Before looking at India’s top 10 traders, we should understand the situation they work in. The main exchanges on the Indian stock market are known as the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and the National Stock Exchange (NSE). Here, traders can buy and sell stocks because thousands of companies are listed on these exchanges.
The Role of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE)
Formed in 1875, the Bombay Stock Exchange is the oldest stock exchange in Asia. It is very important for India’s trade, as it provides multiple ways to invest. The BSE is chosen by many traders, as it is both clear and efficient, which attracts their interest. The SENSEX, which is BSE’s benchmark index, is regularly studied by investors all over the world to find out what the market and the economy are doing.
The Impact of the National Stock Exchange (NSE)
It was created in 1875 and is Asia’s oldest stock exchange. Indian trading relies on it, as it gives a broad choice of opportunities for investing. People often turn to the BSE since it is open and efficient. The SENSEX, which is BSE’s benchmark index, is tracked by investors worldwide to reveal information about the market and the economy.
The Diversity of Listed Companies
Both the BSE and the NSE host a diverse set of companies; they are capable of hosting both the large-cap giants’ firms and also the emerging small- and mid-cap firms. With this diversity, the traders get to choose between many, and thus they are allowed to personalise their investment strategies to different risk appetites and thus form a good risk management strategy as well.
As there is a diverse presence of companies from various sectors, such as IT, pharmaceuticals, finance and consumer goods, it creates a dynamic trading environment where opportunities are formed.
Key Factors Influencing Indian Trading
Several factors influence trading activities in India, shaping the strategies and decisions of traders.
There are many factors that influence trading activities in India; these factors shape the decisions of the traders
Economic Policies and Regulations
Market actions are strongly affected by both government laws and control over the economy. The choices made in fiscal policies, monetary decisions, and regulations may either push or hold back the development of the economy. Staying informed about new policies is necessary for traders, as they should adjust their actions depending on what happens in the market. By reviewing the government’s economic goals, such as updates to regulations and works on infrastructure, people can look for notable investment projects.
Global Economic Influences
Global events in the economy can lead to changes in Indian exchanges. Changes in currency values, conflicts between countries, and releases of economic data from large economies can cause investors to feel differently and change the level of market volatility. Traders usually keep an eye on worldwide news and patterns to determine what impact they could have on Indian stocks.
Technological Advancements in Trading
Online trading is now responsible for major improvements in trading the market. Now that there are mobile and algorithmic trading options and instant data analytics, traders can make transactions promptly and effectively. Using new technologies is very important for traders who want to benefit from advantages over others. Using artificial intelligence and machine learning is predicted to make trading strategies stronger by offering more significant data about the market’s movements.
The Titans of Indian Trading
Let’s meet India’s top 10 traders who have made a mark on India’s stock market.
(Note that this list is also based on influence, not just the net worth.)
1. Rakesh Jhunjhunwala
Commonly known as the Big Bull of India or Warren Buffett of India, Rakesh Jhunjhunwala was born on 5th July 1960 in Mumbai, Maharashtra. He was brought up this way in a middle-class family, and he was interested in the stock market early on in life because he used to listen to his father and his friends discussing it.
He was a qualified chartered accountant who started investing in the stock market with 5000 rupees in the early 1980s and ended up creating a portfolio worth multi-billion rupees. He was married to an investor, Rekha Jhunjhunwala. The keen observations, vision, and risky investment strategies of Rakesh channelled him, stirring him into a legend in the Indian financial world.
Due to the fact that he has entirely changed the share market of India, Rakesh Jhunjhunwala is widely known as the Indian version of Warren Buffett. Because of his skill in finding undervalued stocks, he was able to build a big portfolio over the years. Because of his successful investments in Titan and Tata Motors, he became famous in the trading sector.
Rakesh Jhunjhunwala passed away on August 14, 2022. At the time of his death, his estimated net worth was $5.8 billion USD (around ₹49,619 crores in 2025)
He achieves success in investments by being patient and sure of his beliefs. He thinks it’s best to keep solid stocks for many years so his money keeps growing steadily. This talent for predicting which way markets go and choosing the winning securities makes people respect him a lot within the trading field. This is in the first position of India’s top 10 traders.
2. Radhakishan Damani
The billionaire reclusive investor Radhakishan Damani was born in 1955 in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. He was born in a middle-level Marwari family; he was a stockbroker who turned out to be a full-time investor.
