a fine of ₹37 crore, which he settled without admitting or denying the same. However, this episode did not impact his reputation much.
Construction of Mumbai Mansion
Jhunjhunwala was an investor in real estate, and his most-notable project had been his Mumbai-house. The 70,000 sq. ft house in Malabar Hill located in one of the expensive neighborhood of Mumbai was under construction when he died and this ultra-luxury home was estimated to be valued upwards of ₹400cr.
Personal Life and Death
- Rakesh Jhunjhunwala was married to Rekha Jhunjhunwala, who is also an investor. The couple had three children.
- He was suffering from diabetes and kidney issues. He died on August 14, 2022 at the age of 62.
Real Estate & Other Investments
Apart from stocks, Jhunjhunwala had investments in:
- Real Estate: Luxury properties in Mumbai, Dubai, and other prime locations.
- Aviation: Backed Akasa Air, an ultra-low-cost airline in India.
- Healthcare : We have made an investment in Star Health & Allied Insurance.
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FAQs
1. What was his job in Akasa Air?
He was the organizer financial backer in Akasa Air, helping send off the spending plan carrier.
2. How much cash did Jhunjhunwala begin financial planning with?
He began his excursion in 1985 with just ₹5,000.
3. What was the wellspring of his riches?
His essential wellspring of abundance was financial exchange ventures and his trading company Uncommon Undertakings.
