Investing in the Indian stock market has gained immense popularity in recent years, as more and more individuals seek to grow their wealth through the potential of the financial markets. Among these investors, a select few have emerged as true legends, renowned for their exceptional investment strategies, foresight, and consistent ability to identify winning stocks.
These top investors inspire millions of aspiring traders and significantly influence the dynamics of the Indian stock market.
In this article, we’ll delve into the lives and investment philosophies of some of India’s most successful and influential share market investors. By understanding their strategies and experiences, you can gain valuable insights and learn from their expertise. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just starting, studying these market legends can provide invaluable lessons on the art of investing.
list of the top share market investors in India
- Rakesh Jhunjhunwala
- Radhakishan Damani
- Ramesh Damani
- Raamdeo Agrawal
- Vijay Kedia
- Porinju Veliyath
- Ashish Kacholia
- Dolly Khanna
- Nemish Shah
- Mukul Agrawal
1. Rakesh Jhunjhunwala
Rakesh Jhunjhunwala often hailed as the “Warren Buffett of India,” was born on July 5, 1960, in Mumbai. Growing up in a middle-class family, he developed an early interest in the stock market, influenced by his father, who was an income tax officer and also dabbled in the market.
Jhunjhunwala graduated from Sydenham College and later pursued Chartered Accountancy. He started investing with just ₹5,000 in 1985 and transformed it into a multi-billion-dollar portfolio over the decades. Known for his bold bets and contrarian views, Jhunjhunwala made his first big profit with the stock of Tata Tea in 1986, which tripled within a few months.
His famous quote, “The stock market is the only place where you can go with a Mercedes and come back with a BMW,” reflects his deep understanding of the market’s volatility and opportunities. Jhunjhunwala’s portfolio included investments in companies like Titan, Lupin, and Crisil, showcasing his belief in the potential of the Indian economy. His disciplined approach and long-term investment strategies made him a household name among Indian investors.
2. Radhakishan Damani
Radhakishan Damani, born in 1954 in Bikaner, Rajasthan, is a self-made billionaire and one of the most respected investors in the Indian stock market. Damani’s journey into the stock market began relatively late in his life, after dropping out of college and starting a small ball-bearing business.
He entered the stock market in the late 1980s, where he initially faced losses but learned valuable lessons that shaped his investment philosophy. Known for his low-profile lifestyle, Damani is the founder of DMart, a highly successful retail chain, which made him one of the richest individuals in India. His investment strategy is characterized by simplicity and a deep understanding of the businesses he invests in.
Damani famously said, “Invest in businesses that are simple to understand and have the potential to grow.” His significant investments include companies like VST Industries, India Cements, and Trent, reflecting his focus on long-term value creation.
3. Ramesh Damani
Ramesh Damani, born in Mumbai, is a veteran investor and member of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE). With a degree in Commerce and an MBA from California State University, he returned to India to start his journey in the stock market.
Damani is known for his astute understanding of market trends and his ability to spot multi-bagger stocks early. His early investment in Infosys during its IPO in 1993 made him a fortune, and he continues to hold a significant position in the Indian stock market.
Damani believes in the power of patience and long-term investment, often saying, “The stock market is a device to transfer money from the impatient to the patient.” His portfolio includes investments in companies like CMC, TV Today Network, and Andhra Sugars. Damani’s insights into the market and his ability to stay ahead of the curve have made him a respected figure among Indian investors.
4. Raamdeo Agrawal
Raamdeo Agrawal, co-founder of Motilal Oswal Financial Services, was born in a small village in Chhattisgarh. With a passion for finance, he moved to Mumbai to pursue his dreams, eventually becoming one of India’s most successful investors.
Agrawal is known for his “QGLP” (Quality, Growth, Longevity, and Price) investment philosophy, which has guided his stock-picking process over the years. His investment journey began with a modest sum, but through discipline and research, he built a portfolio that includes some of the most successful companies in India.
Agrawal’s significant investments include Hero MotoCorp, Eicher Motors, and HDFC Bank. He is also known for his annual Wealth Creation Study, which provides deep insights into the Indian stock market. Agrawal’s belief that “A great business at a fair price is superior to a fair business at a great price” has guided many investors in their stock market journey.
