Radhakishan Damani Biography: Early Life and Background

Radhakishan Damani was born on July 12, 1954, in Bikaner, Rajasthan, into a Maheshwari Marwari family. His father, Shivkishanji Damani, was a stockbroker in Dalal Street, Mumbai. A resident of a one-room apartment in Mumbai, Damani grew up seeing the nuts and bolts of the stock market. He studied commerce at the University of Mumbai but dropped out after a year to join his father's business dealing in ball bearings.

 

Stock Market Beginnings

After his father's death, Damani entered the stock market. He started trading in his early 30s and initially speculated, learning from operators like Manu Manek. He was disciplined enough to follow value investing. During this time, he was said to be among the shrewdest investors in the market.

Check out our blog on "How to Select the Best Stocks for Trading”.

Establishing DMart

In 2002, 48-year-old Damani entered the retail business by setting up Avenue Supermarts Limited, the parent company of DMart. He opened the first DMart store in Powai, Mumbai, with the mantra of giving quality products at super reasonable prices. By 2010, DMart had expanded to 25 stores, and in 2017, it went public, further boosting Radhakishan Damani net worth.

 

Radhakishan Damani Net Worth and Recognition

As of December 2024, Damani is estimated to be worth US$15.1 billion, positioning him among the wealthiest in the world. This success story serves as a real testator of his strategic vision, disciplined investing, and commitment toward quality and value.

 

Radhakishan Damani Portfolio

Besides DMart, Damani's diversified portfolio includes companies like VST Industries, India Cements, Sundaram Finance, and Blue Dart Express. Here is a look at some of the key holdings:

Company Name	Holding Value (₹ Cr)	Quantity Held	Holding %
VST Industries	1,654.7	49,430,148	29.1%
3M India	513.7	166,700	1.5%
Advani Hotels	27.0	3,860,018	4.2%
Aptech	31.9	1,757,317	3.0%
BF Utilities	38.3	381,000	1.0%
Blue Dart Express	202.8	281,770	1.2%
Sundaram Finance	1,125.1	2,630,434	2.4%
Trent	3,079.3	4,507,407	1.3%
United Breweries	642.1	3,170,078	1.2%
Mangalam Organics	8.0	186,187	2.2%
Bhagiradha Chemicals	137.5	4,306,487	3.5%
Avenue Supermarts	149,094.3	437,444,720	67.2%
Sundaram Finance	121.1	4,170,434	1.9%

 

Conclusion

It is in his nature that he lays his investments in long-term value-based companies that have fundamental features. Damani's portfolio epitomizes the strategic value-creation approach of this business magnate. In addition to generating enormous wealth, his achievements have established a standard for prospective investors and business owners in India and abroad.