Who is Anil Agarwal? Everything to Know About Vedanta Chairman, Family, Career, Net Worth & Controversy

Anil Agarwal is a figure inextricably linked with metals, mining and natural resources besides being one of India's most powerful industrialists. He is Founder and Chairman of Vedanta Resources Limited shaped an empire across continents that seems to shape the Indian industrial landscape permanently. His trajectory from small enterprises in Patna to the world stage reflects the boundless ambition.

Who is Anil Agarwal

Anil Agarwal is a businessman born in 1954 in Patna, Bihar in a Marwadi family. He established Vedanta Resources, a diversified mining company which he currently controls solely through his holding company, Volcan Investments. He has made Vedanta a world leader that has a vastly established footprint in India, Africa, and other parts of the world through his leadership, strategic decision-making and acquisitions, among other initiatives.

Anil Agarwal Age

As of 2026, Anil Agarwal is 72 years old. Despite his age, he remains actively involved in strategic decisions for Vedanta and its subsidiaries.

Anil Agarwal Education

Anil Agarwal’s formal education ended at Miller High School in Patna and opting to join his father’s small aluminium business rather than pursuing a university degree, he quickly entered the world of trade and entrepreneurship, demonstrating a sharp business acumen early on.

Anil Agarwal Wife

Anil Agarwal is married to Kiran Agarwal while she keeps a relatively low public profile, she has been a constant support in his personal and philanthropic endeavors.

Anil Agarwal Children

He had two children Priya Agarwal and Agnivesh Agarwal. Tragically, his son Agnivesh passed away at 49 due to cardiac arrest in January 2026, leaving the family in mourning.

Anil Agarwal Career

• Started trading scrap metal in Mumbai in the mid-1970s.
• Acquired Shamsher Sterling Corporation in 1976.
• Founded Sterlite Industries in 1986 to produce jelly filled cables.
• Pioneered private copper smelting in India with Sterlite in 1993.
• Acquired BALCO (2001) and Hindustan Zinc Limited (2002) from the government.
• Established Vedanta Resources Plc in London (2003).
• Expanded internationally with acquisitions in Zambia, South Africa and Namibia.
• Acquired Cairn India consolidating Vedanta’s presence in oil and gas (2011).
• Launched semiconductor and display ventures with Foxconn in Gujarat (2022).

Anil Agarwal Investments in India

• Rs. 80,000 crore in Odisha for aluminium, ferrochrome and mining expansions.
• Additional Rs. 25,000 crore for Odisha project expansion.
• Rs. 1.54 lakh crore with Foxconn for semiconductor and display plants in Gujarat.
• Vedanta contributes nearly 4% of Odisha’s GDP through industrial activity.

Anil Agarwal Net Worth

As of August 2025, his net worth is estimated at Rs. 3.66 lakh crore ($4.2 billion), according to Forbes. Major sources include Vedanta dividends (Rs. 44,000 crore in 2024), share sales, bond issuances, real estate and industrial investments.

Anil Agarwal Controversy

• 2004: Alleged arsenic waste dumping in Tamil Nadu.
• 2005: Accusations of forcibly displacing indigenous communities in Odisha.
• Zambia: Lawsuits over hazardous waste contamination in the Kafue River.
• 2018: Thoothukudi protests led to 13 deaths during clashes over smelter expansion.
• Criticism from global investors including the Church of England over environmental and human rights concerns.

Anil Agarwal Awards & Honours

• Padma Bhushan in 2016
• EY Entrepreneur of the Year in 2008
• Economic Times Business Leader of the Year in 2012
• Mining Journal Lifetime Achievement Award in 2009
• Global Indian Award in 2022

Anil Agarwal Son Died Due To Cardiac Arrest At 49

Agnivesh Agarwal, Anil Agarwal’s 49 year old son, passed away on January 7, 2026, following a sudden cardiac arrest while recovering from a skiing accident. He was admitted to Mount Sinai Hospital in New York. This tragic loss has deeply affected the Agarwal family, overshadowing their industrial triumphs.