Meet Bihar’s Richest Man: Anil Agarwal’s Journey from Struggles to a Rs 35,000 Crore Net Worth
Anil Agarwal, the founder and chairman of the Vedanta Group, stands as Bihar’s richest individual with an astounding net worth of Rs 35,000 crore as per Forbes July 2025 estimates. His phenomenal rise from a modest background, twelve business failures, and relentless perseverance paints an inspiring portrait of entrepreneurial spirit. Today, Agarwal’s Vedanta Group is a global metals and mining powerhouse while he himself lives in the UK, continuing to influence industries worldwide.
Early Life and Entrepreneurial Struggles
Humble Beginnings in Bihar
Born on January 24, 1954, in Patna, Bihar, Agarwal’s early life was marked by financial difficulties that led to an early exit from formal schooling at Miller School due to monetary constraints. At the age of 19, armed only with basic belongings including a tiffin box and bedding, Agarwal left his hometown to seek opportunities in Mumbai, India’s commercial capital.
The Nine Business Failures
Agarwal’s initial journey in Mumbai was fraught with challenges. He ventured into nine different businesses, each ending in failure. These setbacks might have deterred many, but Agarwal’s unwavering determination to build a successful enterprise propelled him onward. His persistence laid the groundwork for his eventual success.
Building the Vedanta Empire
From Scrap Metal to Industry Leader
Agarwal began his career in the mid-1970s trading scrap metal, gaining deep insights into the industrial supply chain and commodity markets. He founded Sterlite Industries in 1986, initially producing jelly-filled cables, before pioneering India’s first private-sector copper smelter and refinery in 1993. This marked his first major industrial breakthrough and set the stage for building a diversified metals and mining conglomerate.
Expansion and Diversification
Under Agarwal’s leadership, Vedanta Group expanded significantly across India and internationally. Its business interests now span zinc, copper, aluminium, oil and gas, and steel, creating a $26 billion enterprise with estimated net profits of $6 billion in 2025. The company has continuously raised capital via bond issuances and strategic stake sales to fuel expansion, including plans for substantial investments in the semiconductor sector, highlighted by a $20 billion venture.
Wealth and Recognition
Net Worth and Rankings
Anil Agarwal’s net worth as of 2025 is estimated at around Rs 35,000 crore ($4.2 billion), according to the latest Forbes reports. He ranks 16th on the M3M Hurun India Rich List 2025 and 4th among Non-Resident Indian wealth creators globally, highlighting his prominence both in India and abroad.
Real Estate and Investments
Beyond Vedanta, Agarwal’s wealth includes significant real estate holdings in Mumbai, London, and New York, adding to his diversified asset portfolio. His investments are backed by strong dividend payouts and strategic equity sales, stabilizing his net worth amid market fluctuations.
Social Impact and Philanthropy
Anil Agarwal Foundation
Agarwal’s influence extends beyond business. His philanthropic arm, the Anil Agarwal Foundation, has launched ambitious projects aimed at improving nutrition, women’s healthcare, and child development across India. The foundation has impacted over 1.6 million people so far, with focused initiatives empowering tens of thousands of women and communities at the grassroots level.
Living in the UK and Global Influence
Although originally from Bihar, Anil Agarwal now resides in the UK, reflecting the global nature of his business interests and lifestyle. His leadership continues to shape the international mining and metals industry, and his journey inspires aspiring entrepreneurs worldwide.
Anil Agarwal’s story from a young struggler with nine failed ventures to Bihar’s richest man and global industrial titan is a testament to resilience and vision. His Rs 35,000 crore empire influences sectors critical to India’s industrial growth, and his philanthropic endeavors further amplify his impact. As he combines Indian roots with global operations, Agarwal remains an inspiring figure defining modern Indian entrepreneurship on the world stage.
