Nusli Wadia, the chairman of the Wadia Group, has made a significant mark in Indian business, yet his journey has had its setbacks. A billionaire with interests in FMCG, textiles, and real estate, Wadia’s empire includes Britannia Industries and Bombay Dyeing. However, his airline, Go First, which operated for several years, was declared bankrupt in 2023.
Business Empire Amid Setbacks
Despite the bankruptcy of Go First, Wadia’s net worth remains strong, with an estimated value of USD 5.2 billion (Rs 44,154 crore) according to Forbes. In September 2024, he made headlines by selling a 10-acre property in Mumbai for over USD 130 million (around Rs 1,103 crore). Beyond his business ventures, his son, Ness Wadia, is also a co-owner of the IPL team Kings XI Punjab.
A Legacy of Legal Battles and Family Ties
Wadia, now 80, is known as a “corporate samurai” for his involvement in numerous legal disputes, including a prominent battle with the Tata Group in 2016, which led to his removal from the boards of three Tata companies. Additionally, Wadia and his two sons are direct descendants of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan, adding an interesting twist to their legacy in India’s business history.
