Following the recent passing of Mr. Hinduja at the age of 85, the Hinduja family is mourning the loss of its patriarch. Mr. Hinduja played a pivotal role in transforming his father’s modest textile and trading businesses into a global powerhouse.
Legacy of the Hinduja Family
The Hinduja family is currently at the forefront of India’s wealth landscape. According to the latest Sunday Times Rich List, their net worth stands at a remarkable £35.3 billion. In 2024, they achieved the 11th rank on the Forbes list of India’s 100 richest businesspeople.
Business Leadership
- Mr. Hinduja was the second oldest among four brothers.
- His eldest brother, Srichand, passed away in 2023 at 87.
- The youngest brother, Ashok, oversees operations in India, including Ashok Leyland, a prominent truck manufacturer.
The leadership of the conglomerate now faces uncertainty following Mr. Hinduja’s death, as it is unclear who will step into the role of leadership. The family has been synonymous with significant business ventures and real estate investments, particularly in London.
Real Estate Holdings
The Hinduja family possesses notable properties in London, including several large homes located close to St James’s Park and the refurbished Old War Office in Whitehall, which now includes a hotel.
Controversies Surrounding Mr. Hinduja
Although Mr. Hinduja preferred to maintain a low public profile, he was drawn into a high-profile controversy known as the “Hinduja affair” in 2001. This incident involved his correspondence with former MP Lord Peter Mandelson regarding the British citizenship of his brother Prakash, coinciding with a £1 million donation to the Millennium Dome.
Following an inquiry, Lord Mandelson resigned as an MP but was later cleared of any allegations of wrongdoing. In a separate incident last year, Prakash, along with his family, was sentenced by a Swiss court for exploiting domestic staff in their Geneva home.
