India secured the third position globally in self-made billionaires, with an impressive count of 105 billionaires. However, the real highlight is the rising presence of women in the billionaire list. Among India's top 10 richest individuals, Savitri Jindal stands as the only woman. Here’s a look at the top 5 richest women in the country who presents the real picture of women empowerment.
1. Savitri Jindal: India's Wealthiest Woman and Business Leader
Savitri Jindal is India’s richest woman and the matriarch of the O.P. Jindal Group, a multi-billion-dollar conglomerate operating in steel, power, mining, cement, and infrastructure. She took over the leadership after her husband, Om Prakash Jindal, passed away in a helicopter crash in 2005.
Born in 1950, Savitri Jindal initially focused on family life, raising nine children, but later stepped into business and politics. Under her guidance, the Jindal Group expanded significantly. Though her four sons now run different divisions independently, she remains the chairperson of the group.
Apart from business, she has played a significant role in politics. A former minister in the Haryana government, she was a member of the Indian National Congress and served in the Haryana Legislative Assembly. Her contributions have made her a symbol of women’s empowerment in Indian industry and governance.
2. Rekha Jhunjhunwala: A Billionaire Investor with a Legacy
Rekha Jhunjhunwala, born on September 12, 1963, in Mumbai, is one of India's richest women. She earned her Bachelor of Commerce degree from Mumbai University. Her life changed when she married legendary investor Rakesh Jhunjhunwala in 1987. Interestingly, Rakesh initially proposed to Rekha’s cousin, but fate led him to marry Rekha instead.
Throughout their journey, Rekha stood by her husband as he built an empire in the stock market, earning the title India’s Warren Buffett. The couple had three children—Nishtha, Aryaman, and Aryaveer. Despite their immense fortune, they maintained a low profile, letting their investments speak for themselves.
After Rakesh’s passing in 2022, Rekha inherited his vast stock portfolio, which includes high-value holdings like Titan, Star Health, and Metro Brands. His early investments in these companies proved highly successful when they went public. He was also a key investor in Akasa Air, a budget airline launched just before his death.
Rekha Jhunjhunwala continues to uphold her husband’s legacy, managing one of the most influential investment portfolios in India.
3. Renuka Jagtiani: The Visionary Behind Landmark Group
Renuka Jagtiani is the chairwoman of Landmark Group, a retail giant headquartered in Dubai. She played a pivotal role in expanding the business, which was founded in 1973 by her late husband, Micky Jagtiani. Originally a single store in Bahrain, Landmark Group has grown into a multinational conglomerate with 2,200 stores across 24 countries in the Middle East, Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Indian subcontinent.
After Micky Jagtiani’s passing in May 2023, Renuka took over leadership, overseeing strategy and new business opportunities. Under her guidance, Landmark continues to thrive, with brands like Lifestyle, Max, Splash, and Home Centre becoming household names in retail and hospitality.
Beyond business, she is actively involved in philanthropy, supporting causes in education, healthcare, and community welfare. Her three children, Aarti, Nisha, and Rahul, are also part of the company’s leadership as group directors.
Renuka Jagtiani’s leadership has cemented her as one of the most influential women in global retail, driving Landmark Group’s success while carrying forward her husband's legacy.
4. Vinod Gupta: The Entrepreneur Who Built an Empire
Vinod Gupta is a renowned entrepreneur, philanthropist, and investor, best known for founding InfoGroup, a leading provider of business and consumer data. Born in India, Gupta moved to the United States to pursue higher education and later turned a small business idea into a multi-million-dollar company.
His journey began when he borrowed $100 to compile a business database, which eventually led to the formation of InfoGroup. Under his leadership, the company grew exponentially, becoming a major player in the data and marketing industry.
Apart from his business achievements, Gupta is also a dedicated philanthropist. He has donated millions towards education, establishing institutions like the Vinod Gupta School of Management at IIT Kharagpur and supporting initiatives for women’s education in India.
His remarkable career is a testament to his vision, resilience, and commitment to both business and social causes.
5. Smita Crishna-Godrej: A Key Figure in India's Wealthiest Family
Smita Crishna-Godrej is a member of the renowned Godrej family and holds a one-fifth stake in its vast assets. Her brother, Jamshyd Godrej, leads the consumer goods company Godrej & Boyce. She holds a significant stake in Godrej Group, a conglomerate known for its presence in consumer goods, real estate, appliances, and industrial engineering.
Her husband, Vijay Crishna, a well-known theatre actor, and her daughter, Nyrika Holkar, are both actively involved in the Godrej Group. The family oversees the $5.7 billion conglomerate, a 127-year-old powerhouse in the consumer goods industry.
Despite her immense wealth, she maintains a low profile and is rarely seen in public business forums. However, her influence in the Godrej empire remains significant, as she continues to be one of India’s richest women.