5. Vijay Kedia
Vijay Kedia, born in Kolkata, comes from a family of stockbrokers but chose to make his mark in the stock market. Starting his investment journey at the young age of 19, Kedia faced numerous challenges, including significant losses, but his perseverance and belief in the power of compounding led him to success.
Kedia’s investment philosophy is built on patience, discipline, and the belief that “Investing in the right stock is like planting a tree; it will bear fruit over time.” His notable investments include Cera Sanitaryware, Atul Auto, and Sudarshan Chemical. Kedia’s journey from humble beginnings to becoming a multi-millionaire investor is a testament to his deep understanding of the stock market and his ability to identify future industry leaders.
6. Porinju Veliyath
Porinju Veliyath, a prominent value investor from Kerala, was born in a modest family and started his career as a floor trader on the Bombay Stock Exchange. Despite his humble beginnings, Veliyath’s passion for investing and keen eye for undervalued stocks helped him build a successful investment portfolio.
He is the founder of Equity Intelligence, a portfolio management firm that focuses on value investing. Veliyath is known for his contrarian approach, often investing in lesser-known companies that have strong fundamentals and growth potential.
He famously said, “Stock market investing is all about common sense.” His investments in companies like Geojit Financial Services, Shreyas Shipping, and KRBL have yielded significant returns, making him one of the most followed investors in India.
7. Ashish Kacholia
Ashish Kacholia, often referred to as the “Big Whale” of the Indian stock market, is a well-known name among investors. Born in Mumbai, Kacholia started his career in the stock market in the early 1990s, working as a research analyst.
Over the years, he built a reputation for identifying mid-cap and small-cap stocks with high growth potential. Kacholia’s investment strategy focuses on detailed research and a deep understanding of the companies he invests in.
He has a diversified portfolio that includes companies like APL Apollo Tubes, Caplin Point Laboratories, and Mold-Tek Packaging. Kacholia’s ability to spot multi-bagger stocks has earned him a significant following among retail investors in India.
8. Dolly Khanna
Dolly Khanna, though a relatively low-profile investor, has made a name for herself with her keen eye for undervalued stocks. Along with her husband, Rajiv Khanna, she has been investing in the Indian stock market since 1996.
The couple is known for identifying and investing in small-cap and mid-cap stocks that have strong growth potential. Dolly Khanna’s investments are typically in sectors like chemicals, textiles, and manufacturing, and she has a reputation for making high returns on her investments.
Her notable investments include companies like NOCIL, Rain Industries, and KCP Ltd. Khanna’s investment philosophy is based on deep research and patience, believing that “Good things come to those who wait.”
9. Nemish Shah
Nemish Shah, co-founder of ENAM Holdings, is a veteran investor with decades of experience in the Indian stock market. Born in a Gujarati business family, Shah’s interest in the stock market was piqued at an early age.
Over the years, he developed a reputation for his conservative yet highly successful investment approach. Shah is known for his long-term investments and his focus on companies with strong management and sustainable business models.
His significant investments include companies like Gruh Finance, City Union Bank, and Bata India. Shah’s investment philosophy revolves around identifying quality businesses and holding them for the long term, believing that “Time in the market is more important than timing the market.”
10. Mukul Agrawal
Mukul Agrawal, a well-known investor from Kolkata, started his journey in the stock market in the early 2000s. Agrawal is known for his diversified investment portfolio, which includes stocks from various sectors like IT, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals.
His investment strategy is based on deep research and identifying companies with strong growth potential. Agrawal’s notable investments include companies like Intellect Design Arena, KPR Mill, and Vaibhav Global. He believes in the power of compounding and long-term investing, often stating that “The stock market is a marathon, not a sprint.”
Agrawal’s disciplined approach and ability to stay ahead of market trends have made him a successful and respected investor in India.
The Indian stock market has witnessed the rise of several remarkable investors who have left an indelible mark on the financial landscape of the country. Their astute investment strategies, unwavering belief in the potential of Indian businesses, and ability to navigate market fluctuations have inspired countless individuals to pursue their own investment journeys.
By studying the lives and investment philosophies of these top investors, we can gain valuable insights into the art of investing and make informed decisions in our own financial pursuits. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just starting out, understanding the principles and strategies employed by these legends can equip you with the knowledge and confidence to achieve your investment goals.