Niranjan Hiranandani Biography: Shaping India’s Skyline

Niranjan Hiranandani, born March 8, 1950, in Mumbai, is a billionaire real estate magnate and co-founder of the Hiranandani Group. Known for transforming Mumbai’s skyline, Niranjan Hiranandani built iconic townships like Hiranandani Gardens. This biography explores his early life, career highlights, struggles, controversies, personal life, social media presence, philanthropy, and lesser-known facts, highlighting his influence in 2025.

About Niranjan Hiranandani

Category	Details
Full Name	Niranjan Hiranandani
Born	March 8, 1950, Mumbai, India
Profession	Real Estate Developer, Co-founder of Hiranandani Group
Notable Work	Hiranandani Gardens, Yotta Infrastructure, Hiranandani Hospital
Marital Status	Married to Kamal Hiranandani
Children	Daughter: Priya Hiranandani-Vandrevala; Son: Darshan Hiranandani
Net Worth	~$1.4 billion (2025, Forbes)
Awards	Mumbai Ratan (2024), GRI Awards India Person of the Year (2024)

Niranjan Hiranandani’s Early Life

Mumbai Upbringing

Born into a Sindhi family in Mumbai, Niranjan Hiranandani grew up under the influence of his father, Lakhumal Hiranandani, a renowned ENT surgeon and Padma Bhushan recipient. He attended Campion School, excelling in academics. His early exposure to discipline shaped his entrepreneurial mindset.

Academic Journey

Niranjan earned a Bachelor’s in Commerce from Sydenham College, Mumbai, with distinction. He became a chartered accountant through the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India and later earned a Ph.D. in real estate, blending financial acumen with industry expertise.

Struggles and Down Phases

Textile Venture Setback

In 1981, Niranjan started a textile weaving unit in Kandivali, Mumbai. However, a union demand for a 100% wage increase led to losses, forcing him to shut it down. This failure pushed him to pivot to real estate, a risky move in a then-unorganized sector.

Regulatory Challenges

The 2024 Enforcement Directorate (ED) probe into FEMA violations strained Niranjan Hiranandani’s reputation. Allegations of misusing ₹400 crore in FDI for housing projects added pressure. Despite cooperating, the ongoing scrutiny posed a significant challenge to his business empire.

Career Highlights

Founding Hiranandani Group

In 1985, Niranjan and his brother Surendra acquired 250 acres in Powai, launching Hiranandani Gardens. This township, with modern amenities like schools and hospitals, redefined urban living. By 2025, the Hiranandani Group operates in real estate, healthcare, and data centers.

Diversifying Ventures

Niranjan founded Yotta Infrastructure, launching the world’s second-largest data center, NM1, in Navi Mumbai in 2020. His ₹7,000 crore investment in Pune’s real estate in 2025 and Greenbase logistics parks highlight his focus on innovation and sustainability.

Personal Life

Niranjan is married to Kamal Hiranandani, a businesswoman involved in the group. They have two children: Priya, married to London-based businessman Cyrus Vandrevala, and Darshan, who heads Yotta and H-Energy. Niranjan enjoys family trips and social gatherings, maintaining a grounded lifestyle in Mumbai.

Controversies

Pandora Papers Scandal

In 2021, the Pandora Papers alleged Niranjan Hiranandani hid $60 million in offshore trusts in the British Virgin Islands. He claimed the funds belonged to his Dubai-based son, Darshan, but the controversy raised questions about financial transparency.

FEMA Investigation

In 2024, the ED questioned Niranjan for 11 hours over alleged FEMA violations involving ₹400 crore in FDI. Critics on X, like @Trend_Pulse7, debated his ethics, though he cooperated fully, calling it an “old matter.” The issue remains unresolved, impacting his public image.

Social Media Presence

Niranjan maintains a low-profile X account (@niranjanhiranandani), with 5,000 followers, sharing updates on real estate trends and Hiranandani Group projects. His 2025 post on India’s 7% GDP growth and real estate’s 12% rise gained 2,000 likes, reflecting his industry influence.

Lesser-Known Facts

• Textile Start: Began career with a failed textile unit in 1981.
• Ph.D. Scholar: Earned a doctorate researching real estate trends.
• School Board: Oversees 17 schools, including Hiranandani Foundation School.
• Data Center Pioneer: Launched Yotta’s NM1, the world’s second-largest data center.
• Temple Trustee: Manages Nathdwara, Babulnath, and Jhulelal temples.
• Policy Advisor: Advised India’s government on housing reforms.
• Mumbai Ratan: Won the 2024 award for urban development contributions.
• Family Legacy: Father’s hospital inspired Hiranandani Hospital’s creation.

Philanthropy

Through the Hiranandani Foundation, Niranjan supports education, healthcare, and environmental conservation. He oversees 17 schools and two hospitals, including Hiranandani Hospital in Powai. As Provost of HSNC University, he drives liberal arts education. His “I am Gurgaon” initiative promotes urban greenery and sustainability.

Current Status and Influence

In 2025, Niranjan Hiranandani leads Hiranandani Group with a $1.4 billion net worth, ranked 2152 on Forbes’ Billionaires List. His focus on data centers, logistics, and sustainable townships shapes India’s real estate. As NAREDCO chairman, he advocates for policy reforms, influencing urban development.

Conclusion

This Niranjan Hiranandani biography highlights a journey of vision and resilience. From a failed textile venture to building Hiranandani Gardens, he redefined Mumbai’s skyline. Despite controversies like the Pandora Papers, his philanthropy and innovations in real estate and data centers inspire. In 2025, Niranjan Hiranandani remains a transformative force in India’s urban landscape.