Business

From Kanpur Soaps To Billion-Dollar Empire: Meet Murli Dhar Gyanchandani, The Mind Behind Iconic Ghadi Detergent

By Priya Raghuvanshi

Copyright timesnownews

From Kanpur Soaps To Billion-Dollar Empire: Meet Murli Dhar Gyanchandani, The Mind Behind Iconic Ghadi Detergent

Murli Dhar Gyanchandani, alongside his brother Bimal Kumar Gyanchandani, has taken the RSPL Group from modest roots in Kanpur to commanding heights in India’s fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector. What began as a small-scale soap operation started by their father, Dayaldas Gyanchandani, has become a multi-crore conglomerate, best known for its flagship product, Ghadi detergent. At the heart of the RSPL Group’s success lies Ghadi detergent, produced under the company’s flagship brand, Rohit Surfactants. Ghadi has become a household name across India, securing its position as the second-largest detergent brand in the country, just behind Unilever’s Wheel, according to Forbes. What sets Ghadi apart is its affordability and cleaning effectiveness, a value proposition that has earned it a 20 per cent market share in the detergent space. This has not only driven profitability but also positioned the brand as a serious challenger to multinational players in the Indian market. Family Leadership and Strategic Growth The company remains very much a family-driven enterprise. Day-to-day operations are led by Murli Dhar and Bimal Kumar Gyanchandani, while the next generation plays an active role in key areas. Bimal and Murli’s sons are engaged in various aspects of the business in the RSPL group. Venturing Beyond Detergents The RSPL Group hasn’t stopped at cleaning products. Murli Dhar’s elder son, Manoj Gyanchandani, has spearheaded the group’s expansion into dairy and footwear manufacturing. In 1995, the group launched Leayan Global Private Limited, which produces the popular Red Chief footwear line. This venture has grown into a strong business of its own, with an annual turnover in the crores, further diversifying the group’s revenue streams. Wealth And National Recognition Thanks to strategic diversification and sustained growth, Murli Dhar & Bimal Kumar Gyanchandani’s net worth now stands at a staggering Rs $1.69 billion as of 2018, according to the Forbes data. The latest net worth of the brother is not disclosed. From manufacturing soaps using glycerine to leading a multi-sector enterprise, Murli Dhar Gyanchandani’s entrepreneurial journey is a story of resilience, strategy, and family legacy. With Ghadi detergent as the foundation and continued growth across sectors, the RSPL Group continues to set benchmarks in India’s dynamic FMCG landscape.