Our Bureau
Australia
Vivek Chaand Sehgal, Australia’s richest Indian entrepreneur, has transformed a modest beginning into a multi-billion-dollar empire. Starting with a mere monthly salary of Rs 2,500 in the 1970s, Sehgal’s journey epitomizes resilience and strategic foresight in the competitive business landscape.
Born on September 28, 1956, in Delhi to a family of jewelers, Sehgal’s early life was marked by privilege and education. He attended Birla Public School in Pilani and graduated from Delhi University. His initial foray into business began with silver trading, where he sold silver at just one rupee per kilogram. Despite the challenges of this venture, he remained undeterred and sought opportunities for growth.
In 1975, Sehgal co-founded the Madrasan Company with his mother, Swarn Lata Sehgal. Initially focused on silver trading, the company soon faced severe financial difficulties and was on the brink of bankruptcy. Rather than surrendering to failure, Sehgal made a pivotal decision to pivot the business towards automotive parts manufacturing. This strategic shift laid the foundation for what would become the Samvardhana Motherson Group.
Under Sehgal’s leadership, Samvardhana Motherson Group has grown into one of the largest auto component suppliers globally. This remarkable transformation from a struggling silver trading business to a global automotive powerhouse showcases Sehgal’s adaptability and vision.
As of early 2025, Vivek Chaand Sehgal’s net worth is estimated at $5.5 billion, reflecting his success in leading a company with annual revenues exceeding Rs 1 lakh crore. His achievements have not gone unnoticed; he received the prestigious EY Entrepreneur of the Year Award in India in 2016 for his contributions to business.
Sehgal’s story resonates as an inspiring example of how determination and calculated risk-taking can lead to extraordinary success. His journey from selling silver to leading a billion-dollar empire underscores the potential for growth that lies within every entrepreneurial endeavor. By embracing change and overcoming obstacles, he has not only built a thriving business but also established himself as a prominent figure in Australia’s business community.
Today, Vivek Chaand Sehgal stands as a testament to the power of perseverance and innovation in entrepreneurship. His success story serves as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs worldwide, illustrating that even the humblest beginnings can lead to remarkable achievements when paired with hard work and strategic thinking.
