Radhakishan Damani

Born in Mumbai in 1954, Radhakishan Damani rose from value investor and stockbroker to founder of DMart, India’s leading supermarket chain. A college dropout, he became a contrarian trader and mentor to Rakesh Jhunjhunwala before venturing into retail with DMart in 2002. His business model—owned stores, focus on groceries, and cost efficiency—set new benchmarks. By 2025, DMart runs over 300 outlets with revenues above ₹40,000 crore. Damani’s wealth exceeds $20 billion, but he maintains a low-profile lifestyle, avoiding publicity. Known for simplicity and humility, his philanthropy supports hospitals, schools, and youth employment. Honored for retail excellence, Damani remains revered as India’s most disciplined retailer.

Timeline

1980s - 90s: Builds reputation as investor and trader.

1999: Experiments in retail with Apna Bazaar.

2002: Founds DMart.

2010s: Expands DMart nationwide.

2017: Avenue Supermarts IPO becomes one of India’s biggest successes.

2020s: DMart surpasses 300 stores with revenues over ₹40,000 crore.