Niranjan Hiranandani
Niranjan Hiranandani | |
|---|---|
| Born | March 8, 1950 Mumbai, India |
| Occupation(s) | Entrepreneur, real estate developer |
| Known for | Co-founder and managing director of Hiranandani Group |
| Spouse | Kamal Hiranandani |
| Children | 2 (including Darshan Hiranandani) |
Niranjan Hiranandani (born 8 March 1950) is an Indian billionaire entrepreneur, serving as the co-founder and managing director of the Hiranandani Group, a prominent real estate development firm. By June 2021, Forbes placed him among the top 100 wealthiest individuals in India, with an estimated net worth of US$1.6 billion.
In 2020, the Grohe Hurun report ranked him within the Top 10 Indian real estate magnates, while the IIFL Wealth Hurun India Rich List identified him as the sector’s second wealthiest figure. The Hiranandani family collectively holds ownership of the privately operated Hiranandani Group.
Early life and education
Hailing from Mumbai, Niranjan is the son of Lakhumal Hiranand Hiranandani, a distinguished ENT surgeon honored with the Padma Bhushan award. He has two siblings: an elder brother Navin and a younger brother Surendra. His education includes completing studies at Campion School, Mumbai followed by a bachelor's degree in commerce from Sydenham College. Additionally, he is a certified chartered accountant accredited by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India.
Career
Niranjan Hiranandani initially pursued a career in teaching accounting. In 1981, he ventured into entrepreneurship by establishing a textile weaving operation in Kandivali, Mumbai.
In 1985, together with his brother Surendra, he purchased 250 acres in Powai, Mumbai, marking his entry into real estate through the creation of Hiranandani Gardens. Presently, Hiranandani Constructions is undertaking redevelopment projects and launching two townships acquired via court auction for nearly ₹1,000 crore. The group also developed Hiranandani Estate, a township located in Thane within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. Diversifying into healthcare, they launched Hiranandani Hospital in Powai in 2006 and expanded to Thane in 2011.
As Founder Chairman of Yotta Infrastructure, Niranjan introduced NM1—the world’s second-largest data center—at the Integrated Yotta Data Center Park in Navi Mumbai. The company has committed substantial investment towards scaling data center infrastructure, including a $950 million project covering 20 acres in Greater Noida.
Associations
Niranjan Hiranandani holds board positions at 17 educational institutions, notably including the Hiranandani Foundation School branches in Powai and Thane.
He previously served as president of the Maharashtra Chambers of Housing Industry and chaired the Mumbai City Development and Environment Committee under the Indian Merchants Chambers (I.M.C.) Mumbai. Currently, he leads the National Real Estate Development Council (NAREDCO), an organization established by India’s Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs to foster transparency and professionalism within real estate.
He has also held the presidency of the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM), a historic trade body influential in shaping India's commercial landscape and affiliated with the International Chamber of Commerce.
Hiranandani has contributed to various government task forces addressing housing reforms and urban planning initiatives like the Maharashtra Slum Rehabilitation Scheme. Furthermore, he provided counsel to the Government of India on housing policies and served as president of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).
In educational leadership roles, he chairs the Priyadarshni Academy, supports numerous social and cultural programs, and participates on boards governing major temples. He presides over the Hyderabad (Sind) National Collegiate Board that manages 22 institutions offering education from secondary schooling through postgraduate studies.
Formerly, he led the advisory council for the Confederation of Real Estate Developers’ Association of India (CREDAI) and sits on the Board of Advisors for IIMUN.
Hiranandani was instrumental in founding HSNC University, Mumbai—a state-run cluster university managed by the Hyderabad (Sind) National Collegiate Board. As its Provost, he champions this university alliance comprising esteemed colleges such as K.C. College and H.R. College, promoting higher education aligned with national development goals.
Controversies
In October 2021, Niranjan Hiranandani was identified in the Pandora Papers for allegedly concealing $60 million through offshore trusts. He clarified that the assets held in the British Virgin Islands account are owned by his son, Darshan Hiranandani, who is based in Dubai.
Personal life
Niranjan Hiranandani is married to Kamal Hiranandani and they have two children: a daughter, Priya, and a son, Darshan. Priya is wed to Cyrus Vandrevala, a businessman operating out of London. Darshan’s spouse is Neha Jhalani, whose father, Pradeep Jhalani, is a businessman located in Delhi.