He was listed as the 6th richest Indian in 2024 by Forbes, with a net worth of $31.5B USD (₹2,61,450 crores)
Damani, who hides the persona of calmness and value investing, began climbing the ladder of the Indian stock exchange very subtly. He happened to be the guide to Rakesh Jhunjhunwala and had an important influence on the current Indian investing philosophy. He has been married to Shrikantadevi and has a low-profile life where he seldom comes into the media, even though he is among one of the richest people in India.
Damani is recognised for having a strict way of investing. Before ending up with certain investments, he makes sure to analyse each company from every necessary perspective to avoid risks. Focusing on businesses that serve consumers strongly has helped him, especially with how DMart has expanded to become India’s top retail chain.
3. Porinju Veliyath
Porinju Veliyath is a reputed Indian investor and fund manager whose birthday falls on June 6, 1962, in Chalakudy, Thrissur, Kerala. He finished his law degree at the Government Law College, Ernakulam, but decided to pursue his love of the stock market. Porinju started his career as a floor trader in Kotak Securities, Mumbai, in the year 1990. Later, he joined Parag Parikh Securities and worked as a fund manager.
He went back to Kochi in 2002 and set up an asset management firm, Equity Intelligence India Pvt. Ltd., that specialised in value investing and small caps. He was married to Litty Porinju. They have three children, including Shilpa and Joshua, and Sunny. Reputed as the small-cap czar of India, Porinju is also a notable figure in the Indian investing circles, having a portfolio that takes big risks on underpriced shares.
Porinju Veliyath is known for his contrarian approach to investing. He has a skill for finding out potential in lesser-known companies, often defying market trends. His investments in companies like Geojit Financial Services have brought him substantial success.
The net worth of Porinju V Veliyath is estimated between 210 crore to 270 crore in terms of his personal stock investments and the assets of the company Equity Intelligence India that he manages. He is famous for his aggressive investments in small- and mid-cap stocks, and his fortune has been increasing year by year, not only by the market but also by his brilliant moves. His vibrant portfolio and planning capacity have made him a robust brand in the Indian investment market.
4. Dolly Khanna
Dolly Khanna was born in 1965 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, and has a science background with a master’s in business administration (MBA) in finance. She is married to Rajiv Khanna, who has an education from IIT Madras, and after selling their ice-cream business empire, she started investing in the late 1990s.
Dolly Khanna is considered to be among the most successful and low-profile Indian investors who have accumulated great wealth due to their intelligent, long-term investments in small- and mid-cap stocks. In early 2025, her stock portfolio is estimated to be valued at about 570 crore to 580 crore rupees.
The registered portfolio is managed in her name but directed by her husband, Rajiv Khanna, who has decades of experience in disciplined investing. The portfolio concentrates on sectors such as chemicals, manufacturing and textiles. Beginning with humble foundations in the 90s, however, the Khannas have steadily accumulated their vast fortunes into a hundred crores and are held in great reverence by the Indian stock market.
Picking smart stocks and enjoying large profits is what Dolly Khanna does best. As she mainly invests in small-cap and mid-cap stocks, she is respected by many traders. The special skill Khanna uses to notice potential deals has often made her wealthy.
She researches thoroughly to search for businesses that have a strong chance of growing. She points out that before investing, one should learn about the company’s key factors and how competent its management is. Because she is able to spot cheap stocks, she has built a dependable portfolio throughout her years.
5. Nemish Shah
Nemish Shah was born on October 17, 1958, in Mumbai, Maharashtra, and completed his Bachelor of Commerce from Lala Lajpat Rai College
Nemish Shah is an Indian investor with a low profile and one of the most respectable in the market, who managed to create his fortune based on decades of disciplined value investing. His publicly revealed portfolio is currently estimated at 3300 crores by the middle of 2023, which is a significant increase compared to the quarters before. Reputed to have long-term investments in the form of stocks of high-quality business enterprises such as Lakshmi Machine Works, Elgi Equipments, and EID Parry.
Shah is known to be patient and precise in stock selection. He is one of the co-creators of ENAM Holdings, and his fortune is a sign of an existence that finds its roots in non-obvious capital growth with a concrete belief, without chatter.
Shah’s way of investing is supported by complete research and analysis. He thinks it’s important to find businesses that are safe for the long run and have lots of potential to grow. By looking at future success, he has made many winning investments in different areas, which makes him stand out as a top trader.
