Birla family

The Birla family has high social status in India, making them easily recognisable celebrities. They have long been connected to the nonferrous metals industry, which allowed the family to gain considerable wealth. They maintain their status in large part due to the stability of the metals industry in industrial India.
The family’s meteoric rise to power began with G.D. Birla founding Hindalco industries in 1958. Until then, they were largely involved in the textiles industry with minor holdings in media. Their expansion into metals proved extremely profitable.
With their newfound wealth, they also gained notoriety and influence. The Birla family were major supporters of Mahatma Gandhi and his movement. Over the years, they have had notable social influence over stately affairs in India.
Now headed by Kumar Birla, great grandson of the founder, the Birla Empire’s interests currently includes cement, aluminium, telecom and financial services. The family’s net worth is pegged at $14.1 billion, with the Aditya Birla group’s revenue coming in at $41 billion annually.
Although the furore has largely subsided, the Birla family underwent difficult times at the turn of the 21st century due to a contentious will. Legal action was initiated by both sides, but the death of one of the instigators, Rajendra Singh Lodha, stilled the tumultuous waters in the Birla family. Lodha had been purportedly named sole executor of Priyamvada Birla’s will and estate, a considerable amount of holdings in the company.