Roshni Nadar, chairperson of HCL Technologies, has emerged as the richest woman in India overnight. According to Bloomberg Billionaires Index, her wealth surged after her father, HCL founder Shiv Nadar, transferred 47 per cent of his stake in the company to her. This massive transfer of shares has made her the largest stakeholder in HCL and propelled her to the top ranks of wealth in Asia. Bloomberg’s data also reveals that she is now the fifth-richest woman in the world.
A Wealth Rivalry with the Ambanis
With this development, Roshni Nadar has surpassed Nita Ambani in net worth. While Mukesh Ambani’s wife, Nita Ambani, had an estimated net worth of approximately Rs 2,340-2,510 crore in 2024, Roshni has far exceeded this figure. She has also overtaken industrialist Savitri Jindal and Wipro’s Azim Premji in wealth rankings. However, Mukesh Ambani and Gautam Adani still hold the top two spots in India’s rich list.
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According to Bloomberg, Mukesh Ambani’s net worth stands at USD 88.1 billion, followed by Gautam Adani at USD 68.9 billion. Roshni Nadar is now third on the list, with a total net worth of USD 35.9 billion (approximately Rs 3.13 lakh crore). Following her father’s stake transfer, she now owns a 12.94 per cent share in Vama Delhi and holds a 49.94 per cent stake in HCL Corp.
The Journey from Journalism to Business
Interestingly, Roshni did not begin her career in technology or business. She pursued a degree in communications from Northwestern University and worked as a news producer at major media organizations like CNN and Sky News before joining the family business. In 2020, she took over as the chairperson of HCL Technologies, becoming the first woman to lead a listed IT company in India.
A Passion for Music, Wildlife, and Philanthropy
Beyond business, Roshni has diverse interests. She is a trained classical musician, reflecting her deep cultural and artistic inclinations. She is also an ardent wildlife enthusiast and co-founded The Habitats Trust in 2018 with her husband, Shikhar Malhotra, to support biodiversity conservation. Additionally, she plays an active role in the Shiv Nadar Foundation, which focuses on providing education to underprivileged children in India.
Personal Life and Modest Lifestyle
Despite her immense wealth, Roshni maintains a relatively low-profile personal life. She married Shikhar Malhotra in 2010, and the couple shares two sons, Armaan (born in 2013) and Jehan (born in 2017). Unlike many high-profile billionaires, she prefers a simple and purpose-driven lifestyle focused on philanthropy and business growth.
India’s Business Landscape Evolves
With this shift in wealth rankings, Roshni Nadar’s rise marks a significant moment for India’s corporate world. As she continues to lead HCL Technologies and expand her philanthropic initiatives, her story is an inspiring example of leadership, legacy, and impact in the modern business era.
