A Parsi family ventured into the world of business in 1736 with shipbuilding by obtaining a contract with the East India Company. As years passed, this family from Surat expanded their business into real estate, FMCG, aviation, and textiles and became one of the leading players. Despite being the only living descendants of Pakistan’s founding father, Jinnah, the family chose to remain in India and continue operating their factories and mills there rather than immigrate to Pakistan.
They enjoyed great prosperity during the Nehru-Gandhi era, and they currently own the Wadia Group of Enterprises, one of India’s largest industrial conglomerates. Jehangir Wadia has taken the responsibility of leading Go First, Bombay Dyeing, and Bombay Realty. Along with his father, business tycoon, Nusli Wadia, he is also a Director on the Boards of Britannia Industries.
Jehangir Wadia early life
The son of businessman Nusli Wadia and former air hostess Maureen Wadia, Jehangir, informally called Jeh was born in Mumbai. His sibling, Ness Wadia is also a businessman who manages Bombay Bumrah Trading Company. During the late 19th century, his great-grandfather had a significant impact in making Bombay one of the greatest cotton gin trading hubs in the world. His grandmother was a descendant of Pakistan’s founding father, Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
After starting his education at the Lawrence School in Sanawar, Jehangir transferred to a UK boarding school to finish his education. Jehangir received a Master’s in Science from Warwick University in England.
In the year 2008, the World Economic Forum selected him as a Young Global Leader. Wadia served as the managing director of Go First, Bombay Dyeing, and Bombay Realty, the company’s real estate arm. He serves as a director on the boards of several other companies, including Wadia Techno-Engineering Services Limited, Bombay Burmah Trading Corp., and Britannia Industries.
Jehangir and Celina first met in London and have been married since 2003. They have two children together, Jr. Jahangir and Ella. Celina owns and operates a clothing line called C Femme.
According to Forbes, the Wadia family has a net worth of $6.41 billion.
