The biggest wealth losers

Pankaj Patel of Cadila Healthcare
Image: Prasad Gori

Nearly half of Indian billionaires on the Rich List saw their wealth erode; on the 2017 list, only a dozen’s wealth had shrunk.

To view the full India's 100 Richest 2018 list, click here

The 100 richest Indians’ cumulative wealth rose only by $13 billion or 2.7 percent to $492 billion in 2018 compared to $98 billion or a 26 percent rise to $479 billion in 2017.

In 2017, they were stung by demonetisation and GST. This year, the rupee’s rout—down 13 percent—nullified gains from the 14 percent rise in the stock markets.

Most of the top dollar losers in 2018 were high gainers last year. In 2017, Patanjali Ayurved co-founder Acharya Balkrishna was the highest percentage gainer, with his wealth soaring by $4.05 billion, or 162 percent, to $6.55 billion. This year, he is among the top five losers and one of six billionaires who lost over $1 billion.

Another top gainer from 2017, Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Lodha Group founder, lost $0.98 billion or 26.13 percent. In 2017, Force Motors’ Abhay Firodia’s wealth jumped by 50.57 percent and Muthoot Finance’s MG George Muthoot’s grew by nearly 40 percent. This year, both saw it fall by 27 percent. Also, six out of 16 pharmaceutical billionaires saw a decline in their wealth.