Kerala, also known for its intellectual prowess, has also seen the rise of some of the wealthiest and most influential individuals in India. We have in our state the great Malayali entrepreneurs and visionaries who have built business empires in diverse fields, retail, jewelry, IT, finance, construction, and education. Also, in 2025, we will look at the top 10 richest people from Kerala.
- M. A. Yusuff Ali
Industry: Retail, Supermarkets, Real Estate.
Net Worth: Approx. 47,000 crore.
Chairman of LuLu Group International, Yusuff Ali, is the preeminent Malayali. He heads into the retail which sees the presence of the company in the Middle East, India, and also in some Asian countries which including over 240 hypermarkets and malls. Also in hospitality, logistics, and real estate, his business interests are large-scale. What is also known of him is his philanthropic work, which includes donations in health care, education, and disaster relief.
- T. S. Kalyanaraman
Industry: Jewelry and Real Estate.
Net Worth: 26,500 crores.
The founder of what is today Kalyan Jewellers saw a very different picture when he first started a small-scale family-run store, which has grown to become one of India’s preeminent jewelry brands. In the process, also foray into real estate via Kalyan Developers.
- Muthoot Family
Industry: Financial Affairs.
Net Worth: Over 65,000 crore (combined).
With over 5000 branches in India. They have also ventured into insurance, hospitality, and financial services. The family is still very much at the forefront of the economy in Kerala.
- Kris Gopalakrishnan
Industry: Tech and Investments.
Net Worth: 32,500 crores.
Now a venture capitalist, he invests in health care, AI, and education startups.
- Ravi Pillai
Industry: Build and Hospitality.
Net Worth: 31,600 crore Indian Rupees.
Founder of RP Group, Ravi Pillai, has built an empire that includes large-scale construction projects in the Middle East, luxury hotels, and educational institutions. Also, in the field of philanthropy, he is very much known for his work in rural Kerala.
- Varkey
Industry: Learning.
Net Worth: Rs. 33,300 crore.
Founder of the world’s largest private school network, GEMS Education, which he also ran as CEO, Sunny Varkey has transformed international school design. Also, through the Varkey Foundation, he supports global teachers and educational programs.
- Joy Alukkas
Industry: Jewelry.
Net Worth: Rs. 28,200 crore.
Joy Alukkas’ business is a global jewelry empire that has showrooms in 11 countries. Also known for trust, luxury, and design excellence in the industry.
- Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil
Industry: Healthcare Providers.
Net Worth: Rs. 17,100 crore.
A radiologist turned to business; he founded what is today the Middle East’s largest private health care network. Also still very much in growth stages is his foray into diagnostics and specialized medical care.
- P. N.C. Menon
Industry: Property Development.
Net Worth: 29,000 crores.
Menon is also known to have developed high-quality projects that also present great architectural precision in India and the UAE.
- S. D. Shibulal
Industry: Tech and Venture Capital.
Net Worth: 18,400 crores.
Shibulal is into Axilor Ventures, which he uses as a platform for the support of tech startups. Also, he is into digital innovation, health care, and social entrepreneurship.
Conclusion
In Kerala, we see that the top 10 richest people are a representation of what is great about the state’s ambition, intellect, and enterprise. These billionaires not only stand for financial power but also for business excellence, philanthropy, and innovation, which they put on the world map. Also, they are a source of inspiration to generations of Indian entrepreneurs, which is their legacy.
