Copyright timesnownews
The Indian stock market has seen its fair share of bold dreamers, visionary investors, and market disruptors - the “Big Bulls” who turned conviction into extraordinary wealth. From Rakesh Jhunjhunwala’s Midas touch to Harshad Mehta’s audacious bull run, these figures have left an undeniable mark on Dalal Street and continue to inspire new generations of investors. 1. Rakesh Jhunjhunwala Net worth: ~$5.8 billion (as of August 2022), per Forbes. Why he’s a big bull: Started investing in 1985 with modest capital. Over decades he built a portfolio with large returns, held stakes in companies like Titan and Crisil. Known widely as “India’s Big Bull”. Key achievement: Transformed early small investments into a multi-billion portfolio; his success helped popularise equity investing in India. 2. Radhakishan Damani Net worth: ~$15.4 billion (2025 estimate per Forbes). Why he’s a big bull: Founder of Avenue Supermarts (DMart); huge success in Indian retail. Known for value investing, low-key persona and scalable business modelling. Key achievement: Retail chain DMart became a landmark IPO and growth story; Damani’s investment acumen across sectors made him a dominant figure. 3. Raamdeo Agrawal Net worth: Estimated (not publicly disclosed in detail) — holdings tied to Motilal Oswal Financial Services. Why he’s a big bull: Pioneer of long-term, quality-driven investing in India. Co-founded Motilal Oswal and popularised the QGLP (Quality, Growth, Longevity, Price) investment framework. Key achievement: Backed early bets in companies like Infosys and HDFC Bank; remains influential in Indian investor education. 4. Vijay Kedia Net worth: Estimated — publicly less detailed; various media reports place it at ~₹1,000+ crore in recent years. Why he’s a big bull: Known for turnaround and small-cap investing — spotting companies with growth potential before they become mainstream. Key achievement: Several multibagger stocks in his portfolio; widely quoted for his philosophy of backing honest management. 5. Porinju Veliyath Net worth: Estimated — media mentions ~₹500-700 crore (~US$60-80 million) but figures vary. Why he’s a big bull: Self-made from modest background; founder of Equity Intelligence; built reputation via early small-cap discoveries. Key achievement: Investments in companies like Archidply, Shreyas Shipping and others that delivered outsized returns for patient investors. 6. Dolly Khanna Net worth: Estimated — portfolio broadly reported but no consistent public net worth figure. Why she’s a big bull: Known for contrarian picks and multibagger stock outcomes; particular recognition among retail investor community. Key achievement: Several smaller companies in her portfolio delivered large gains, making her a respected figure among equity investors. 7. Nemish Shah Net worth: Estimated — tied to co-founding ENAM Securities; not publicly broken out. Why he’s a big bull: Investor and entrepreneur behind one of India’s significant broking/research houses; long-term conviction in public equities. Key achievement: Built ENAM, made early investments in companies like Infosys and Axis Bank; influence continues in Indian capital markets. 8. Mohnish Pabrai Net worth: Estimated (publicly ~US$500-600 million) based on fund performance and holdings. Why he’s a big bull: Indian-origin global investor inspired by Warren Buffett; applies deep-value investing discipline and focuses on asymmetric returns. Key achievement: Through Pabrai Investment Funds, he demonstrated how quality long-term investing works — both in India and globally. 9. Ramesh Damani Net worth: Estimated — media reports place him in the ~₹800 crore to ₹1,000+ crore range. Why he’s a big bull: Veteran investor of over four decades; recognised for calm market commentary, focus on value and long horizon. Key achievement: Early investor in many major Indian stocks; known for patient holding and public education of investors. Harshad Mehta - The Original Big Bull Before Rakesh Jhunjhunwala, there was Harshad Shantilal Mehta - the man who made the stock market a national obsession in the early 1990s. At the peak of his influence, Mehta’s wealth was estimated at over Rs 4,000 crore in 1992 - equivalent to more than Rs 60,000 crore today. He became synonymous with India’s first major bull run, when the Sensex soared from 1,200 to 4,500 in under a year. Mehta’s aggressive bets on stocks like ACC, Apollo Tyres, and Tata Iron & Steel drove record rallies. However, his empire collapsed after the 1992 securities scam, where he was accused of manipulating the banking system to pump liquidity into the markets. Though disgraced, Mehta’s legacy remains complex. He revolutionized how Indians viewed investing - transforming Dalal Street from an elite club into a household conversation. His actions triggered reforms that made India’s financial markets more transparent, paving the way for SEBI’s evolution as a powerful regulator. The Legacy of India’s Big Bulls From Jhunjhunwala’s Titan and Damani’s DMart to Mehta’s ACC, each of these figures shaped India’s financial narrative in unique ways. They represent not just immense wealth but also the evolution of India’s financial ecosystem - from speculation to strategy, and from instinct to insight. The stories of these Big Bulls serve as a reminder that in India’s markets, fortunes favor those with vision, patience, and the courage to believe when others doubt. Get Latest News live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Business, Companies and around the world.
