Pallonji Mistry: Biography, Career, and Business Insights

Pallonji Mistry’s Profile Summary

Company	Shapoorji Pallonji Group
Position	Chairman of the Shapoorji Pallonji Group, a diversified conglomerate with interests in construction, real estate, and engineering.
Source of wealth	Construction projects, real estate development, 18.4% stake in Tata Sons, infrastructure investments.
Also known as	Major shareholder of Tata Sons, philanthropist.
Years of life	01.06.1929 - 28.06.2022
Education	Imperial College London - no degree (studied engineering).
Citizenship	Irish
Residence	Mumbai, India
Family	Wife, two sons, two daughters.
Website, Social Media	https://www.shapoorjipallonji.com/

Pallonji Mistry’s biography

Pallonji Mistry (1929–2022) was an Indian-born Irish billionaire businessman known for his leadership of the Shapoorji Pallonji Group, one of India’s largest construction and real estate companies. Born into a Parsi family in Mumbai, he later became an Irish citizen through marriage. Mistry significantly expanded the company's operations, steering it into global construction projects and infrastructure development. He was also known for being a significant shareholder in Tata Sons, the holding company of Tata Group, with his family owning an 18.4% stake, making them one of the largest shareholders in one of India’s most prominent conglomerates. Over the decades, Mistry built a reputation as a reclusive yet influential figure in both Indian and international business. His business interests extended into other areas such as infrastructure, engineering, and energy. Despite his massive wealth and influence, Mistry maintained a low profile, preferring to keep his private life out of the public eye. He passed away in June 2022, leaving behind a legacy of business expansion and transformation.

How did Pallonji Mistry make money?

Pallonji Mistry makes money in the following areas:

Construction projects, real estate development, 18.4% stake in Tata Sons, infrastructure investments.
What is Pallonji Mistry net worth?

As of 2025, Pallonji Mistry’s net worth is estimated to be $29B.

What is Pallonji Mistry also known as?

Pallonji Mistry was known for being the largest individual shareholder in Tata Sons, holding an 18.4% stake through his family. This made him a key figure in Indian corporate circles, although he remained largely behind the scenes. His philanthropic activities were also notable, particularly his contributions to education and healthcare initiatives, though he avoided publicizing his charitable work. Mistry's influence extended across construction, finance, and corporate governance.

Prominent achievements of Pallonji Mistry

Held an 18.4% stake in Tata Sons, led the Shapoorji Pallonji Group to international expansion in construction and infrastructure, received the Padma Bhushan in 2016 for his contributions to trade and industry, recognized as one of the richest men in India with a peak net worth of $29 billion, his company completed landmark projects like the Reserve Bank of India building and the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel’s renovation.

What are Pallonji Mistry’s key insights?

Pallonji Mistry was known for his understated approach to business, favoring a low-profile strategy while letting his work speak for itself. He believed in long-term investments and maintaining a high degree of integrity in business dealings. Mistry emphasized the importance of family legacy and was known for his loyalty and trust in his associates, focusing on building relationships that lasted generations.

Pallonji Mistry’s personal life

Pallonji Mistry was married to Patsy Perin Dubash, an Irish national, and they had two sons, Shapoor Mistry and Cyrus Mistry, both of whom were actively involved in the family business. Cyrus Mistry notably served as the Chairman of Tata Sons before a public and controversial exit. Pallonji also had two daughters, Aloo Mistry and Laila Mistry, both of whom have maintained more private profiles.

Useful insights

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