Mukesh Ambani dethroned from Richest Indian Tag… 7 Indians in Forbes Top 100 Billionaires List!

While the NRI industrialist Lakshmi Mittal has been ranked as 44^th most powerful person on the globe by the Forbes magazine; what really stands out is his emergence as the world’s richest Indian with a net worth of $31.1 billion powered by recovery in steel demand and higher margins at ArcelorMittal.

While topping the charts for India, the steel-baron has successfully toppled Reliance’s Mukesh Ambani who enjoyed the coveted most richest Indian tag for three years in a row. In fact, Mukesh Ambani has seen a slight de-growth in his wealth to $27 billion, down from $29 billion a year ago.

India’s Billionaire Club

While LN Mittal ranked 6^th amongst the world’s top billionaires, Mukesh Ambani came in at 9^th on the global podium. The elder Ambani sibling was ranked 4th last year.

Microsoft founder Bill Gates and Berkshire Hathaway chief Warren Buffet, both of whom are currently pursuing active role in philanthropic activities, turned up the heat at 2^nd and 3^rd spot in the Forbe’s billionaire club.

Surprisingly, Carlos Slim Helu & family, the Mexican telecom mogul, has managed to cling on to the numero uno position for the second consecutive year with a net worth of $74 billion, up from $53.5 billion last year. His overall wealth has more than doubled from $35 billion a couple of years back.

At 36^th ranking in the billionaire list, Wipro’s founder Azim Premji has witnessed a setback from 28^th rank last year, with his net worth remaining almost stagnant at $16.8 billion this year.

The Ruia brothers of Essar Group – Shashi and Ravi Ruia – with interests across steel, power and telecom businesses have clocked a net worth of $15.8 billion to be ranked 42^nd amongst the Richie-rich list of billionaires. Gautam Adani of diversified Adani Group came at a distant 81^st rank, followed by Kumar Birla at 97^th spot.

One bad news for Anil Ambani fans! The wealth of this ADAG-honcho has witnessed sharp erosion from $13.7 billion during previous year (36^th rank) to $8.8 billion this year, failing to figure even in the top 100 billionaire’s list of Forbes. Its a fall!

At best, Indians can just hope that Mukesh Ambani will make to the world’s Top 5 billionaire list next year. That will ensure enhanced visibility for India on the global stage; of course, over and above the glory that the nation is witnessing right now.

Any special comments on India’s billionaire club?