'Kaun Banega Crorepati 17': Who is Kumar Mangalam Birla? Know all about the business tycoon’s net worth and career over the years

Kumar Mangalam Birla is a famed businessman, industrialist, and the chairperson of one of the biggest multinational conglomerates in India. The man has been making headlines since last night, ever since he featured on the hit show ‘Kaun Bangea Crorepati 17’, giving the masses into his otherwise fairly private lifestyle. Here is all you need to know about the billionaire businessman.According to reports from Bloomberg, Kumar Mangalam Birla’s overall net worth stands at USD 21.8 billion. He is the fourth-generation head of the conglomerate and took over the leadership role soon after his father’s untimely demise. He took over the enterprise in 1998 at the age of 28. His group deals in over 500 different companies, spread across various industries, which include retail, paint, fashion, textile, real estate, education, etc. Over the years, he has made a name for himself across the globe as a pioneer. In 2023, he was given the Padma Bhushan, which is considered to be the third-highest civilian honour in India. Some of his other awards include Business Leader of the Year, which he was awarded in 2003. He was also given the Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year - India in 2006 as well.Birla was born to Aditya Vikram Birla and Rajashree Birla in Kolkata on June 14, 1967. From an early age, he was exposed to the world of business through his father’s enterprise. After completing his schooling and bachelor's degree in Mumbai, India, Birla ended up shifting to London to continue his studies. He pursued his MBA (Master's in Business Administration) from London Business School during his time abroad.Not only that, but he also studied to be a chartered accountant and registered as one under India’s statutory body, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India. He pursued becoming a CA after his own father told him that it was the only way to rightfully join the family business. He recalled this time with veteran star Amitabh Bachchan and talked about how all of his family members eventually told him the same thing; that he would have to pursue becoming a CA no matter what.“Dadaji said that he couldn’t help me in this and that I would have to do it. I asked my mother, and she said that I would have to do it anyway, either do it crying or do it smiling),” the businessman recalled. Birla married early at the age of 22. He married Neerja Kasliwal in 1989, when she was 18 years old. The two have been married for over three decades, and have three children: Ananya, Aryaman, and their youngest, Advaitesha. DISCLAIMER: Figures presented in this article are derived from various public sources and are considered approximate unless explicitly noted. We strive for accuracy and may include direct input from celebrities or their teams when available. Your feedback is always welcome on toientertainment@timesinternet.in.