The world of global business has lost a titan. Gopichand Hinduja, the patriarch of the UK's wealthiest family, has passed away at 85, leaving behind a legacy that transformed a modest textile enterprise into a sprawling international empire. But here's where it gets intriguing: How did a family from India build a £35.3 billion fortune, and what controversies have shadowed their rise? Let’s dive in.
Known affectionately as GP, Gopichand Hinduja, alongside his family, steered the Hinduja Group—a conglomerate spanning 11 sectors, from finance to media and oil—to unprecedented heights. With a workforce of 200,000 globally, the group stands as one of India’s largest corporations. In a heartfelt statement, the family mourned, “He leaves an irreplaceable void in our lives,” and praised his “unmatched dedication to his work.”
GP’s journey began by expanding his father’s humble textile and trading ventures into a global powerhouse. His leadership, alongside his brothers, catapulted the family to the top of the Sunday Times Rich List and secured them the 11th spot on Forbes’ 2024 list of India’s wealthiest. Yet, this success hasn’t been without its controversies.
And this is the part most people miss: The Hinduja family’s rise has been marked by high-profile disputes. GP was entangled in the infamous “Hinduja affair” in 2001, which led to Lord Peter Mandelson’s resignation as an MP. The scandal revolved around a letter GP wrote to Mandelson regarding his brother Prakash’s British citizenship application, following a £1 million donation to the Millennium Dome. While Mandelson was later cleared, the incident left a lasting mark.
Fast forward to 2023, and another controversy emerged: Prakash, his wife, their son, and his wife were sentenced by a Swiss court for exploiting domestic staff in their Geneva mansion. Does wealth and influence shield individuals from accountability? It’s a question that lingers.
With GP’s passing, the future of the Hinduja Group’s leadership remains uncertain. The youngest brother, Ashok, oversees operations in India, including the prominent truck manufacturer Ashok Leyland. The family’s vast real estate portfolio in London, including properties near St James’s Park and the refurbished Old War Office, further underscores their global footprint.
GP may have kept a low public profile, but his impact on business and philanthropy is undeniable. As we reflect on his legacy, one can’t help but wonder: What does it take to build—and sustain—such an empire? And at what cost? Share your thoughts below—do the controversies overshadow the achievements, or is this simply the price of global success?
