Industrialist Gopichand Hinduja Passes Away In London; Bharat Express CMD Upendrra Rai Pays Emotional Tribute

Gopichand Parmanand Hinduja, Chairman of the Hinduja Group and one of the United Kingdom’s wealthiest businessmen, passed away in London on Monday afternoon at the age of 85. He had been unwell for the past nine months.

His demise has left the global business community in shock.

Gopichand Hinduja, along with his brothers, built one of the world’s most influential conglomerates. Their business interests spanned banking, automotive, energy, and healthcare sectors.

Bharat Express CMD Upendrra Rai, who shared a close friendship with Hinduja spanning over 15 years, expressed deep sorrow over his passing.

In an emotional post on X, Bharat Express CMD described the industrialist’s death as ‘an irreparable loss to the business world’.

He wrote, “Gopichand Hinduja elevated India’s name on the global stage. I pray for eternal peace for his soul. Om Shanti.”

CMD Upendrra Rai further described Hinduja as a figure who played multiple roles in his life, ‘a father, elder brother, and friend’, and remembered him as a man of simplicity, humility, and generosity.

Fond Memories from London

Recalling his personal experiences, Bharat Express CMD shared that during his visits to London, Hinduja would often invite him for early morning coffee walks at St James’s Park.

“He would pay using his credit card at the Wooden Café, surrounded by 20-30 people, speaking only about Bollywood songs, never about business,” CMD Upendrra Rai reminisced.

CMD Upendrra Rai also revealed that he still cherishes Hinduja’s last message on WhatsApp, calling it a painful reminder of their enduring bond.

Under Gopichand Hinduja’s leadership, the Hinduja Group significantly expanded its global footprint. He remained at the top of the Sunday Times Rich List in the UK for seven consecutive years.

In India, the Hinduja family ranks among the country’s wealthiest, alongside Mukesh Ambani and Gautam Adani.

Beyond his business endeavours, Hinduja frequently hosted Indian saints and monks during their visits to London, earning renown for his spiritual generosity.

Bharat Express CMD concluded his tribute by describing Hinduja as ‘a man whose empire was vast, yet whose heart was even larger’.

The loss of Gopichand Hinduja marks the end of an era in both the Indian and global industries.

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