New Delhi: Gautam Adani has surpassed Mukesh Ambani to become the country’s richest individual, according to the 2024 Hurun India Rich List. Adani’s net worth surged by an impressive 95% to Rs 11.6 lakh crore over the past year, propelling him ahead of Ambani, whose wealth increased by 25% to Rs 10.14 lakh crore.
The substantial increase in Adani’s fortune marks a significant rebound from a challenging period following the Hindenburg Research report, which had previously caused a steep decline in his wealth. In contrast, the 2023 Hurun report had revealed a 57% drop in Adani’s net worth to Rs 4.74 lakh crore, leaving him far behind Ambani, whose net worth then stood at Rs 8.08 lakh crore.
In 2014, Hurun had estimated Adani’s wealth at Rs 44,000 crore, positioning him as the tenth richest Indian at the time.
The 2024 list also highlights notable movements among other wealthy individuals. Shiv Nadar of HCL, along with his family, has climbed to third place with a net worth of Rs 3.14 lakh crore, while Cyrus Poonawalla of Serum Institute of India has slipped to fourth with Rs 2.89 lakh crore. Dilip Sanghvi of Sun Pharmaceuticals has ascended to the fifth position with a net worth of Rs 2.50 lakh crore.
Among the self-made women, Radha Vembu of Zoho tops the list with a net worth of Rs 47,500 crore. Young entrepreneurs Kaivalya Vohra and Adit Palicha, co-founders of Zepto, are the youngest entrants, with net worths of Rs 3,600 crore and Rs 4,300 crore, respectively.
The Hurun India Rich List for 2024 includes a total of 1,539 individuals, a 46% increase in cumulative wealth compared to the previous year. Notably, actor Shah Rukh Khan has debuted on the list with an estimated wealth of Rs 7,300 crore, surpassing business partner Juhi Chawla, who holds a net worth of Rs 4,600 crore.
The list also features 16 professionals, led by Jayshree Ullal of Arista Networks with a net worth of Rs 32,100 crore, and Ignatius Navil Noronha of D-Mart with Rs 6,900 crore. Kumar Pritamdas Gera of Gera Developments experienced the fastest wealth growth, soaring by 566% in the past year.
The 2024 Hurun India Rich List underscores both dramatic recoveries and new entries, reflecting a dynamic landscape of wealth in India.
