Tuesday, August 19, 2025

The Billionaire Next Door: Why Mumbai’s Richest Man Drives a Tata Zest

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5 Key Takeaways

  • A billionaire who once owned 1/10th of Mumbai lives modestly, driving a Tata Zest despite his immense wealth.
  • He believes true wealth lies in giving and emphasizes consistent, everyday philanthropy rather than waiting until retirement.
  • His philosophy values good health, good friends, and living simply over material displays of wealth.
  • He advises young professionals to avoid debt-fueled consumption, invest wisely, and focus on long-term financial growth.
  • He is funding a major animal hospital in Navi Mumbai from his private wealth, demonstrating compassion and purposeful giving.

The Billionaire Who Owned a Tenth of Mumbai—But Drives a Tata Zest

When we think of billionaires, we often picture flashy cars, sprawling mansions, and a lifestyle filled with luxury. But sometimes, the richest people teach us the most surprising lessons about what really matters in life.

Recently, Sunil Gupta, the founder and CEO of Prudent Asset India, shared a memorable dinner conversation he had with an 88-year-old Mumbai billionaire. This man isn’t just any wealthy individual—he’s the grandson of Sir Mohammed Yusuf, whose family once owned nearly a tenth of Mumbai. Imagine that! Yet, despite his incredible wealth and a beautiful sea-facing bungalow, his outlook on life is refreshingly simple.

During their chat, the billionaire revealed, “I’ve built wealth over 65 years, and I won’t use even 0.5% of it. What truly matters is good health and good friends.” He believes that giving back shouldn’t be something you wait to do until you’re old or retired. “Give every year, every day, in whatever way you can,” he advised.

What’s even more striking is his lifestyle. He told Gupta, “With one cheque, I can buy 100 Mercedes, but I still drive a Tata Zest. It’s not about what you can afford. It’s about what you value.” For him, happiness doesn’t come from showing off or spending money to impress others. Instead, he values simplicity, relationships, and making a difference.

He also had some advice for young professionals: respect money and avoid falling into the trap of spending just to keep up appearances. “If you really want to build wealth, don’t spend to impress,” he said. Instead, he recommends investing in good companies and strong mutual funds, and being patient for the long term.

This philosophy isn’t just talk. The billionaire is now using his own money to build one of India’s best animal hospitals in Navi Mumbai, driven by compassion and a desire to give back.

Sunil Gupta summed up the conversation perfectly: “Simplicity is power, and living within your means is freedom.” The billionaire’s story is a reminder that true wealth isn’t about what you own, but how you use it to help others and live a meaningful life.

In a world obsessed with showing off, his quiet approach to wealth is a lesson for us all: live simply, give generously, and focus on what truly matters.


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