Indian Father-Child Entrepreneurs Who Have Masterminded Multi-Crore Business Empires Together

Just like Priyanka Chopra Jonas’ character in Dil Dhadakne Do inherited the passion and ambition for entrepreneurship from her father played by Anil Kapoor, desi households have created father-child duos who replicate this in real life. When it comes to family businesses in India, there’s something truly magical about the father-child bond. Whether it’s passing down wisdom or building a shared dream, many father-child duos have turned their entrepreneurial vision into thriving multi-crore empires. These families embody not just the essence of strong values but also the hustle to take their legacy to remarkable heights.

Let’s take a look at some of the most inspiring father-child partnerships that have created a ripple effect across industries – from technology to textiles – all while making waves in the business world!

1. Dhirubhai Ambani & Mukesh Ambani – Reliance Industries

Perhaps one of the most iconic duos in India’s business landscape, Dhirubhai Ambani, the visionary founder of Reliance Industries, laid the groundwork for what would become one of the world’s largest conglomerates. Mukesh Ambani, his son, took this vision to global heights, becoming one of the wealthiest individuals not only in India but the world.

From textiles to petrochemicals, telecom to retail, Reliance Industries is an empire that spans multiple sectors. Mukesh’s strategic leadership has seen the company transform into a global force, with its foray into Jio revolutionising India's telecom sector.

Father Dhirubhai's entrepreneurial spirit and fearless risk-taking fused with Mukesh's sharp acumen and global outlook have made this duo an indomitable force in the business world.

2. Karsanbhai Patel & Hiren Patel – Nirma

From selling detergent powder on his bicycle in the streets of Gujarat to building one of India's most iconic FMCG brands, Karsanbhai Patel is a legendary figure in Indian entrepreneurship. In 1969, he founded Nirma, named after his late daughter Nirupama, with the vision to offer high-quality detergent at an affordable price to the average Indian household. His product gained massive popularity, ultimately disrupting a market dominated by multinational giants.

As the business grew, so did its ambitions. In 1998, Karsanbhai’s son Hiren Patel joined the company and took over as Managing Director in 2006. With a sharp business acumen and a forward-thinking approach, Hiren revitalised the brand by expanding beyond FMCG into sectors like cement, healthcare, and pharmaceuticals. Under his leadership, Nirma made significant acquisitions—including Lafarge India’s cement assets and a US-based pharma company—further diversifying the group's portfolio.

Today, Nirma is a multi-crore conglomerate that resonates across generations, not just as a detergent brand but as a symbol of Indian ingenuity. The father-son duo of Karsanbhai and Hiren Patel exemplifies how legacy, when coupled with strategic vision, can lead to enduring success.

3. Shiv Nadar & Roshni Nadar Malhotra – HCL Technologies

HCL Technologies is one of the largest IT services firms in India, and its incredible success can be attributed to the dynamic duo of Shiv Nadar and his daughter Roshni Nadar Malhotra. Shiv Nadar’s dream of creating a world-class IT company led to the birth of HCL, and his daughter Roshni has carried that vision forward in a new era.

Roshni, who took over as the Chairperson of HCL Technologies in 2020, is not just steering the company’s growth but also paving the way for women leadership in technology. Under her leadership, HCL continues to evolve and innovate, keeping pace with the fast-changing IT landscape.

4. Baba Kalyani & Amit Kalyani – Bharat Forge

The Kalyani family has been synonymous with Bharat Forge, one of India’s leading manufacturers of automotive and industrial components. Baba Kalyani, the patriarch, turned a small enterprise into an industrial powerhouse. Under his leadership, Bharat Forge became one of the largest suppliers of forged products globally.

His son Amit Kalyani, who is now the Deputy Managing Director of Bharat Forge, continues to drive the company’s global expansion and innovation. With a focus on cutting-edge technology and sustainability, the Kalyani duo has transformed Bharat Forge into a leader in the manufacturing sector.

5. Vijaypat Singhania & Gautam Singhania – Raymond Group

When it comes to Indian fashion and textiles, Raymond Group is a name that commands respect, and the dynamic father-son duo of Vijaypat Singhania and Gautam Singhania have played a crucial role in making the brand synonymous with premium fabric and suiting.

Vijaypat Singhania, the father, was instrumental in transforming Raymond into one of the world’s largest producers of woollen fabrics. He also expanded the group’s presence into retail, real estate, and engineering.

Gautam Singhania, who took over the reins in the 1990s, has further enhanced Raymond’s reputation, elevating the brand into a lifestyle icon and steering the company’s diversification into segments like real estate and apparel retail. Under his leadership, Raymond has gone from strength to strength, merging tradition with innovation, and has become a benchmark in the Indian textile industry.

6. BM Seth & Nitin Seth – GD Foods (Tops)

The story of GD Foods and its brand Tops is one of true entrepreneurial spirit and adapting to changing consumer needs. In the early 1980s, BM Seth recognised the growing demand for Chinese food in India and, with just Rs. 20,000 in hand, launched a small facility in Delhi to produce noodles. His vision led to the birth of Tops noodles, a brand that quickly gained popularity across northern India. Within months, Tops became a household name, satisfying the rising appetite for Chinese cuisine.

In the mid-90s, as the Indian palate became more diverse, Tops expanded its horizons and ventured into pickles, which were equally well-received by Indian consumers. But it didn’t stop there. In 1996, Nitin Seth, BM Seth's son, joined the family business at a time when globalisation was picking up speed and western culture was beginning to influence India. Nitin identified a rising trend in the breakfast food category and capitalised on it by introducing jams, cornflakes, and instant mixes to complement Tops' noodles and pickles. His keen market insight led to the rapid expansion of Tops in the food industry.

