The $7 billion Nusli Wadia

Wadia, who was once called as the epitome of South Bombay’s old money and genteel respectability, has been a part of many corporate brawls during 1970s and 1980s.

One of the many first corporate fights was with his father, Neville Wadia, who was the chairman of Wadia Group. His father wanted to sell the famous Bombay Dyeing company and settle abroad.

However, a young Wadia who hadn’t even joined the business then refused. He got support from the rest of the family, the employees and J.R.D Tata, the patriarch of the very family who he later sued.

”I don’t want to be a second-class citizen in some European country. I am going to live in India. And I am going to run Bombay Dyeing,” Wadia declared to his father.

Wadia managed to keep his father from selling Bombay Dyeing by acquiring 11% stake in the company. It could not have been possible without the help of mother Dina and J R D Tata with whom he enjoyed a paternal bond.

But the waters did not remain calm for long. He faced many formidable foes soon after.