Bihar’s Wealthiest Anil Agarwal Faces Personal Loss: Who Will Inherit Vedanta’s Billion-Dollar Empire?

New Delhi: Vedanta Group Chairman Anil Agarwal, one of India’s richest industrialists, is grappling with a profound personal loss following the untimely death of his only son, Agnivesh Agarwal, in the United States. Agnivesh, 49, was injured in a skiing accident and was undergoing treatment at a hospital when he suffered a fatal cardiac arrest. The tragedy has left the Agarwal family devastated and raises questions about the succession of Vedanta Group’s multi-billion-dollar legacy.

Vedanta’s Vast Empire
Vedanta’s market capitalization stands at approximately ₹2.33 lakh crore, with business interests spanning multiple countries. Its subsidiaries include Hindustan Zinc, Bharat Aluminium Company (BALCO), Cairn Oil & Gas, and ESL Steel, operating across sectors such as power, iron ore, copper, and oil and gas. The group has also announced plans to demerge its business into five separate companies. Recently, a surge in silver prices boosted Hindustan Zinc’s stock, a company ranked among the world’s top five silver producers.

Succession and Family Roles
In a heartfelt post on social media platform X, Anil Agarwal recalled his late son’s accomplishments. Agnivesh had founded Fujeirah Gold and served as Chairman of Hindustan Zinc. Anil Agarwal reaffirmed a promise made to his son: “Over 75% of our wealth will continue to be dedicated to social causes. Today, I renew that pledge and will live a simpler life, dedicating the rest of my life to this mission.”

Anil Agarwal’s wife, Kiran Agarwal, maintains a low public profile. The couple has two children: the late Agnivesh and a daughter, Priya Agarwal. Priya currently serves on the boards of Vedanta and Hindustan Zinc as Chairperson of Hindustan Zinc and Non-Executive Director of Vedanta. Though she prefers to stay out of the limelight, she is known for her strong business acumen. Analysts believe she may assume greater responsibility in the group’s future operations.

From Bihar to Global Wealth
Born into a Marwari family in Bihar, Anil Agarwal left his home state at the age of 20 and arrived in Mumbai with nothing. Through relentless hard work, he built Vedanta into a global conglomerate and now ranks among India’s top 100 richest individuals, with extensive operations abroad.

With the passing of Agnivesh, all eyes are on how the Agarwal family will manage succession and safeguard Vedanta’s multi-billion-dollar empire in the years to come.