6. Raamdeo Agrawal
Raamdeo Agrawal was born on the 5th of April 1957 in Raipur, Chhattisgarh. The rags-to-riches self-made billionaire and one of the greatest names in the Indian financial industry is Motilal Oswal. Having spent decades of suave business expertise and prudent investment, this man has managed to earn a fortune. By the end of 2025, it is estimated that he will have a net worth of 16,000 to 22,000 crore.
He has believed in the equity market, and, along with some lakhs (1 lakh) of his money, he has now come up as one of the co-founders of Motilal Oswal Financial Services. His company today controls assets worth more than 3.8 lakh crore, making it a superpower in the Indian financial field. The story of Motilal Oswal, the lord of wealth and respect, is a tale of ideas, toughness, and subtle strength which started in a minor town of Rajasthan.
As far as he’s concerned, the smart way is to invest in solid companies and hold them for a good period. Making money for him depends a lot on his patience and the power of compounding. Being able to spot winning stocks has made many people interested in taking his advice.
7. Vijay Kedia
Vijay Kedia, born on 4 November 1959 in Kolkata, was brought up in a Marwari stockbroking family; he shifted to Mumbai and developed his image as a disciplined value investor.
Vijay Kedia is among the people who have admired the Indian stock market as an acclaimed stock market investor and has accumulated a wealth of about 1600-1800 crores. Under his SMILE investing approach, which refers to the companies as small, medium, large and extra-large in size, experience, aspirations and market potential, respectively, he transformed initial losses into a long-term gain.
One of the main ideas in Kedia’s strategy is spotting good growth potential and efficient management in businesses. He believes that data analysis may bring up unexpected opportunities in the market. The use of a well-structured method and not looking for instant riches have increased his success he has in trading.
8. Ashish Kacholia
Ashish Kacholia is an Indian of a Marwari business family, born in 1979 in Mumbai, around 46 years old as of 2025. He has attained a bachelor’s degree in production engineering and a master of management studies from JBIMS, Mumbai.
Big Whale Ashish Kacholia has amassed an astonishing wealth through cold-blooded choices of small and modest companies on Dalal Street. His publicly reported portfolio is worth about 2,400 to 3,500 crore as of late 2024 and early 2025, with the mainstream and some data placing his position at more than 3,400 crore His portfolio strategy of long-term bottom-up research of obscure industries and disciplined holdings with shifting in-and-out of low-probability multibagger picks such as Shaily Engineering, Ami Organics and Safari Industries have consistently delivered his wealth creation throne. And that wealth, despite a sizeable period of drawdown
In accordance with his investment approach, Kacholia looks for businesses that are likely to grow fast and are currently undervalued. The first thing he does is research carefully in order to find out a company’s main strengths and how it fits in the market. Because of his eye for new trends and how to invest, he has made successful investments in several industries.
9. Mukul Agarwal
Mukul Mahavir Agrawal was born in 1981 in Jaipur, Rajasthan, and earned his Bachelor’s degree in Commerce from Mumbai University before founding Param Capital in 1993
Mukul Agrawal is a long-time investor and the founder of Param Capital who has a deep value investing style that looks at small- and micro-cap stocks. He started in the market in the late 1990s and runs his firm with a strategy based on his ability to employ the stern fundamentals and planned, multi-year wagers.
His existing stock market portfolio (in around 6065 listed stocks) is estimated to be worth 6500-7250 Crores to the mid of 2025, with a negligible difference against the current figure of 3800 Crores in 2023–making him one of the best value investors in India
Agarwal’s way is to put money into several sectors and asset classes to lower the risk and boost returns. He adjusts his portfolio depending on the latest news in the market. Being able to adapt and spread his investments has played a big role in his trading achievements.
10. Ramesh Damani
Ramesh Damani was born in 1957, hailing from a stock‑broking family in Mumbai. He earned his MBA from California State University, Northridge, and became a BSE member in 1989
Ramesh Damani is an experienced trader and a Bombay Stock Exchange holder who has keen long-term wealth-building knowledge. Having been born into a family of a stockbroker, he obtained an MBA at California State University and has been operating in Indian markets since the beginning of the 90s.
Being worth circa 800 to 1,000 crores of net wealth by 2025, he has made his money, however, through decades of intelligent and patient investment in businesses with character, and an early investment in firms that become market leaders.
He invests by finding stocks that are not fairly valued and have good opportunities to grow. He thinks that careful study and research help find undervalued assets in the market. Being able to spot opportunities and choose what to do has made him one of the leading traders in the field.
Hope the best traders have inspired you in your trading journey, and we hope someday you too join the list!
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