Shashikant Ruia

Over four decades, brothers built their Essar Group into $15 billion (revenues) conglomerate with interests in steel, oil, shipping, power, telecom and construction. Made big splash last year with $1.85 billion IPO of Essar Energy, the largest ever listing in London by an Indian firm. In February it bought a UK refinery from Shell for $350 million. Vodafone, their long-time partner in telecom, opposed their proposal to transfer part of their one third stake in unlisted Vodafone Essar, to their listed India Securities. Bankers appointed to determine value. They also hold minority stake in Loop Telecom, owned by their brother-in-law which is under scanner as part of investigation into telecom corruption scandal. Company denies any wrongdoing. Sons Prashant, Anshuman and Rewant work in group. Family goes on fishing holidays together on their yatch Sunrays.