Imagine a Harvard student ditching class for love in Indore. That’s exactly how Anand Mahindra, the billionaire chairman of India’s Mahindra Group, kickstarted one of India’s most inspiring romances. At 70, with a net worth of $4.1 billion as per Forbes (and at number 987 in the world as 5/2/26), Anand is one of the richest people in India. His empire spans tractors, SUVs, aerospace, and hospitality across 100+ countries. He even won the 2004 Rajiv Gandhi Award. But fame? Wealth ladders? Not what he is chasing. Back in 2022, when a fan asked him if he’d ever top India’s richest list, Anand Mahindra replied, “I’ll never be the richest. Because this was never my wish.”Read on to know more about the man that Anand Mahindra is and his filmy love story with wife Anuradha:
The charitable heart behind the tycoon
Anand’s not just building businesses- he’s lifting lives. A few years ago, he donated his full COVID salary, $10 million to Harvard’s Humanities Center, backed over 130,000 girls via Nanhi Kali, and driven change through Naandi Foundation. Over the years, he is not not only known for his business ventures but also for his philanthropic work and social media presence. He was awarded the 2016 Social Media Person of the Year considering his huge following on X, and a US-India Leadership nod. This low-key philanthropist proves you can be mega-successful without chasing to be at the richest person.But how did Anand Mahindra meet his life partner Anuradha Mahindra? Here’s their love story which seems to be straight out of Bollywood:
When Anand met Anuradha: Love at first sight in Indore
Picture 1980s Indore. Anand, fresh at Harvard for undergrad, flies in for a student film project. Enter 17-year-old Anuradha – smart, vibrant, impossible to forget. Sparks flew instantly. Smitten, Anand made a wild call: Take a semester off from Harvard to court her. Risky? Absolutely! But he knew in his heart back then that this was forever.
A Bollywood proposal sealed the deal
Dating deepened their bond. Then, the magic: Anand proposed Anuradha with his grandmother’s heirloom ring- which is no less than pure filmi drama! And, Anuradha said yes! On June 17, 1985, they wed in a dreamy ceremony, went to the US, and built an empire. From Indore meet-cute to global icons, their story shows that true love conquers all. Anand often credits Anuradha for fueling his entrepreneurial fire through ups and downs.
Meet Anuradha: The lady who stole Anand Mahindra’s heart
Anuradha Mahindra, founder of luxury mag Verve and co-founder of Man’s World, is Anand’s perfect match. Mumbai-born, a graduate from Sophia College, and Boston University alumnus, she dove into journalism – landing Editor-in-Chief of Rolling Stone India before advising ARTISANS. Private by nature, she and Anand rarely post family pictures, cherishing their quiet time with daughters Divya and Aalika. He’s called Anuradha his “biggest supporter” in many earlier interviews. Together, they’re one of India’s ultimate power couples – grounded amid the glamour of being famous.
Why their love story still captivates hearts
Roughly 40 years since then, Anand and Anuradha embody real love: Bold risks, unwavering support, zero spotlight-chasing. In a world of fleeting flings, their love is timeless and it proves that dropping everything for “the one” pays off in the long run. Fans swoon over Anand’s viral humility; Anuradha’s quiet strength seals the deal. They’re not just celebrities; they’re couple goals for many.What’s your take on this cutesy love story? Ever taken a leap for love like Anand’s semester skip? Tell us in the comments below.