India is a vibrant nation of color with a turbulent history, and its exoticism (and chaotic energy) adds to its excitement. With nearly 1.4 billion inhabitants, it is also one of the most populous countries. And it not only has a rich culture, but also “rich” rich people! India is now the world’s third-largest billionaire after China and the United States.
Indian billionaires aren’t content to keep quiet about their wealth. They are loudly proud of their wealth, but they can only afford the best things money can buy. Not only the best, but the most unique and modern and more!
For these super rich Indians, it’s a super luxury and they’re not shy about showing it off. Every day is an endless parade of designer clothes, a week-long lavish Bollywood wedding, world-class travel, luxury sports cars and yachts, mansions and century-old palaces, servants and even a solid gold iPhone! These multi-millionaire billionaires leave no stone unturned.
However, for a new generation of India’s elite, it’s no surprise that bling is a favorite. It was arguably “in their DNA” and guided India’s Maharajas (or “Great Kings”) who were larger than life and ruled their kingdoms through centuries of splendor, wealth and top-notch luxury empire.
But who are these modern maharajas? Why are there so many in India? Even though more than 60 percent of the population lives in abject poverty, there is still no electricity or running water.
The country’s rapid economic growth over the past 25 years has laid the foundation for the emergence of a new class of ultra-wealthy. India’s billionaires come in all shapes and sizes, and most of them already belong to wealthy families. For example, Evan Luthra is a 23-year-old millionaire who invests in the technology and software industries. He has a huge following on social media and loves luxury, travel and the affluent lifestyle. His father, a textile tycoon, gave him start-up capital.
Some of these billionaires are actual Maharajas or part of their extended families. Abhimanyu Alsisar, Jaipur Maharajah’s nephew, runs a chain of luxury hotels converted from old palaces.
At the other end of the caste system is Kalpana Saroj. Despite prejudice against belonging to the Dalits, or the lowest caste, she has escaped poverty and is now a real estate tycoon. However, due to her birth, she does not flaunt her wealth, lives simply and often helps the less fortunate.
However, it is controversial that some of these billionaires are major tax evaders and also guilty of money laundering. The best example is Vijay Mallya, who likes to live in style and even bought an F1 racing team, Force India. He currently lives in the UK and denies any wrongdoing.
An estimated 20 new modern maharajas will join the ranks of India’s billionaires next year. Hopefully they have the right values - honesty and generosity – in place.