Fast forward to today, and Tops is a major player with an extensive range of products including jellies, custard powder, cake mixes, and choco flakes. With over 1.5 lakh retail outlets across India, Tops now generates an impressive Rs 300 crore in annual turnover. What started as a modest endeavour to meet a niche food demand has blossomed into a household name, thanks to the visionary leadership of both BM Seth and Nitin Seth.

7. P Arumugam & Kanishka Arumugam – EKKI Group

The journey of EKKI Group, originally known as Deccan Pumps, is a story of transformation from humble beginnings to a significant player in water technology. Founded by P Arumugam, KK Veluchamy, and MS Sundaram, the company started out of a modest workshop with just nine workers, focused on manufacturing submersible pumps to help farmers. Over time, the company expanded its portfolio, venturing into jet pumps, submersible motors, centrifugal monoblocs, and borehole submersibles.

In 2013, a pivotal moment occurred when Arumugam took complete control of the company, eventually rebranding it to EKKI Group. The company became a conglomerate comprising four subsidiaries: Deccan Pumps, Deccan Enterprises, EKKI HOMA, and EKKI Pumps.

Under the leadership of P Arumugam and his son, Kanishka Arumugam, EKKI Group has evolved far beyond its initial role as a pump manufacturer. Today, they proudly position themselves as a cutting-edge water technology company, focusing on innovative solutions that go well beyond pumping water. With Rs. 100 crore in consolidated revenue, EKKI is now a market leader in its domain.

Kanishka, who works closely with his father, has helped steer the company towards diversification and growth, ensuring that EKKI Group keeps pace with modern technology while staying true to its roots in water management solutions.

8. Lala Kedarnath Aggarwal, Shyam Sundar Aggarwal & Manish Aggarwal – Bikanervala & Bikano

The story of Bikanervala is a quintessential tale of how hard work, innovation, and family values can turn a modest venture into a thriving empire. Lala Kedarnath Aggarwal migrated to Delhi from Bikaner in 1947, following India’s partition. Seeking to make a living, he started selling traditional sweets and savouries from a trolley in Chandni Chowk. His entrepreneurial spirit and dedication paid off, and soon enough, he opened a small tuck shop called Bikaner Namkeen Bhandar, offering a variety of snacks and namkeens.

The business quickly gained recognition for its authentic Bikaneri Bhujia and other traditional Indian flavours, eventually becoming the iconic Bikanervala we know today. In 1965, Lala Kedarnath's son, Shyam Sundar Aggarwal, joined the family business. With his vision, he expanded Bikanervala within the National Capital Region and took the brand to new heights. He also ventured into launching Bikano, the packaged food brand, which became a cornerstone for the family business.

As the third generation took the reins, Manish Aggarwal, Shyam Sundar’s son, joined the business in 2000. At the time, Bikano wasn’t performing well, and its turnover was modest. Manish, with his entrepreneurial mindset, revitalised the business by exploring new markets and acquiring an export licence. 

Today, Bikano is a household name, offering over 270 domestic SKUs and 320 international SKUs, ranging from namkeens, sweets, and cookies, to frozen foods. With its reach in 45 countries, including the US and the UK, Bikano has become one of India’s largest export brands in the packaged food sector. The Aggarwal family's legacy continues to thrive through their shared vision, commitment to quality, and a focus on expanding both domestically and globally.

9. JC Chaudhary & Aakash Chaudhary – Aakash Educational Services Limited (AESL)

What started as a humble coaching class for just 12 students in Janakpuri, New Delhi in 1988 has grown into one of India’s leading education giants, thanks to the vision and persistence of JC Chaudhary and his son Aakash Chaudhary. JC, who had worked in government schools and colleges, understood the gaps in India’s education system. Determined to help students crack tough medical entrance exams, he started AESL by personally coaching a small batch of hopefuls. Seven out of those initial twelve students cleared their exams—a success that laid the foundation of a much bigger dream.

In 2006, JC’s son, Aakash, joined the business and took on the challenge of launching AESL’s operations in Mumbai. The early days were tough, with many teachers quitting, leaving Aakash to single-handedly read chapters to students. But perseverance paid off, and under their combined leadership, AESL has helped build the careers of lakhs of students over the last 31 years.

Today, AESL boasts an impressive Rs. 1,200 crore annual turnover, with Aakash managing day-to-day operations while JC remains deeply involved in core business decisions. The duo’s journey took a giant leap when, in April 2021, Byju’s acquired AESL. JC, Aakash, and private equity firm Blackstone became shareholders in the now nearly $15 billion-valued edtech giant.

From a small coaching centre to a key player in India’s education revolution, JC and Aakash Chaudhary’s story is a powerful example of how family-run ventures can scale to national success through passion and persistence.

These father-child business duos are living proof that generational knowledge and leadership, when combined with innovation and vision, can lead to the creation of thriving, multi-crore empires. While they’ve built on legacies, each one has brought something unique to the table – be it fresh perspectives, new technologies, or global expansion plans. The bond shared by these entrepreneurs transcends the traditional idea of family business – it’s a partnership rooted in trust, passion, and a shared dream. And as they continue to expand their empires, one thing is certain -- their legacies will endure, inspiring future generations of family entrepreneurs.